Tuning A '99 Honda Civic Hatchback: A Guide

Hey guys! So, you're thinking about souping up your 1999 Honda Civic Hatchback? Awesome choice! The '99 Civic Hatch is a legendary platform for tuning, offering a sweet blend of reliability, affordability, and a massive aftermarket. Whether you're dreaming of tearing up the track or just want a little more pep in your daily drive, this guide will walk you through some key areas to consider when tuning your ride.

Engine Tuning: Unleashing the Beast

Let's dive right into the heart of the matter: the engine. The engine is the core of your Civic, and tuning it can dramatically improve performance. Before you even think about forced induction or crazy engine swaps, it's wise to start with some basic bolt-ons. These are relatively easy to install and can give you a noticeable boost without breaking the bank.

Cold Air Intake

A cold air intake replaces your restrictive factory airbox with a less restrictive system that allows more air to flow into the engine. More air means more oxygen, and more oxygen means more power when combined with the right amount of fuel. When selecting a cold air intake, look for one that places the filter away from the engine bay to draw in cooler air. Cooler air is denser, containing even more oxygen. Brands like AEM, Injen, and K&N are popular choices, known for their quality and performance gains. Installation is generally straightforward, often requiring only basic tools and a couple of hours.

Exhaust System

The factory exhaust system is designed for quietness and emissions, not performance. Upgrading to a performance exhaust system can significantly improve exhaust flow, reducing backpressure and freeing up horsepower. A cat-back exhaust system, which replaces everything from the catalytic converter back, is a good starting point. Look for systems made from stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance. Pay attention to the exhaust diameter; a larger diameter can improve flow, but going too large can actually reduce low-end torque. Consider brands like Skunk2, Borla, and Magnaflow, which are well-regarded in the Honda tuning community. Remember that a louder exhaust might attract unwanted attention, so choose wisely based on your preferences and local regulations.

ECU Tuning

The ECU (Engine Control Unit) is the brain of your engine, controlling fuel delivery, ignition timing, and other critical parameters. Tuning the ECU can optimize these parameters for your specific modifications, maximizing power and efficiency. There are two main ways to tune your ECU: chipping and standalone ECUs. Chipping involves replacing the factory chip with a modified one, while a standalone ECU replaces the entire factory ECU with a programmable unit. Standalone ECUs offer much more flexibility and control but are also more complex to install and tune. Hondata and AEM are popular brands for ECU tuning solutions. If you're new to tuning, consider getting a professional tuner to help you get the most out of your modifications. They can use a dyno to fine-tune your engine for optimal performance and safety.

Suspension Tuning: Handling Like a Dream

Okay, so you've got more power under the hood. Now you need to make sure your Civic can handle it. Upgrading the suspension is crucial for improving handling and control, especially if you plan on hitting the track or carving up some twisty roads. The goal here is to reduce body roll, improve responsiveness, and keep the tires planted firmly on the ground.

Lowering Springs

Lowering springs are a relatively inexpensive way to improve handling and give your Civic a more aggressive stance. They lower the center of gravity, reducing body roll and improving cornering. When choosing lowering springs, pay attention to the spring rate and the amount of drop. A stiffer spring rate will provide better handling but may also result in a harsher ride. A moderate drop of around 1-2 inches is usually a good compromise for street use. Brands like Eibach, H&R, and Tein offer a variety of lowering springs for the '99 Civic. Installation is fairly straightforward but may require a spring compressor.

Shocks and Struts

Upgrading your shocks and struts is just as important as lowering springs. The factory shocks and struts are often too soft to properly control the stiffer lowering springs, resulting in a bouncy ride and reduced handling performance. Performance shocks and struts offer better damping control, improving ride quality and handling. Adjustable shocks and struts allow you to fine-tune the damping to your specific needs and preferences. Koni, Bilstein, and Tokico are well-known brands for performance shocks and struts. Consider pairing your new shocks and struts with the lowering springs for a balanced and well-rounded suspension upgrade.

