7th gen mod/performance tip thread

[dinglenuts]

ok, as all other d17 owners, I'm considiering losing the d17 and going k20, but if we had a resourse for actual useful,reliable building/turbo mods and such, including pros and cons, maybe some of our d's will be respeced in the coming years, seeing as civics are are probably going k now. I want a swap,but can't justify the price, but a built d17 would still be fun, lets get some info going on d series that is actually good for a respectable build that won't seem like a total waste of money. Right now, I'm predicting this engine will get no love, because no one is dedicated, and its now seeing the end of its production. I see it as a negative blip in honda's reputation, but with help, I'm sure it can be a fun street car.We need resources and tips, so lets get it going now and show these other d's that the d17 isn't a p.o.s. :jesus:

[SOHC_Rules]

it's single cam, hardly anything if anything at all is interchangable with any other d-series motor, it makes crap power and it has an o2 sensor after the stock cat. Basically...


Single cam means harder to fine tune for turbo. Also, there isnt many after market premade ones so a regrind is in order.
Nothing interchangable basically a Homemade turbo setup is that much harder to do. Also, this also includes heads so upping compression like that is out of the question. Trannys also are not interchangable.
Yeah, sure it makes like 117 chp. I'm making more than that now with about $500 modification, or 1 week's check.. but mine's at the wheels.
The o2 sensor after the cat means that you'd have to get a fake o2 sensor to trick the ecu into thinking its working right if you get an exhaust. It's a pain in the ass.
The compression calculator doesn't even have this motor listed.. (http://www.knology.net/~jediklc/dcalc.htm)


There is some after market out there for your motor though. I've seen adjustable cam gears, you can still get a regrind, you can swap a 7thgen vtec head onto it (if you dont have vtec) and if you dont have an ex you can swap that tranny into it.

Basically interchangable parts are limited to other 7th gens.

[custom_junky]

^^that all may be true, but you CAN make decent HP out of these motors. 200+ has easily been reached, and the new cams and head work is towards the end of R&D, i know that rage is researching a header for the d17, and exospeed is working on new heads and head work for the d17. there is always the p&p jobs, and AEM is starting to come up with the EMS, i'll guess in about 2 years that aftermarket for the d17 will be quite a bit bigger. remember the d17 threw all the aftermarket people off wack, and it wasn't until 02/03 that they started to get back on their feet again, so it's gonna take some time, they have only had about 2-3 years really working on the motor.

just my $.02

[SOHC_Rules]

i'll guess in about 2 years that aftermarket for the d17 will be quite a bit bigger. remember the d17 threw all the aftermarket people off wack, and it wasn't until 02/03 that they started to get back on their feet again

this is very true. all the aftermarket companies have been focusing on obd0-2a and when the d17 came out with its obd2b ecu it threw off whack BIG TIME. the d17 suffers because interchangability is low and aftermarket is being developed. if a company had gotten hold of one of these bad boys before they came out, everything would have been fine... the market would have braced for impact..

[Jspek_Inspired]

dc sports has finally released the 4-2-1 race headers for the ex so thats something to look for.

[berettagtz117]

www.truehonda.com
There is alot of stuff here for New Civics..

[exospeed*com]

we did a prototype design on some high compression pistons and turbo pistons with 75.5mm bore for the D17. We just dont get any calls on building up those motors, if you guys spread the word at 7thgencivic.com, and we get enough interest. We'll stock those pistons.

[GoNeIn60]

Some Sohc D17 performance camshafts would be nice, i hear that give pretty good hp gains

[boostREX]

Here is what you do.. Have a 01 DX with DX motor. Use AEM V2 intake, AEM cam gear, Aftermarket EX header, Random Technologies Cat. Conv., Skunk2 Exhaust, Stage 3 Clutch and Lightweight Flywheel, AEM Pulleys, Apex'i SAFC, Something like the Sun Auto grounding and hyper voltage system, and if that doesnt get you into the 14s which it should, then get some nitrous...

p.s. oh ya and get some EX pistons.. higher compression, and the reason I say get a DX motor is cause they respond better to mods than the EX, plus they dont have an EGR system.. way better gains and alot better torque with the non vtec motor..

[GoNeIn60]

well i have an Lx with headers, short ram intake, Aem underdrive pulleys and i've been trying to find some low comp. pistons so i can handle alot of boost from a turbo and i'd like a performance camshaft

[dinglenuts]

I don;t know about the dx motor with all the bolt ons, are you sure your thinking of a d17a1? I think what has to happen is new rods and pistons in my ex motor, stronger aftermarket headgasket,studs, bolt on turbo kit, return fuel system, and lots o tuning. Correct me if I'm wrong? I do realize the a1 is initally better due to lower compression, but I'm not swapping a d17 for a d17, plus I've babied this engine. The only problem is that damn k20 on my mind. Its only like an extra grand or two to go that route.

