KeirML Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 Hi there, Got my test next month and I've been eyeing up a 2000 Civic 5 door saloon 1.4iS (I believe it's an MB2 D14A8), as it's cheap to buy and insure and they have a reputation of being reliable. I have a strong fascination for this car and it's potential to be upgraded and overtime I want to make it my own through gradual modification. And I probably don't know an awful lot, so I want to learn and get ideas + suggestions that will also help me to make decisions specific to this car. First mods I plan to do: Wheels and tyres: planning on getting some 17x7.5 with either 215/45 or 225/45. But I want to know what range of tyre sizes will be suitable. Brake Pads, Coilovers, Cool air intake: what's good? What's affordable? What's a mix of both? Body work: any low profile body work that facelifts the car, and where to get them? (Such as the body work on VTi-S models). May also look into getting an LSD, open to suggestions of what to get, new or second hand, and what to look out for. General suggestions also welcome, feel free to educate me, I'm here to learn. Thank you 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gel Posted June 22, 2019 Share Posted June 22, 2019 Hi and welcome, I suggest you have the car MOT'd once you buy it.....you don't want to start modding until you know the car is solid underneath. I been driving the exact same model for 4 years (MB2 1.4iS).....it's been super reliable with regular maintenance. I'm too old to be bothered about modding cars so I'll leave the modding suggestions to others. Good luck with your pending driving test 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted June 22, 2019 Share Posted June 22, 2019 I had the pre facelift 1.4 S and it was the most teliable car ive ever had. Think i had her for 5 years? Maybe longer. Power wise it wont ever be the most powerful, and just to make the same power as the standard B18 VTi (MB6) will take a lot of mods and money. Easier to fit a bigger engine but then that's not the point, you want to personalize/modify what you've got. So, first mods would be: Air filter - K&N etc should have one to fit. Stainless exhaust - On a 1.4, probably best to go for a 2.5 inch as any bigger will probably drown the engine. I've had three powerflow systems, good fit and nice sound without being over the top. Other brands also good such as scorpion etc. Brakes: first stop new oem discs and uprated pads. EBC for discs and pads is a good choice. Not sure what's available to upgrade the discs and calipers to bigger (cant remember off the top of my head what bigger Honda discs etc fit, but we have a topic in the forum with that info) Might be able to get after market upgrades, but bear in mind cost! Bodywork: limited to the vtis kit if you can find one (try our trader 10000RPM on here as he may have them still in stock or can get you it. Other than that its ebay or a breakers yard) or there were some quite over the top (ugly depending on your view! Lol) bodykits made for them during the late 90's. Othr option is to go custom. You can graft the front wing side vents from a MGZS v6 onto your civic for example. Wheels: skies the limit, all depends on what styles you like (and how much you want to spend). Just make sure the stud pattern is 4x100 (vtis are 4x113). For the ET and bore size check out the technical section of the forum, all in there mate. Brand new, wheels are expensive so might be worth deciding on the ones you want then hunt for them 2nd hand, unless they are within budget brand new. Always go for new tyres though as you dont know what bumps/kerbings theyve had and every kerbing damages/weakens the side wall. One of our members fitted a set of 2nd hand wheels/tyres, and a week later had a blowout on the motorway at speed. Luckily he had minor injuries (although was knocked out), but the car was a complete write off after smacking the central barrier. Again, for tyre sizes check out the technical section bud. If you have a big enough budget, the D series responds well to turbo charging. Been quite a few turbo D series engines with decent power gains! Enjoy your civic and keep us up to date with the car/mods. Oh, and good luck with the test! Dave 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KeirML Posted June 22, 2019 Author Share Posted June 22, 2019 Thank you for that Dave, very informative! I also have a few more questions if you don't mind: Should I get a K&N replacement air filter or cold air intake, or both? (Would I even need both?) Also I was planning to turbo charge it down the line, not looking for anything crazy, just a small cheap turbo that can bring it up at least 100 horses. Would you have any recommendations as for which turbos go well and where to get them? (I heard eBay turbos are getting better if you know what to look for) I'm going to do more learning with all of your other suggestions in mind, and if I have anymore questions I'll give you a shout Thanks again 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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