A honda civic! (help please)

xtremerunnerars · Aug 25, 2007

Hey guys,

I'm inheriting my older sister's 1995 white Honda Civic because she got a newer car. It's not the best thing but hey it moves and it'll get me to and from school and to tennis lessons/tournaments.

I want to make it a little nicer though, probably more aesthetics than performance. I don't really think there's much I can do for the car other than make it look nicer/more comfortable. Acceleration is relatively nonexistant, forget about top speed! I don't like to drive all that fast but a little jump would be nice for the occasional huge hill or whatever.

I don't know a whole lot about doing stuff to cars and I know that people on here do, so I'm begging for any advice. She had a stereo front thing put in but I want to do some more. Maybe seat covers or something to the steering wheel (I hate its shape!)...I don't really know.

Any tips for starters?

esm · Aug 25, 2007

performance:
air intake/exhaust or engine transplant or force induct it (ie. turbo or supercharger) but make sure the internal are strong enough for it.

cosmetic:
bodykit and/or respray or wheels

/whats your budget?

xtremerunnerars · Aug 25, 2007

That's the thing, I don't really know what my budget is. I got a job watching a friend of the family's friend's kids (confusing I know) afterschool for a few hours every day during the week to supplement all the racquets I string. I'm trying to become the local club's stringer, and there's a chance I'll get at least some of the workload.

I intend on playing a lot of tennis this fall and spring so I need to prioritize. Tennis is way more important but there are some things that I would like to do with the car.

Definitely fix a little leaky spot in the roof because it drips a few drops if the rain is uber heavy.

Some sort of LEDs on the inside of the car to make it a little better at night because I like that blue kind of glow.

For the future, I'd like to maybe do some stuff to the steering wheel, something to the seats (covers), change the shifter (whatever it's called...the thing to move from reverse to drive to park), and probably the headlights too. Oh and maybe change the pedal style? Who knows..open door really.

I don't think I want to mess around with an engine transplant or anything major like that because the car insurance we have is just coverage for the other person along with a little more than the required coverage for the car. I would like for the acceleration to be a little smoother (I don't like how the pedals move.)

Bodykits are out of the question too, just too expensive. Respray as in paint? No to that too I think, and probably the wheels as well.

I will have a lot of money towards the end of the year so that's probably when I'll be doing most of this, but I'd like to do some small stuff for the time being if possible.

Deuce · Aug 25, 2007

xtremerunnerars said:
Hey guys,

I'm inheriting my older sister's 1995 white Honda Civic because she got a newer car. It's not the best thing but hey it moves and it'll get me to and from school and to tennis lessons/tournaments.

Maybe seat covers or something to the steering wheel (I hate its shape!)...I don't really know.

You hate the shape of the steering wheel?
As far as I can see, just about all steering wheels on passenger cars are round.
So what're gonna do, buy a Formula 1 steering wheel?

The 1995 Civic is a great car, by the way. My mom bought one from a friend of mine 6 years ago. Despite having 105,000 miles on it, I thought it was still a better buy than newer cars of a different make with half that mileage. I was right - the car is now 12 years old, and my mom has had no problems with it at all.
(Of course, it helped that I knew the previous owner - so I knew that the car was ok...)

If you haven't done so already, remove those plastic things around the rims of the rear fenders (wheel wells). They trap water (and salt), and cause the rear fenders to rust where the bumper is attached.

angharad · Aug 25, 2007

xtremerunnerars said:
Some sort of LEDs on the inside of the car to make it a little better at night because I like that blue kind of glow.

Make sure that certain colours or types are legal in your area. A friend of mine got a ticket because he had installed (I think) red LEDs in the inner roof of his car, which are apparently illegal where I live. It's the same thing with tinting - certain shades or saturation levels can be illegal.

trinidad204 · Aug 26, 2007

maybe check out **** for some performance parts. id say maybe get a injen intake (adds 10 more horse power)for that little jump for the "occasional huge hill".

snoflewis · Aug 26, 2007

honestly...if it's a 95 and you dont really care too much about the car...there's no need to do anything to it. sure it might look a little nicer, but it's still a civic.

im pretty mcuh facing the same issue. 03 toyota matrix...there's no way in hell i am gonna do anything to that car to make it look nicer except wash it. im in the process of saving up for a used s2000

but evne then, i wouldnt do much to it. at most, a lip kit, side skirts, rear spoiler and a wing....but a nice top of the line audio system would come before that as well.

Deuce · Aug 26, 2007

Anyone remember when cars were just cars - vehicles used to get from point A to point B - without the majority needing to use them as a status symbol, or to try to define their identity through them?

