Hi, I'm new to the forum, I just signed up to see if I could learn a bit about these cars we call Honda. I've got a 98 Civic DX coupe with a 1.6L non-VTEC motor. I also have a crashed 2000 Civic EX coupe with a 1.6L VTEC motor in it. Both are standard. I would like give my 98 DX a little boost in speed and I'm wondering what the best way to do it is. The engine already has headers, intake, and exhaust on it. I think the person who had the car before me beat on the engine pretty bad however, the gearbox is sloppy and I can't power shift into third without grinding. Should i keep the same engine and transmission or swap in the 2000 VTEC motor and tranny, then turbo it via Ebay parts etc. that you guys have been suggesting? I heard i might have some problems with the ECU changes on the VTEC versus non-VTEC swap... any help is much appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

If you did the swap it will take some time and electrical know how and access to wiring diagrams. You could keep that same motor and trans and turbo it and fix the trans when ever i dont think it would be tough to find a nother DX trans for you if you blow this one up compleetely and they should be fairly cheep also as for the motor i would sigguest upgrading the pistons and rods cams and new valves and stiffer valve springs would be great i would throw a little turbo and front mount on it along with fuel upgrades that would be needed and ingnition upgrads and you should be set. if you use ebay watch what you get and spend some time browsing and waight for the good deals take your time dont just buy buy buy. I think i would work with what you have. Good luck.