Power Pages: 2000 Civic EX Auto

We have received a number of complaints regarding why we test the same Honda over and over again. A fair complaint, but if you were one of the few million Honda owners, you would rebut these complaints. There are hundreds of products available for one specific vehicle and it's only fair to the readers that we try and test most or all the products available for that particular vehicle. We also try our best to do the same for non-Honda owners. It is just a lot harder to find a bone-stock Nissan 240SX or Mitsubishi Eclipse when you live in a world of Hondas.

The Engine
As you can tell by the heading, we are at it again, testing a 2000 Civic EX automatic. A little different from the five-speed model we tested previously, but practically identical with the exception of the newer year model. The 1996-'00 Civics came with three different engine options. The base DX model was equipped with a 106 hp non-VTEC SOHC while the HX featured a 115 hp SOHC VTEC model. Fortunately for EX owners, Honda stepped it up a bit and utilized a 1.6-liter SOHC VTEC engine, which pushed out 127 hp and 107 lb-ft of torque. Although the figures are not astounding, it still is 21 hp stronger than the base engine. Many have taken the option of installing a DOHC B-series engine and scrapping the SOHC but an engine swap can run upward of $4,000. If you are looking for instant gratification and need power now, Power Pages is definitely the thing for you.

Performance Components
Like all of our Power Pages, we start with simple upgrades such as an air filter system, free-flowing exhaust and performance header.

Our air filter system is from Weapon R and utilizes the company's labeled Dragon Filter. Like most systems, the piping consists of aluminum with all the necessary bungs to retain all smog-related devices. The Dragon Filter is the company's newest line of filters, which is made from a foam element. Weapon R states the new filter outflows its old design improving throttle response time and power gains. Within the filter element is a built-in funnel for increased air velocity into the intake pipe.

Second on the list of performance products is the 5Zigen Fireball Dynamic Border exhaust system. Distributed by AKT USA, Inc. the 5Zigen system features large diameter piping with an N1-style stainless-steel muffler section. The system produces a nice, deep tone that is not too overbearing. The angled tip protrudes nicely from the back bumper, adding style and sound to the Civic.

Last on the list of modifications is the DC Sports 4-2-1 one-piece ceramic coated header. The header is constructed from CNC-machined flanges and mandrel-bent piping. The flanges have no rough edges giving a very clean look while the mandrel-bent piping flows throughout the entire header system. Each ceramic header is mig-welded together for increased durability.

Dyno Testing
And now what you all have been waiting for--testing. Since our 2000 Civic EX barely came off the dealer lot four months ago, there was no need for any major tune-up besides an oil and filter change. The SOHC VTEC engine checked in at 92.4 hp and 83.2 lb-ft of torque to the wheels. You might want to remember that the power figures given by the manufacturer are rated at the flywheel so it is going to be considerably lower due to drivetrain loss.

First of the power trio to be installed was the Weapon R intake system. Almost anyone can install an intake system with a few mechanics tools. Remember, though, to remove the negative or positive side of the battery terminal prior to installing any performance products. With a 10mm ratchet, Phillip screwdriver and needle nose pliers, we were able to remove the factory intake box in less than five minutes. Within 10 minutes, we were again pounding the rollers. The combination of the smoothly flowing aluminum pipe and high-flow filter element on the Honda pounded out an additional 3.3 hp, pushing peak power to 95.7 hp and 82.4 lb-ft of torque.

Next out of the stable was the 5Zigen exhaust system. Be sure to allow the vehicle to cool down prior to installation or you may end up with some unwanted BBQ. After cool down, we sprayed the nuts and bolts with a penetrating lubricant (WD-40), making the removal much easier. Make sure you wipe the entire system down with a degreaser to prevent any unwanted oil from staining the piping or exhaust can. The 5Zigen system not only sounds good but also performs. This time peak power figures registered in at 97.9 hp and 84.4 lbs-ft of torque. A gain of 2.2 hp and 2.0 lb-ft of torque was realized.

Batting third on the line-up was the DC Sports ceramic-coated header. Like the exhaust system, the vehicle has to cool down to prevent stripping off the nuts and bolts. The header took the longest to install--about 30 minutes. We recommend having professionals install this; it is rather hard to do without a vehicle lift. Also like the exhaust system, make sure you wipe down the header before firing it up or it will result in some unwanted stains. The DC header is a definite complement to the other two performance components; it showed gains throughout the entire powerband. The final horsepower numbers checked in at 101.2 and torque at 85.6 lb-ft.

Conclusion
Every month we try to bring to readers the truth of how much horsepower to expect from installing a product--not the inflated figure a salesperson is telling you. Don't be fooled, ask for dyno figures before purchasing a product if someone is trying to sell you something that makes an obscene amount of horsepower. If they can't back it up, you should pass it up.