Phil · Aug 26, 2007

Deuce said:
Anyone remember when cars were just cars - vehicles used to get from point A to point B - without the majority needing to use them as a status symbol, or to try to define their identity through them?

No, because no one was alive when the first Model-T's came out. After a few years, different models were produced by several different companies, which ended your ideal scenario of a single choice of automobile for the entire population. Humans being who they are, they LIKE to define their identities through material items. They have been doing it for milleniae. In Communist Russia and E. Germany, there was one single choice of car, the Volga and Trabant respectively. However, if more styles had been produced, those who could afford cars would not have limited themselves to one type. Humans are human.

Deuce · Aug 26, 2007

As I was writing my post, I knew Phil would reply.

He has become ever so predictable...

In truth, there was a time when the majority of people purchesed cars using practical equations - paying attention to reliability, roominess, gas mileage, etc. above style.

As the insecurity of the population has increased, however, we see more and more people attempting to publicly define themselves and their identity through cars and other material items, apparently believing that this sets them apart and makes them 'unique' - when in fact it simply makes them part of an ever growing superficial crowd.

Craig Sheppard · Aug 26, 2007

xtremerunnerars said:
Hey guys,

I'm inheriting my older sister's 1995 white Honda Civic because she got a newer car. It's not the best thing but hey it moves and it'll get me to and from school and to tennis lessons/tournaments.

I want to make it a little nicer though, probably more aesthetics than performance. I don't really think there's much I can do for the car other than make it look nicer/more comfortable. Acceleration is relatively nonexistant, forget about top speed! I don't like to drive all that fast but a little jump would be nice for the occasional huge hill or whatever.

I don't know a whole lot about doing stuff to cars and I know that people on here do, so I'm begging for any advice. She had a stereo front thing put in but I want to do some more. Maybe seat covers or something to the steering wheel (I hate its shape!)...I don't really know.

Any tips for starters?

Probably the best thing you could do to make it look newer is get it fully cleaned, inside and out. You could probably get a full detail, inside and out, for about $200. That would probably incl a clean & polish on the outside, and upholstery cleaning on the inside. A clean car looks much newer than a dirty car.

You could always get new wheels and tires the next time you need new tires. Check out the Tire Rack for what fits your car. And I'm not talkinga bout some giant rims or anything, just something that updates the look a little. Alloy wheels always look a little more sharp than wheels & hubcaps. And the tire company you get to install them will mount the wheels w/o much install cost.

I think the worst thing you could do is put some sort of exhaust or intake on it so it sounds like a big fart cannon. That'll make it look cheaper than it is.

psp2 · Aug 26, 2007

xtremerunnerars said:
Hey guys,

I'm inheriting my older sister's 1995 white Honda Civic because she got a newer car. It's not the best thing but hey it moves and it'll get me to and from school and to tennis lessons/tournaments.

I want to make it a little nicer though, probably more aesthetics than performance. I don't really think there's much I can do for the car other than make it look nicer/more comfortable. Acceleration is relatively nonexistant, forget about top speed! I don't like to drive all that fast but a little jump would be nice for the occasional huge hill or whatever.

I don't know a whole lot about doing stuff to cars and I know that people on here do, so I'm begging for any advice. She had a stereo front thing put in but I want to do some more. Maybe seat covers or something to the steering wheel (I hate its shape!)...I don't really know.

Any tips for starters?

As someone has already pointed out, it's a 10+ year old car. I'd assume that the car has 100k+ miles on it by now. If I were you I'd be more concerned with keeping the engine maintained & keeping all the normal maintenance issues checked (oil, tires, air filter, O2 sensors, battery, etc.). Just keep the car clean (inside and out), and it should provide you with service for another 100k.

I'd save my money and work towards getting a new car within the next few years depending on your job/income status.

nhstennis · Aug 26, 2007

clean up the outside....if you have wheel covers, then buy rims. Put a stereo and then a tint if you like. Thats all thatts worth putting money into and maybe an intake.

Just dont rice it and put pics in the what do you drive thread wen u are finished detailing it.

xtremerunnerars · Aug 26, 2007

Yeah, I wasn't planning on ricing it or anything like that.

Oh well, thanks for the advice guys. It already has a decent stereo put in by the owner before my sister, so that's probably where I'll leave things at.

Good point about the detail...I'll keep it in mind.

LuckyR · Aug 26, 2007

Deuce said:
In truth, there was a time when the majority of people purchesed cars using practical equations - paying attention to reliability, roominess, gas mileage, etc. above style.

As the insecurity of the population has increased, however, we see more and more people attempting to publicly define themselves and their identity through cars and other material items, apparently believing that this sets them apart and makes them 'unique' - when in fact it simply makes them part of an ever growing superficial crowd.

