I'm hopefully going to buy my friend's '93 civic for a couple hundred dollars. There's something wrong with the transmission, but other than that there aren't really any problems with the car. The car is an A/T. I know to do a M/T swap it will cost a lot more than getting a new A/T, but I don't know how much more. Does anyone have any idea of the price difference? Also, if I do keep it an automatic, what should I be looking to do to it first?

 

you should ask yourself if you want cosmetics or performance first. I say if you got money around take some time and rebuild the engine

 

What engine is in your Civic now?

It's really hard to offer suggestions since you gave little information on the car other than it's 93 Civic A/T, and no information on your goals for the car and/or your budget.

 

I don't know much about the car itself other than, it's a black '93 civic coupe. it's an auto, power moonroof. Goals: as for cosmetics, I will probably not spend that much on this car for cosmetics. I will probably buy some rims and that's about it. What are some suggestions for a slow increase in power. I was thinking SRI/CAI and exhaust to start off. then slowly get into stuff like ecu, etc. I currently drive a 2004 Lancer. I know the upgrade path for that car like the back of my hand, but am pretty clueless when it comes to civics. Thanks for any feedback


Edit: All I know about the engine is that is it completely stock, nothing special done to it cause it was my friend's girlfriend's car. So, if anyone is able to tell me what kind of engine is in it that's be great!

 

What trim level is the car? If it's an EX there's hope for making it faster...

Personally, I prefer the DOHC motors to the SOHC (including those with Vtec) but the D16Z has proven to make power and handles turbocharging rather well. Parts like intakes and headers will not transfer over to a turboed or motorswapped Civic should you decide to go that route, so you should plan accordingly when modding.

If you're going to keep the same motor in the car that it came with, the upgrade path you followed with your Lancer would probably be the best option but if you're going to motorswap or turbocharge later you might want to take a different route.

 

It's probably EX, seeing it has a moonroof...but you never know. The motor in the autos are the best to get ahold of because of the rev limiter and such. It "probably" has the D16Z6, but if not let us know. The best upgrade you could do is the manual swap; getting extra power through the Honda autos isn't good. I'd start by researching the parts needed for that tranny swap. Then do a compression test to see if the engine could hold down a simple tubo kit. With the auto accompanied engines, it is probably in good shape. Stock, the engine will put down 115whp, estimated... With a pieced-together turbo kit (advice from turbod16.com will help) you can push stock internals to 230 whp (stock threshold).

Any other questions, PM me or post up here. I'm working on a 92 VX HB project car with a D16Z6; piecing together a turbo kit for this summer.

Good luck.

 

^^^Thanks a lot. I haven't gotten a chance to check the engine out yet. I immediatley bought it without hesitation cause he only wanted $200 for it. Even if it isn't worth upgrading, I figure I will have a beater car

P.S. This may sound like a stupid question, but I never claimed to be an expert, that's why I'm asking...How do I find out what kind of engine is in it? Can I tell from looking inside the engine bay somewhere?

 

I think some people responded to it as being the D16Z6 engine up above? Probably able to go on the net, ask some honda civic forums about "93 civic coupe" and they'll tell u what it is and so on.

 

www.honda-tech.com