[boostREX]

Im just saying that all around the D17A1 motor is a better performance motor. IE it responds better to mods plus has almost just as much power as the EX motor, plus it doesnt suffer from that crappy EGR. I know that I could have run 14s in my 01 DX if I hadnt f'ed up 3rd gear and woulda got some more parts on it. If I ever mod it out again I will probably run an EX tranny. g'luck

[redline04]

Here is what you do.. Have a 01 DX with DX motor. Use AEM V2 intake, AEM cam gear, Aftermarket EX header, Random Technologies Cat. Conv., Skunk2 Exhaust, Stage 3 Clutch and Lightweight Flywheel, AEM Pulleys, Apex'i SAFC, Something like the Sun Auto grounding and hyper voltage system, and if that doesnt get you into the 14s which it should, then get some nitrous...

p.s. oh ya and get some EX pistons.. higher compression, and the reason I say get a DX motor is cause they respond better to mods than the EX, plus they dont have an EGR system.. way better gains and alot better torque with the non vtec motor..
I'm almost there. Missing a few from your list. Clutch, lightened flywheel and an SAFC would probally put me at a mid to high 14. In due time. Probally goona go N20 first though.

[grbudd]

Just to let you know Crower now has cams avail for the D17A2 (ex only). Should help us out with adding power.

[custom_junky]

^^sweet.... :cool:

[Tobias]

So hows about a new intake manifold?

[grbudd]

The only one I've heard of is by KMS. Didn't get good reviews. A guy on 7thgencivic.com modded a Y8 intake manifold and saw some good gains. I guess with time more stuff will come out.

[Tobias]

Anybody have any info on how to do a rear camber install?

[Sweet2K4EX]

well, I found out about the 4-2-1 DC Sports header that was made for the D17A2 was for sale...so I figured that I would go and get one...well I went to RIDE REV. in johnson city and priced it through them...and the said that it was $525 plus tax!!! That is fu**ing retarded!!!
Anyways...does anyone know if the D17A2 has a metal type of head gasket? I dont wanna pay $185 for the head gasket set. I might just pull the head really slowly for a port and polish job. Oh yeah. I found some Skunk2 lowering springs for the 04 EX for $156...I will be getting them SOON!!! 2" drop.

[Sweet2K4EX]

oh yeah...has anyone tried out those "Missing Links"??? I hear that they work? But I want youralls opinions!!! Let me know.

[custom_junky]

you can get the dc sports header online for about 200+ shipping. 525 is OUTRAGOUS, hell for that much you can almost get the SMSP, or RAGE, or another AwSOME company...good luck with the build though

[fireant]

Sorry to butt in with this, but I have an EP3 rear sway bar, endlinks, bushings, and brackets in my garage that needs a new home. I believe it will work on the 7th-gens, so let me know if you are interested.

[custom_junky]

the new 7th gens already have rear sways...

[fireant]

Oh, I thought they didnt. :P

[custom_junky]

the base models might but i believe the lx and ex have them

[Tobias]

Nevermind about the camber install. Looks easy. Except for alignment which the tire mann will take care of.

[grbudd]

A great low budget upgrade is putting an RSX rear sway bar on in place of the stock one. Best 50 bucks I've spent so far. The car handles much better and has less understeer than before. Ex and LX have sway bars the others don't. If anyone wants my stock one let me know.

[Tobias]

So I'm looking 2 buy an intake. I was wondering if there is any difference between intake's for different models. For example, AEM V2 has an apllication for the EX, and a seperate one for the DX, LX. I was told by a friend that it doesn't matter. I own a LX but plan on swapping the head w/ a vtec.

[custom_junky]

the difference in concern with the v2 is that the throttle body for the EX civic is verticle and horizantal throttle bodies for the lx, and dx models. if you plan on swapping heads you may want to concider waiting and do the swap and then decide which way to go.

[Tobias]

the difference in concern with the v2 is that the throttle body for the EX civic is verticle and horizantal throttle bodies for the lx, and dx models. if you plan on swapping heads you may want to concider waiting and do the swap and then decide which way to go.
I looked @ my throttle body and she's sittn verticle. So....

[custom_junky]

*shrug* maybe the throttle body width? if your TB is sitting verticle then I have no idea why there would be a different air intake for the lx and dx vs. the ex. this is something i would have to see and compare for myself side by side. anyone else have any ideas?

[02lx]

I have been doing research on all different types of parts for the D17 and also talking to alot of people everyday, for the past 3-4 months. First for the guy that wants Stage 3, it grabs the gears too hard, it is mainly to be used strictly for racing. Stage 2 is as high as you should go, if you still want a comfortable right. While our sway bars are ok, and upgrade is always nice. When trying to get power out of your engine, remember this, if you have an ex, you are putting about 90-100WHP at best, and LX and DX even less. In order to get the true power gains, and actually be some what of a threat on the roads, N/A is not the way to go, I suggest doing a nice rebuild of the engine, 70MM TB, pnp, nice cat, headers, intake until you have enough to buy your turbo. Slapping on a T25BB turbo can easily put you to about 280 if you engine is built right, I am not sure about WHP, that all depends on your clutch and your flywheel, and you internals. when looking into parts always remember this.