When, exactly, was this mythical time? There were "car guys" in the 50's just as there are car guys now. The OP, however doesn't sound like a car guy, he sounds like he is in High School or recently graduated. I don't think we need to invoke the "growing superficial"lity of society to explain high schoolers modifying their car (perhaps their first car).

AceofBase · Aug 26, 2007

If i were you just keep the car going with clean maintiance, like changing oil and spark plug and etc... and just save money. What people say up there about upgrading part and so on, just say its all about the money.

dr_punk · Aug 26, 2007

please, don't rice up your car.

Phil · Aug 26, 2007

Deuce said:
As I was writing my post, I knew Phil would reply.

He has become ever so predictable...

In truth, there was a time when the majority of people purchesed cars using practical equations - paying attention to reliability, roominess, gas mileage, etc. above style.

As the insecurity of the population has increased, however, we see more and more people attempting to publicly define themselves and their identity through cars and other material items, apparently believing that this sets them apart and makes them 'unique' - when in fact it simply makes them part of an ever growing superficial crowd.

So you write to elicit a response from me? Why, I'm flattered, Deuce.

Anyway, on topic, when was the time that you mention, when people were only concerned with such practical issues. The majority of the population STILL doesn't care about gas mileage as evidenced by the sales of trucks and SUV's, and they certainly didn't in the gas-guzzling years from the 1930's on. Maybe during the few years after the '73 OPEC oil embargo, but that's about it. Look at the days when cars had FINS and other gaudy design elements, Deuce. Did people not try to define themselves by what they bought THEN?

Nowadays everyone seems to look like they just walked out of the Gap or Land's End-people pretty much look the same, which is what you want, right...a uniform, somewhat totalitarian regime. At least, with autos, there's still a wider variety of choices exercised, though with the SUV craze now, not as much as there used to be.

xtremerunnerars · Aug 26, 2007

Jeeze...aren't you guys old enough to make a thread to just end it all? Discuss all your differences somewhere or hell just meet up and fight it out.

Not blaming just you phil, but Deuce you kinda just jumped in and got all metaphorical and stuff. Just a simple question, I'm not trying to define myself through material things or whatever.

Deuce · Aug 27, 2007

LuckyR said:
When, exactly, was this mythical time? There were "car guys" in the 50's just as there are car guys now. The OP, however doesn't sound like a car guy, he sounds like he is in High School or recently graduated. I don't think we need to invoke the "growing superficial"lity of society to explain high schoolers modifying their car (perhaps their first car).

Yeah - there were 'car guys' in the past. Not too many - they stood out as a rarity.
Today, there are probably the same number of legitimate 'car guys' as then. But there has been a marked and significant increase in 'non car guys who don't have a clue how an engine runs, but want purple lights and spoilers all over their car so that everyone will know how cool they are.'
And there is no doubt that the growing insecurity within societies is the most direct contributor of the growing superficiality and materialism.
"You are what you buy".

Phil said:
So you write to elicit a response from me? Why, I'm flattered, Deuce.

Once again, your lack of reading comprehension rears its ugly head...

Phil said:
Look at the days when cars had FINS and other gaudy design elements, Deuce. Did people not try to define themselves by what they bought THEN?

No - because those cars were mass produced and available to everyone. Whereas today, people are 'customising' their cars to 'reflect their personality or character'.

Phil said:
Nowadays everyone seems to look like they just walked out of the Gap or Land's End-people pretty much look the same, which is what you want, right...a uniform, somewhat totalitarian regime.

Another ridiculous exaggeration meant to insult.
What we have today is many people looking the same - but that's always been the case. A lot of people follow the fashion trends. Is this pathetic? Absolutely.
But what we have much more of today are people who express their 'unique, individual character' with tattoos, piercings, 'radical' clothes, etc. To me, this is just as pathetic. It seems that no-one knows who they really are anymore - they either feel that they have to be just like everyone else in order to 'fit in', or they go to ridiculous extremes to gain attention.

Phil · Aug 27, 2007

Deuce said:
Once again, your lack of reading comprehension rears its ugly head...

Nah, I read just fine.

No - because those cars were mass produced and available to everyone. Whereas today, people are 'customising' their cars to 'reflect their personality or character'.

I see no evidence of a mass movement toward "customization"-if you're talking about putting spoilers or decals on cars, this is not common. Most people purchase cars from the showroom or the factory, and although they may order a car that is "loaded", that very rarely has anything to do with the design of the car. It's about internal components-that no one from street level can see. Do you have any evidence that there is a mass customization movement? Cars are basically still mass produced; cars have NEVER been available to "everyone"-they are available to those who can afford them, meaning ALMOST everyone as a percentage of the N. American population.

Another ridiculous exaggeration meant to insult.