Sway Bars

Sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars, connect the left and right wheels and resist body roll during cornering. Upgrading to stiffer sway bars can significantly improve handling and reduce body roll. A larger diameter sway bar will provide more resistance to body roll. Consider upgrading both the front and rear sway bars for balanced handling. Energy Suspension and Progress are popular brands for sway bars. Installation is relatively simple, usually involving bolting the sway bars to the chassis and suspension components.

Brakes: Stopping Power is Key

With increased power and improved handling, you'll need to make sure your brakes are up to the task. Upgrading your brakes can improve stopping power, reduce brake fade, and give you more confidence on the road or track. Don't underestimate the importance of good brakes – they're essential for safety and performance.

Brake Pads

Upgrading your brake pads is a simple and effective way to improve stopping power. Performance brake pads offer a higher coefficient of friction, providing more bite and shorter stopping distances. Choose brake pads that are appropriate for your intended use. For street use, look for pads that offer good performance and low noise. For track use, look for pads that can withstand high temperatures without fading. Hawk, EBC, and StopTech are popular brands for performance brake pads. Remember to properly bed in your new brake pads to ensure optimal performance.

Brake Rotors

Upgrading your brake rotors can also improve stopping power and reduce brake fade. Slotted or drilled rotors can help dissipate heat and improve brake bite. However, drilled rotors can be prone to cracking under extreme conditions. Slotted rotors are generally a better choice for street and track use. Consider upgrading to larger diameter rotors for even more stopping power. Brembo, StopTech, and Wilwood are well-known brands for performance brake rotors. When installing new brake rotors, be sure to clean them thoroughly and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Stainless steel brake lines replace the factory rubber brake lines with braided stainless steel lines. Stainless steel brake lines are less prone to expansion under pressure, providing a firmer and more consistent brake pedal feel. This can improve braking performance and give you more confidence in your brakes. Goodridge and StopTech are popular brands for stainless steel brake lines. Installation is relatively simple but requires careful attention to detail to avoid leaks.

Aesthetics: Making it Look Good

Okay, so your Civic is now faster, handles better, and stops on a dime. Now it's time to make it look the part. Upgrading the aesthetics of your Civic can enhance its overall appeal and make it stand out from the crowd. This is where you can really let your personal style shine.

Wheels and Tires

Upgrading your wheels and tires can dramatically improve the look and performance of your Civic. Lighter wheels can reduce unsprung weight, improving acceleration and handling. Wider tires can provide more grip, improving cornering and braking. When choosing wheels and tires, consider the size, offset, and style. A set of aftermarket wheels can completely transform the look of your Civic. Enkei, Volk Racing, and Work are popular brands for performance wheels. Remember to choose tires that are appropriate for your intended use. Performance tires can provide excellent grip but may wear out quickly. All-season tires offer a good compromise between performance and durability.

Body Kit

A body kit can enhance the aerodynamics and appearance of your Civic. A body kit typically includes a front lip, side skirts, and a rear bumper. Choose a body kit that complements the lines of your Civic and reflects your personal style. Mugen, Wings West, and VIS Racing are popular brands for body kits. Installation can be challenging and may require professional help.

Lighting

Upgrading your lighting can improve visibility and enhance the look of your Civic. Consider upgrading to LED headlights, taillights, and turn signals. LED lights are brighter, more energy-efficient, and longer-lasting than traditional halogen bulbs. Projector headlights can provide a sharper and more focused beam pattern. Smoked taillights and turn signals can give your Civic a more aggressive look. Spyder Auto and Anzo are popular brands for aftermarket lighting.

Final Thoughts

Tuning a 1999 Honda Civic Hatchback is a rewarding experience that can transform your car into a truly unique and personalized machine. Remember to prioritize safety and reliability, and don't be afraid to ask for help from experienced tuners and mechanics. With the right modifications and a little bit of elbow grease, you can build a Civic that's both fun to drive and a head-turner. Happy tuning, guys!