Headers - bigger is better
Exhaust - bigger is not always better
TB - bigger is better
pnp - do not go too extreme or you car will be struggling to idle.

Yes crowler does have performance cams now, stage 1, stage 2 NA and stage 2 turbo. they run about 325+

I believe they also have piston rods as well.

[SOHC_Rules]

Headers - bigger is better
Exhaust - bigger is not always better
TB - bigger is better
pnp - do not go too extreme or you car will be struggling to idle.

to an extent
true
to an extent
true

[drjvic04]

How about instead all the internals we just try something simple. A return fuel system, FPR, e-manage. Then maybe just port out the exhaust side of the heads. Then see wheather this is even worth doing.

Then add the intakes, and exhausts, and cams.

The ECU and cam profiles along with the exhaust side of the heads are what limits this beast.

[custom_junky]

^^that is an excellent idea...BTW when you add the return fuel line, that will help out and open up the possibilities...

[02lx]

Tell me where you get the return system, because I am looking for one

[custom_junky]

i'm unsure as to where to get a kit for it...but if you do a search on this site you'll see that someone has done a DIY return line system using the Y8 mani off the d16...

[Crackhead79]

There is a lot you can do. I am going to Supercharge my D17A2 and I have plenty of Mods and etc done to my car for autocross. You just need to sit down or get your hands dirty out in a shop and get an idea of interchangability from other motors and cars. The base RSX you can use almost all the suspension from. I can use any RSX, Si, and S2000 steering wheel in my 2003 Civic. For most internals and etc on the motor the D16 parts are mostly used. Crower does make a cam for our car. You just need to look and read, trial and error. There is plenty you can do with modification or aleration to get it to fit and then you must be smart enough to use it. ----BTW if you wanna check out the car or come see me I live in CO SPNGS. Laters guys ---

[HXDrager97]

only real problem is that new 1.8L single cam non d-serries... this is all going to be one new game!

[gmcuajo]

This new R looks like a new type B-series...

[gmcuajo]

A great low budget upgrade is putting an RSX rear sway bar on in place of the stock one. Best 50 bucks I've spent so far. The car handles much better and has less understeer than before. Ex and LX have sway bars the others don't. If anyone wants my stock one let me know.

My LX haven't sway bar. Do you think I can install one without any problem (different forces on the chassis and vehicle structure)?

[gmcuajo]

p.s. oh ya and get some EX pistons.. higher compression, and the reason I say get a DX motor is cause they respond better to mods than the EX, plus they dont have an EGR system.. way better gains and alot better torque with the non vtec motor..

The D17A1 piston have a dish of -2.62mm, and the D17A2 have a dish of -2.66mm. The higher compression is due the combustion chamber. The D17A1 have a bigger combustion chamber.

[CivicDisobedience]

well I am a NOOB to this site and dont have alot to say, but www.dezod-motorsports.com got 176whp on a D17a2 w/stock internals,pushing 6-8psi. I have found a cam,pistons rings ect.ect.ect. so I plan on starting my build in Feb.and hope they will be done w/their stage 2 mani and f/r, so I can get 300whp on my 2001ex...
Just my 2cents

[DirtyDC4]

My LX haven't sway bar. Do you think I can install one without any problem (different forces on the chassis and vehicle structure)?

You'll probably have to swap rear lower control arms so that the bar has a place to mount on the suspension. At least that's how it is on EF's, I'm not sure if Honda stopped being stupid about making 2 different styles of RLCA's for the different models. As far as forces on the chassis: as long as it isn't a HUGE aftermarket bar it'll be fine.

[singleslam_EM]

okay ive heard people say that crower makes a cam for the d17a2. where can i find it?

[singleslam_EM]

if anyone is looking for d17 internals i finally found them at www.dezodmotorsports.com

[custom_junky]

noadays the crower stage 2 can be found almost anywhere that sells crower cams for hondas...i know that tunerschoice sells them...i think that the cam is 300 or so...

[martyr1391]

well, I found out about the 4-2-1 DC Sports header that was made for the D17A2 was for sale...so I figured that I would go and get one...well I went to RIDE REV. in johnson city and priced it through them...and the said that it was $525 plus tax!!! That is fu**ing retarded!!!
Anyways...does anyone know if the D17A2 has a metal type of head gasket? I dont wanna pay $185 for the head gasket set. I might just pull the head really slowly for a port and polish job. Oh yeah. I found some Skunk2 lowering springs for the 04 EX for $156...I will be getting them SOON!!! 2" drop.

Honda HG for 2005 EX... $22

https://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=Civic&catcgry2=2005&catcgry3=2DR+EX&catcgry4=KA5MT&catcgry5=CYLINDER+HEAD+%28SOHC+VTEC%29