Not at all. You often come on here bemoaning such ostentatious behavior as, well, choosing an auto.

What we have today is many people looking the same - but that's always been the case. A lot of people follow the fashion trends. Is this pathetic? Absolutely.
But what we have much more of today are people who express their 'unique, individual character' with tattoos, piercings, 'radical' clothes, etc. To me, this is just as pathetic. It seems that no-one knows who they really are anymore - they either feel that they have to be just like everyone else in order to 'fit in', or they go to ridiculous extremes to gain attention.

On this I agree, completely.

ktownva · Aug 27, 2007

xtremerunnerars said:
Acceleration is relatively nonexistant, forget about top speed! I don't like to drive all that fast but a little jump would be nice for the occasional huge hill or whatever.

A relatively cheap (under $50) way to get more pep is to install a K&N air filter. You can get them at any auto parts store, and they never need to be replaced. You should see an increase of 5-10 horsepower.

xtremerunnerars · Aug 27, 2007

Seems to be a pretty decent idea, thanks ktownva. Would it fit in my car?

tennisdarren · Aug 28, 2007

For your stereo upgrade I would suggest that you put the majority of your budget in a head unit like a Pioneer Premier or Kenwood Excelon unit. I suggest those because of their extended warranty from the manufacturer. Most of both lines have some sort of input to use your ipod or a mp3 player and built in crossovers to direct the sound to the appropriate speakers. If your factory speakers are still in good shape I would leave them alone. Follow that with a moderate size amplifier pushing 1 or 2 12" subwoofers you can choose between a ported box style for a little more boom and efficency or you can go with a sealed box, you loose a bit of the efficency but you gain some sound quality.

Where are you from? If you're close enough I would be happy to help you personally.

nhstennis · Aug 28, 2007

DARREN KNOWS HIS STUFF listen to him. get either MTX, Rockford fosgate, Alpine, or kicker (just a few) subs depending on how much you have. Stay Away from SONY XPLOD. For a small car i would suggest gettin a nicer 12 inch sub to stand alone and dynamat to stop trunk rattle; for amps make sure your sub and amp have close to matching RMS Watt power. Any of the above brands or hifonics or phoenix gold make nice amps....

peace

xtremerunnerars · Aug 28, 2007

I'm not putting a stereo system into this car, but possibly the next one.

nhstennis · Aug 28, 2007

good idea.....

Ronaldo · Aug 28, 2007

Pimp that Civic! http://us.f2.yahoofs.com/rides/27496/__lg__/1177097206_car.jpg?rirhO1GBT1RCAleT

ktownva · Aug 28, 2007

xtremerunnerars said:
Seems to be a pretty decent idea, thanks ktownva. Would it fit in my car?

Yeah, civic is easy to get K&N filter for. There should be a parts book in the air filter section of the auto parts store, and you can look up the right filter for your car by make and model. Or just ask the store clerk.

Craig Sheppard · Aug 28, 2007

ktownva said:
A relatively cheap (under $50) way to get more pep is to install a K&N air filter. You can get them at any auto parts store, and they never need to be replaced. You should see an increase of 5-10 horsepower.

I'm not sure about the Civic, but the guys on the VW TDI forum I read strictly say DO NOT USE a K&N air filter because over time it will foul the MAF sensor due to oil seepage. On top of that, the 5-10 horsepower they advertise is all malarky...

That being said, it may just be the way the MAF sensor is situated on VW's, but I would go check out a Civic forum and see what people say before using a K&N filter. That's me being cautious, that's all.

dennis10is · Aug 28, 2007

I'm a car guy of sorts. I read up on car developments. Love talking about cars but I drive a 91 sable Wagon with a busted side door, and the siding on the left rear door ripped out. Never washed it, although I had to wash my rear hatch because some kids threw egg on it.

If you are a teenage male, I assume that you are, the best way to spruce up your ride is to have a hot female riding in the passenger seat. It would be more impressive if you do nothing to your car, as a matter of fact, if you make it uglier but she's still your girl friend well, your status is set.

So, think big. Don't take baby steps. Ask yourself the question, how do I score a hottie with a beat up Civic? You can be superficial but at least, give it some thought and how to leverage and create synergies.

BTW, it is materialistic but so what? If we are not materialistic, we should all give up tennis, take the money and give it to poor folks. And instead of playing tennis we would do hard physical labor for charities. That would keep us in shape, meet interesting people, and do good for humanity. I don't see us doing that. Instead, we play tennis, buy more gear than we need. So, let's not put ourselves on pedestal that we don't deserve.

To, the OP, if you really want a challenge, try wear clothes bought from Walmart, drive a Civic and get that hottie. (Disclaimer, if you prefer males, that's OK too, don't want to assume anything, but you didn't say you drove a VW)

xtremerunnerars · Aug 29, 2007

LOL funny post, I like it.

