Hey everyone, this is my first post...I hope it's in the right place.

I just bought a 1997 Civic EX Sedan a few weeks ago. I think standard it has about 127 HP, and it feels a little sluggish at times. What are some easy and inexpensive ways to gain some horsepower?? If I can get it up to 150-160 HP, I'd be happy. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated...Thanks!!

 

I/H/E (Intake, Header, Exhaust.)

Or, Supercharger.

Throttle body will also help, will be running more gas though. On a N/A vehicle it might not really do what youd hope it would. Probly a 8 HP increase without any F/I (Forced Induction). That would run you in the $300's+ though. You can port the intake manifold which is about a 5whp increase, another $400 or so. Older models, hard to say. For my car (07 civic si) it was about $400 to port the intake manifold so I dont know. I say save and supercharge or turbo it. Turbo will give you more hp most likely, but will be more maintence, supercharger; less hp less maintence (most likely). If under warranty id go with the SC.

 

Thanks, what type of exhaust can I get that won't be too loud. I don't want it too sound like a tin can...

 

Well first dont buy a $250 throttle body that wont make a difference at the hp level you want. Save it and buy a good header and intake system. A good exhaust for you would be the Apexi World Sport 2, nice and low. That stuff wont get you near 160hp but you could always throw in some high compression pistons and get a cam. That would put you near 160hp but that is the upper limit for a N/A sohc engine, any more hp and youd need a turbo.

 

The highest I can go is 160 HP without a turbo? Why??

 

I was looking at the Flowmaster Exhaust System - 60 Series Delta Flow American Thunder for my exhaust. Anyone heard anything on this? Does anyone know how it sounds?

 

160hp is close to the max for an N/A D16Y8 yes. Its a SOHC 1.6 litre engine, there isnt alot of N/A power it can put out unless you sleeve it to a bigger bore. On a B20VTEC big 2.0 litre DOHC engine, they are making about 230whp tops.

 

if i was you do intake, header, exaust, and maybe a 30-50 shot of nitrous, just make sure you retard the timing

 

so on a stock the most horsepower I can look at for my 98 civic is 160 hp?? So changing the engine is the only thing tht can change this because My ideal hp would be near 200 for a daily drive car??

 

Not going to come anywhere close that NA on that motor. Why 200 HP? Have you driven a 200 HP civic?