First Impressions
I am the average 14-year-old, except for the fact that I love modified cars. After some contemplating, I have decided to get an EK Civic hatch for my first car. I know many kids are ricing out Civics these days but I plan to keep mine clean. Is this car a good choice or are there others I should look at? I was also planning to swap in a "G23" because it's cheap and offers over 200 whp. Is the "G23" swap even possible for the EK Civics?
--Maciejvia importtuner.com
Ricing your car out vs. keeping it clean is a choice that you have to make. Remember--the way you modify your car should be an expression of what YOU like. Build your car for YOURSELF and not for other people to look at or approve of. If by "G23" you are referring to the hybrid H22/F23 swap, then yes, it is possible for the EK. Give the guys at Hasport or Benen a call for a set of motor mounts. Keep it simple and learn how to drive the car at sanctioned road racing events before making a fatal error on the streets.
Power Upgrades
I have an '00 Nissan Altima (KA24DE engine) with basic modifications: short ram intake, strut tower bar and exhaust, but I am looking to get some more power out of it. What are the best bang-for-the-buck modifications I can make to improve my car's performance? I am not looking to break any speed records; I just want to match my car's performance to its appearance.
--Joshuvia importtuner.com
Contact Jim Wolf Technologies for an ECU upgrade to achieve some good gains in horsepower and torque. Beyond these mods, it's considered big money. Keeping it simple lets you enjoy the car more.
Boxer Dilemma
I own an '05 WRX that went "boom" on me. I replaced the damaged engine with an STI short block and Wiseco piston, but retained the factory rods, since I was told by a friend that they can handle up to 600 hp. Was this a bad idea on my part? My goal is a 400hp daily driver. Thanks for your input.
--Jonniel Martinezvia importtuner.com
600 hp on stock Subaru rods? Tell your buddy to lay off the drugs. Just because Joe Blow did 600 hp on stock rods doesn't mean that it's safe and reliable. It just means that Joe Blow is a freaking idiot. Running 400 hp on your setup should be no problem, but is probably close to the limit for sustained use.