Clothes brand doesn't really matter to me (I'll wear anything as long as it's comfortable) but I do like keeping the car clean. I'm scrubbing out the rugs on the inside probably tonight and I'll wash it when I (hopefully) get my license.

ktownva · Aug 29, 2007

Craig Sheppard said:
I'm not sure about the Civic, but the guys on the VW TDI forum I read strictly say DO NOT USE a K&N air filter because over time it will foul the MAF sensor due to oil seepage. On top of that, the 5-10 horsepower they advertise is all malarky...

That being said, it may just be the way the MAF sensor is situated on VW's, but I would go check out a Civic forum and see what people say before using a K&N filter. That's me being cautious, that's all.

Interesting info, I've never heard about the K&N's messing anything up, but I have heard people say that they don't really boost HP. I've used them in all my cars for years, I've had Honda, Ford, Chevy, Acura, Nissan. No problems.

LuckyR · Aug 29, 2007

Deuce said:
Yeah - there were 'car guys' in the past. Not too many - they stood out as a rarity.
Today, there are probably the same number of legitimate 'car guys' as then. But there has been a marked and significant increase in 'non car guys who don't have a clue how an engine runs, but want purple lights and spoilers all over their car so that everyone will know how cool they are.'
And there is no doubt that the growing insecurity within societies is the most direct contributor of the growing superficiality and materialism.
"You are what you buy".

I am not going to waste time with the second of your assumptions: that customizing your car, say, means that you are probably insecure, therefore materialistic and superficial.

Rather your first: that the rate of folks seeking to stand out from the crowd is vastly different from previous eras. Naturally there weren't purple LEDs available before, but that is a tech thing. Anything other than your "seat of the pants"-ometer to back up such a broad and overreaching statement?

nhstennis · Aug 29, 2007

getting a license is prolly the easiest in my state of Louisiana. We drive in a 5 block circle and no difficult turns or parking. it took me abt 10 min in and out of my car.....this is wat i drive most of the time....consider urself lucky

tennisdarren · Aug 29, 2007

I see 6- 15's in that thing !!!!!!!!

OrangeOne · Aug 29, 2007

This thread is seriously funny....brilliant for a laugh.

We started with the OP, admittedly a very sane and realistic post, with the exception of the amusing aside in bold... a little too much playstation there buddy: (still, a solid initial post.

xtremerunnerars said:
I don't really think there's much I can do for the car other than make it look nicer/more comfortable. Acceleration is relatively nonexistant, forget about top speed! I don't like to drive all that fast but a little jump would be nice for the occasional huge hill or whatever.

But he was very clear:

I want to make it a little nicer though, probably more aesthetics than performance.

And then we have post #2, not 3 or 4 or 30, but post 2, who HAD to read post 1:

esm said:
performance:
air intake/exhaust or engine transplant or force induct it (ie. turbo or supercharger) but make sure the internal are strong enough for it.

cosmetic:bodykit and/or respray or wheels

/whats your budget?

Dare I answer your question - a shed-load less budget than that. Let me guess, you're 14 and have never owned a car, but have played a whole lot of nintendo, x-box etc. The OP said he didn't want to do much performance work, and you're suggesting forced induction or an engine transplant? Oh my.

Back to the sane Original Poster:

xtremerunnerars said:
Oh well, thanks for the advice guys. It already has a decent stereo put in by the owner before my sister, so that's probably where I'll leave things at.

And then the stereo-head replies, I mean, there was no decibel-target mentioned (nor an alternator upgrade or a second battery: I'm almost disappointed), but still, when replying to someone who isn't touching the stereo, we get:

tennisdarren said:
For your stereo upgrade I would suggest that you put the majority of your budget in a head unit like a Pioneer Premier or Kenwood Excelon unit. I suggest those because of their extended warranty from the manufacturer. Most of both lines have some sort of input to use your ipod or a mp3 player and built in crossovers to direct the sound to the appropriate speakers. If your factory speakers are still in good shape I would leave them alone. Follow that with a moderate size amplifier pushing 1 or 2 12" subwoofers you can choose between a ported box style for a little more boom and efficency or you can go with a sealed box, you loose a bit of the efficency but you gain some sound quality.

So let's get this straight:

1. he didn't want to change the stereo, and you're getting him into a premium line of head units.

2. Buying premium head units for the EXTENDED WARRANTY? Oh my.

3. And here's a lesson in sound for you that you clearly have never, ever learnt: The speakers make the noise. You have him upgrading the head unit, and leaving 12 year old speakers. Once again, the speakers make the noise. Focus on that for a while the next time you're giving someone stereo advice as to what to upgrade....

