1999 Honda Civic EX
• Owner: KY LE (no, not "kyle")
• Dyno And Facility: SP Engineering Dynojet
• Installation: Scott Tsuneishi
Baseline
Pros
The sixth generation ('96-'00) Civic CX-EX models were built as economical, fuel efficient vehicles in the late '90s, while Honda engineers had a more performance-oriented outlook for its brother, the 160hp B16A2-powered Civic Si. Although the 1.6-liter D16Y power plant delivers a meager factory-rated 127 horsepower, performance enthusiasts have built the SOHC engine to more than 500 whp.
Cons
With this year marking the 14th anniversary of the sixth-generation Civic, these unheralded warriors continue to flood our cities and highways as the vehicle of choice for both young and old. Unfortunately, many of these cars have accumulated over 200K miles on the odometer and require regular maintenance to keep them running in top condition.
Notes
Before strapping the Civic on the dyno, we performed routine maintenance, including an oil change and spark plug check/replacement. In stock trim, the SOHC VTEC powered 103.3 hp and 92.0 lb-ft of torque through the Civic's hub cap-clad wheels.
Greddy TI-C Cat-Back Exhaust
Pros
Greddy's Ti-C cat-back exhaust system combines both looks and performance, using 60mm stainless piping, a polished stainless steel muffler, and a titanium heat-treated tip. The Ti-C exhaust delivers an increase in high- and mid-range performance, while maintaining sub-94db levels when used with the included tri-mounted silencer.
Cons
The catalytic converter's nuts and bolts required plenty of WD-40 before attempting to remove them, as corrosion managed to fuse them shut. Upon installing the new exhaust system, we found adjusting the mid-pipe and canister before tightening the bolts helped to keep the exhaust tip from precariously resting on the factory bumper.
Parts
Muffler section, intermediate section, tip, silencer, hardware, instructions, decals
Tools
10-, 12-, 14- and 17mm sockets, 10-, 12-, 14- and 17mm open-end wrenches, ratchet, extension, WD-40, and anti-seize.
Installation Time
60 minutes
Notes
Dyno testing the exhaust revealed an increase in hp and torque throughout the power band, with a peak gain of 3.2 hp and 2.6 lb-ft of torque, along with a healthy performance gain from 3,500 rpm to redline.
K&N High Flow Direct-Fit Air Filter
Blox 66MM Throttle Body
Pros
The K&N direct-fit air filter utilizes an oiled element made of multiple interwoven layers of surgical cotton gauze to increase airflow, while providing excellent filtration. Each panel filter kit is designed to fit stock air boxes for ease of installation, and comes with K&N's limited million-mile warranty.
Blox Racing billet throttle bodies are available in various sizes ranging from 66mm to 76mm for the Honda and Acura D-, B-, and H-series engines. Blox throttle bodies feature brass throttle plates, stiffer throttle springs, and sealed bearings for smooth operation. The larger-than-OEM design offers an increase in airflow, resulting in increased horsepower and torque.
Cons
While we had no qualms with the removal of the old filter and effortless installation of the new K&N panel filter, the Blox 66mm throttle body required more patience to install. The new billet piece necessitated repositioning the factory throttle cable bracket closer to the throttle body in order to reduce cable tension and high-rpm idle, along with sourcing a rubber cap to seal off a vacuum port which wasn't used with our specific engine.
Parts
K&N Filter Panel: Panel filter, sticker, warranty card
Blox Throttle Body: Throttle body, gasket, TPS sensor, installation hardware, stickers
Tools
10- and 12mm sockets, ratchet, extension, screwdriver, 8-, 10-, and12mm Allen-wrenches, pliers, Teflon tape, vacuum cap
Installation Time
60 minutes
Notes
A quick spin on the dyno revealed the new intake filter and throttle body combination helped to eliminate the loss in power and torque experienced from 2,000 rpm to 3,000 rpm from our previous dyno run. The combination netted a peak gain of 2.3 hp and 1.1 lb-ft of torque over our baseline numbers. The new intake combination increased both horsepower and torque throughout the powerband, as the 1.6-liter engine saw a consistent gain of 2 hp and 3 lb-ft torque from 3,800-4,800 rpm.