Hello All,
Just joined the forum to see if you can help with my 89 Civic Sedan DX with D15B2/Auto. I picked up the car for gas purposes and I got a greeat deal. I bought the car last november for $1500 with 62k on it! Gotta love old lady cars. The car is clean and everything works and it runs good. Now has 74k and I have invested $1000 on normal wear/tear items. The only issue I have is driving with the a/c on. What can I do help get it out of it's own way? I know the key with motors having worked on cars for years is their breathing. I'm not looking in opening up the engine or any major upgrades. Just to make it perform a little better and last until in dies. I was thinking intake/header/full exhasust. But doing that will it help the bottom end? Which intake has the best gain? The k&n is like $150 and an aluminum cold air is like $55. Also has anyone purchase the (ebay) header? Hows well does it fit/work/issues? If i get an exhaust what exhaust helps the motor but won't make it sound like a bumble bee? I know it will never sound like a v8 but something more low toned. Has anyone tried hanging a 2 chamber flowmaster or something similar since the exhaust is like a camaro type? What other mods will help the motor without opening it up? I appreciate any suggestions you guys may have.

 

I/H/E just makes air flow through the head easier by minimizing restriction throughout those parts, thus increasing power. It won't do anything with the bottom end.

which aluminum cold air intake are you talking about? a generic eBay one? If so, those are fine, just make sure you buy a name brand filter for it... K&N, AEM, injen, Apex-i, etc.

an eBay header is a 50/50 chance. They are notorious for cracking, and not fitting well.

anything without a coffee can shaped muffler shouldn't sound like a bumblebee.

 

Realize that at heart, it's an economy car. Make sure it is properly tuned up. For example, wrong timing will really dog your Civic down. If it's never been done, put a new timing belt on just because of the age, miles aren't the only consideration. On an automatic, check that the transmission throttle linkage cable is properly adjusted. The engine never does have much low end power. It's supposed to kick down a gear and wind up the rpm when you floor it.

Also when you need speed, drop out the A/C. They're all like that. It feels like a monster's hand grabs the bumper and starts pulling the car backwards every time the compressor kicks on.

 

The car so far has had this done: plugs,rotor,new belts including timing,tires,fuel filter,struts/springs all 4,air filter,fluids change,cv shafts. The problem is only when taking off from a stop. I know to kick off the a/c but wanted to see if I could help that. I figured they were all like that since my honda motorcycle has almost as much horsepower! Yeah I want looking at one of the ebay intake like zomk speed or something. have you tried the msd coil/rotor/wires? I found them on another site says the stock coils are weak.

 

msd ignition isn't necessary for your car, it won't change much

 

Stock Civic ignition is actually quite strong. Unless you have an extreme setup with turbo, etc. it is absolutely fine. You wouldn't notice any difference.