I mean, this thread could win comedy awards...

nhstennis said:
this is wat i drive most of the time....consider urself lucky

Consider YOURSELF lucky.... - you have a van! You can carry 5 or 6 or 8 mates, loads of gear, and get away, party, play sport, holiday, whatever!

xtremerunnerars · Aug 29, 2007

Wow OO, that's a serious post! I appreciate the breaking down of things very much.

You touch on a good point about the vans: if you have the right attitude, anything is an awesome car. You can be all bummed out about it but that's going to be conveyed to everyone else too. Call it the Party Machine and you'll get all sorts of hilarious comments and stories to tell. Make some stuff up about it...like how you picked up six chicks and then you all uhm..."studied your biology homework" for about six hours.

That's what I'd do!

I scrubbed the rugs with the rug scrubber we use for the house today and the car looks beautiful. Waxed the outside after a wash and then cleaned the glass everywhere as well as the radio. The car looks really good now and I must say that I'm proud of it. There are some rusty spots around the wheel well but they aren't all that bad and there isn't much I can/would do to them.

About the speakers, they're actually only 5 years old. I don't know the brand, but when my sister went to have her speakers checked because the radio went bad the guy said right away that it wasn't the speakers. Whoever had it before her either had plenty of money or really cared about their stereo because they were near tops back then. I forget what they fixed but the speakers are still pretty good.

I don't want a loud car that people can hear from their houses because that attracts attention. That's the same reason I'm not ricing my car. Stuff like that just pisses people off and gets laws passed like no neons and window tinting. I guess there are safety issues with tinting but you get the picture. Loud cars and cars that are all decal covered are huge targets for people and you might as well have a sign that says, "I HAVE GOOD PARTS! STEAL THEM!"

JMS · Aug 29, 2007

sorry........

xtremerunnerars · Aug 29, 2007

It's alright. I'm not one of the people who get angry that easily; apology accepted. I'm still glad you posted because people are sometimes hesitant to jump in and post when a thread doesn't have a whole lot of replies so I thank you for the post.

OrangeOne · Aug 29, 2007

xtremerunnerars said:
Wow OO, that's a serious post! I appreciate the breaking down of things very much.

As I say, it was funny. It always amuses me on these boards when people post one thing, and others respond with their thoughts on the topic, irrespective of the person in the first post.

I remember one guy posting that he wanted an ipod to listen to music and didn't care about extra features, and everyone tried to tell him why he needed it to practically make coffee. Or almost everyone who asks about a stringing machine, posts their budget, and everyone tells them: "if only you spend $100 more..."

uhm..."studied your biology homework" for about six hours.

That's what I'd do!

Love it!

Human Bio 101, and of course we studied it "flat out for hours"

I scrubbed the rugs with the rug scrubber we use for the house today and the car looks beautiful. Waxed the outside after a wash and then cleaned the glass everywhere as well as the radio. The car looks really good now and I must say that I'm proud of it. There are some rusty spots around the wheel well but they aren't all that bad and there isn't much I can/would do to them.

Sounds good. Touch-up paint can work wonders, or it can look worse than the spots! Either way, you're right, a shiny-clean car always looks good.

About the speakers, they're actually only 5 years old. I don't know the

Cool, I was more only saying about them as IF you had decided to spend money, that's normally where to start. So many people care about how stereos look, how racquets look, etc etc. I care how stereos sound and how racquets play

people and you might as well have a sign that says, "I HAVE GOOD PARTS! STEAL THEM!"

You're smarter than the average first-car-owner! Enjoy it, i'll never forget my first car....

Deuce · Aug 30, 2007

LuckyR said:
I am not going to waste time with the second of your assumptions: that customizing your car, say, means that you are probably insecure, therefore materialistic and superficial.

Just for the record, consider it a statement rather than an assumption.

LuckyR said:
Rather your first: that the rate of folks seeking to stand out from the crowd is vastly different from previous eras. Naturally there weren't purple LEDs available before, but that is a tech thing. Anything other than your "seat of the pants"-ometer to back up such a broad and overreaching statement?

35 years of experience with, and meticulous observation of, the human animal.

tennisdarren · Aug 30, 2007

Brief quote from OP

xtremerunnerars said:
I don't know a whole lot about doing stuff to cars and I know that people on here do, so I'm begging for any advice. She had a stereo front thing put in but I want to do some more. Maybe seat covers or something to the steering wheel (I hate its shape!)...I don't really know.

Any tips for starters?

Later quote

xtremerunnerars said:
Yeah, I wasn't planning on ricing it or anything like that.

Oh well, thanks for the advice guys. It already has a decent stereo put in by the owner before my sister, so that's probably where I'll leave things at.

