Cheap Ways To Gain HP

x247nsx247xx247nsx247x Band Wagon
in General Civic Wagon Discussion
I've been having troubles with hills around my area, and I'm just wondering if there are any temporary/permanent mods that are quite cheap to get more power (if any) out of my wagon.

Comments

  • 90 RT4WD (Cody)90 RT4WD (Cody) Senior Wagonist
    You should post what year your wagon is, what motor you have , and what tranny? Also things you ave already done to the car?

    Or.. any information at all would be a good start....
  • x247nsx247xx247nsx247x Band Wagon
    My signature mentions that it's an 87 rt4wd. It's bone stock. I'm running on a very tight budget, and i need something, anything to add even the smallest amount of pick me up. I didn't give many details because i wanted to see what universal modifications could be done on any car to add power. Thanks.
  • NZ-DB8RNZ-DB8R Moderator
    Change down a gear, usually helps with hills.

    Remembering you drive a wagon also helps because then you dont expect as much.

    Since you didnt post this in the engine area I'm asuming you only want general advice not advice on making your engine more powerful
  • x247nsx247xx247nsx247x Band Wagon
    You're correct about the general advice. I should have been more specific and not said that i wanted more horsepower. If you saw the hills that i have to go up every day, you'd realize that even down-shifting to third cannot help me maintain a steady 30 MPH. And of course, it's a Wagon. Low power is a given, and i knew what i was getting myself into when i bought it. I'd still like to get peoples' input on their favorite penny-saving mods.
  • darktricksterdarktrickster Wagonist
    Use smaller tires and don't be afraid of a little rpm. 2nd gear should get you to forty no problem without hitting too high in the rpm, it's really about keeping it in it's power band. If you want to do some cheap performance upgrades then You could try and find under drive pulleys, put on a decent exhaust, and get a cold air intake. The combination of those three should give you enough to feel it with the butt dyno, if barely. If you have power steering, you could convert to manual, and remove the belt on the AC if you have it. Not really super familiar with the 84-87 wagons. My expertise starts at 88 for the most part. Also pulling all the extra weight out of the car and not filling up the tank more than you have to will help (not very much depending on what your willing to go without). Best option for more power if you can spend a couple grand (roundabouts) is a motor swap. A ZC motor has somewhere around 130 hp if I remember correctly. You can find people here who are running them and it should work with your tranny. Good luck!
  • Swap'd-DSwap'd-D Wagonist
    Easiest things to do which I do almost once a month are cleaning your plugs, cap, rotor.
    Make sure your ignition timing is correct. Do some exhaust work if you can as well. A carb rebuild may be helpful if yours has never been serviced.
  • HakosukaHakosuka Wagonist
    Maybe a different exhaust header? If you have a 4-1 now, maybe put on the 4-2-1 manifold, loose the catalytic converter (probably don't have it...)
  • x247nsx247xx247nsx247x Band Wagon
    Thanks for all of the input. This was all stuff that i knew about, and just wanted to see if anyone had suggestions to add to my knowledge. I'm planning either a ZC swap within the next few years, but if i can't find one then i'll use a D16A1 which would also impress.
  • AbideAbide Council Member
    Swap'd-D wrote: »
    Easiest things to do which I do almost once a month are cleaning your plugs, cap, rotor.
    Make sure your ignition timing is correct. Do some exhaust work if you can as well. A carb rebuild may be helpful if yours has never been serviced.


    this exactly, and maybe even advance that ignition timing a degree or two
  • SiWagonSiWagon Council Member
    NO freebie mods is going to get you the power you seek.darktrickster's idea is the best(shorter tires).Go Nos which you transfer to the new swap or Maybe rig up a cheapie Nos using the GO-ped (Gas scooter)nos kit.

    Check other CRX forums for a Teg engine swap(lot easier to get these engines).If you get a donor car you can even swap over brakes & I think suspension parts.I had a posting about this somewhere around here.
  • RoRoRoRo Wagonist
    as for cheap "mods"

    all these will run you up some cash all together but to start small like a simple tune up

    New Spark Plugs
    New Spark Plug wires
    New Distributer cap and rotor
    Make sure your timing is correct

    A cold air intake and exhaust always helps too
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