Good point about the detail...I'll keep it in mind.

My post

tennisdarren said:
For your stereo upgrade I would suggest that you put the majority of your budget in a head unit like a Pioneer Premier or Kenwood Excelon unit. I suggest those because of their extended warranty from the manufacturer. Most of both lines have some sort of input to use your ipod or a mp3 player and built in crossovers to direct the sound to the appropriate speakers. If your factory speakers are still in good shape I would leave them alone. Follow that with a moderate size amplifier pushing 1 or 2 12" subwoofers you can choose between a ported box style for a little more boom and efficency or you can go with a sealed box, you loose a bit of the efficency but you gain some sound quality.

quote apparently meant to start a fight.

OrangeOne said:
This thread is seriously funny....brilliant for a laugh.

And then the stereo-head replies, I mean, there was no decibel-target mentioned (nor an alternator upgrade or a second battery: I'm almost disappointed), but still, when replying to someone who isn't touching the stereo, we get:

So let's get this straight:

1. he didn't want to change the stereo, and you're getting him into a premium line of head units.

2. Buying premium head units for the EXTENDED WARRANTY? Oh my.

3. And here's a lesson in sound for you that you clearly have never, ever learnt: The speakers make the noise. You have him upgrading the head unit, and leaving 12 year old speakers. Once again, the speakers make the noise. Focus on that for a while the next time you're giving someone stereo advice as to what to upgrade....

Suggestions Orangeone merely suggestions. A moderately priced head unit with a fair amount of features can be a good investment as it can be moved form car to car over the users life. Premier and Excelon head units are the manufacturers specialty lines, but not really all that more expensive than the main lines, they just have a better build quality. A premium unit would be along the line of a am/fm/cd/dvd/nav unit.

Yes, speakers make sound and I suggested to xtremerunnerars that if his factory speakers were in good condition that he would be better off to leave them alone. You are not going to find a more efficient speaker than a factory one and by using the crossovers and upgraded power in the head unit they actually sound pretty good, if they are in good conditon. A moderately sized amplifier by no means needs a upgraded alternator or extra batteries and I gave him a couple of options in the way of a subwoofer a single 12" sub in a sealed box does not need to wake up neighbors, although it can, its main function is to fill in the bottom octaves of the music and make the rest of the speakers in car sound better.

Orangeone. Speaker design hasn't changed much in a century, other than more efficient magnet materials and stiffer cone materials. No car audio manufacturer makes a driver that comes close to being as efficient as the oem does, don't ask me why I would love to sell some, but if a customer comes to me and his factory speakers are still in good shape I never suggest replacing them for a moderate system upgrade. If the customer wants a multi-amp multi-speaker set up like you talk about needing upgraded alternators/ extra batteries I would by all means suggest changing the oem with a more sturdy brand. Factory speakers are fine with upgraded head unit power. I don't want you to take this as an invitation to a verbal sparing match like we see throughout this thread, just trust that i know car audio and I was merely attempting to help xtremerunnerars with a little bit of my knowledge in the arena of car audio.

OrangeOne · Aug 30, 2007

tennisdarren said:
Brief quote from OP

You misread it buddy:

She had a stereo front thing put in but I want to do some more. Maybe seat covers or something to the steering wheel (I hate its shape!)...I don't really know.

The something more was.... the seat covers, or the steering wheel. Partially confusing sentence, but maybe if you read it again, you'll get it. You can't underline the first sentence without the second one. Perhaps it should have been one sentence, with a comma not a full-stop, either way, it became clear what XTR meant later in the thread.

quote apparently meant to start a fight.

Nahh, never

A moderately priced head unit with a fair amount of features can be a good investment as it can be moved form car to car over the users life. Premier and Excelon head units are the manufacturers specialty lines, but not really all that more expensive than the main lines, they just have a better build quality. A premium unit would be along the line of a am/fm/cd/dvd/nav unit.

Now y'see - i like the logic above *better*, that the focus of a better unit may be to keep it for some time. I still don't totally like it (especially as mobile media is very much in a transition period right now), but it's better than just the "extended warranty" justification.

Yes, speakers make sound and I suggested to xtremerunnerars that if his factory speakers were in good condition that he would be better off to leave them alone.

Well, to be fair you started with a high-ish priced head unit.

You are not going to find a more efficient speaker than a factory one and

Why the focus on efficiency? Efficiency = loudness, not quality. I'm yet to find a car stereo that's not loud enough for anyone other than a doof-head, i'd rather focus on quality 10 times out of 10.

A moderately sized amplifier by no means needs a upgraded alternator or extra batteries

Dude, you seriously need to look up sarcasm in a dictionary right about now. I was stuffing around with the alternator / batteries, I was taking things to an extreme to make a joke. Go back and re-read what I wrote, I was basically saying you went too far, I'm surprised you didn't go too far the 'whole way'....

Orangeone. Speaker design hasn't changed much in a century, other than more efficient magnet materials and stiffer cone materials. No car audio manufacturer makes a driver that comes close to being as efficient as the oem does, don't ask me why I would love to sell some, but if a customer

You really seem to be confusing efficiency with quality. The cheaper a speaker is, it'll usually be more likely it'll be louder for a given input.

comes to me and his factory speakers are still in good shape I never suggest replacing them for a moderate system upgrade.

Which i think is bizarre. I'd argue, , especially for someone not intent on waking up the neighbours, that changing speakers would be a much better way to improve sound than changing a head unit.

just trust that i know car audio and I was merely attempting to help xtremerunnerars with a little bit of my knowledge in the arena of car audio.

Well i'm glad you know it, and i'm sure your intentions were good, but it's just a shame he didn't want to change anything, and thus you indeed did go off a little 'half-cocked', although not nearly as much as poster #2 with the forced induction! (It's almost a shame that XTR's civic is already pumpin the cool tunes, because if it wasn't, the rest of this discussion would be so much more meaty....

)

tennisdarren · Aug 30, 2007

Fair enough.
Maybe I did get a little excited when I read that he was interested in possibly upgrading his audio system. I alway suggest upgrading the head unit first in any install because I have always believed "junk in junk out" meaning I could put the top of the line speakers in a specially designed enclosure and feed them with a low quality source unit and it would be easily out performed by a quality signal and mid range drivers.

Efficiency = loud yes to a point, but just because there high efficency does not mean they don't sound good. I look at efficiency as how well the speaker uses the power suppled. just because a speaker makes 80db with 1watt at 1foot does not mean that is sounds worse that a speaker making 77db at 1w/1ft. probably the less efficient driver handles more power and if you feed both speakers with say 100w the less efficient speaker would probably sound better as it probably has more power handling capability than the less beefy driver.

I'm much more into the quality side of listening for my personal tastes but I also realize a good value when I hear it. While factory speaker are out performed by "quality" after market speakers and amplification they are an excellent option for a young person on a budget, the upgrade in signal quality and power that you see in a nice head unit makes "most" factory speakers- (you would be amazed at how good a Tiberon's front speakers sound with a bit more power on them)- sound more than acceptable to the majority of listeners and the addition of a sub and a bit of power to drive it makes for a listening experience that most consumers are very happy with.

I'm going to my local library this evening to check out the definition of sarcasm

I'm guessing by your name that you are a UT fan. Am I right?

kanjii · Aug 30, 2007

Slam the car with Eibach springs and Tokico or KYB or Koni shocks. Gives it an aggressive look and fun to drive. Sway bars are next and pretty much it on looks and handling...other stuff like engine and accessories are OK, but lowering it is instant improvement on looks and handling.

LuckyR · Aug 30, 2007

Originally Posted by LuckyR
Rather your first: that the rate of folks seeking to stand out from the crowd is vastly different from previous eras. Naturally there weren't purple LEDs available before, but that is a tech thing. Anything other than your "seat of the pants"-ometer to back up such a broad and overreaching statement?

Deuce said:
35 years of experience with, and meticulous observation of, the human animal.

I'll take that as: "No"

nhstennis · Aug 30, 2007

OP should keep the civic and do nothing to it except maintain it and clean it. keep it until you can get another car. all the speaker arguing is prolly confusing the hell out of him bc he called a head unit a front thingy in the first place

OrangeOne · Aug 30, 2007

kanjii said:
Slam the car with Eibach springs and Tokico or KYB or Koni shocks. Gives it an aggressive look and fun to drive. Sway bars are next and pretty much it on looks and handling...other stuff like engine and accessories are OK, but lowering it is instant improvement on looks and handling.

Hey, another X-Box reply. Yeah, XTR, slam that Civic. Because you said you weren't keen on many mechanical mods, go get some different shocks and non-existent springs, hell, my new recommendation is full-on-airbag-suspension, so that you can do the 'car-dancing' thing at the traffic-lights! (TennisDarren, your new found sarcasm meter should be hitting the redline, or at least tripping the dB meter right about now

)

Seriously kanjii, 'slamming a car' makes it handle better.... on a track. Given that XTR hasn't alluded to any intentions of taking the car to a track, ever, then lowering it by any significant margin is only likely to make it handle worse, especially on real roads (not to mention the practicalities like driveways and speed humps).

OO - *how long until the next x-box reply I wonder?*

mucat · Aug 30, 2007

Stickers!! Bigger stickers add 10-30hp, smaller sitckers add about 5-10hp.

A honda civic! (help please)

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