Hello all, I recently purchased a 2002 honda civic Si and I am interested in making some performance enhancements. I know very little about the topic , so a friend recommended this site. He advised that I look through the posts; however, as I am recovering from surgeries related to overuse of the computer, I want to limit my browsing. I have a few questions for which I would appreciate some input from knowledgeable members.

1) I would like to improve the handling. What is involved in lowering the car, and how would I go about getting the best prices for parts and installation. Also, how would I find a reliable shop that would be sure to do the work properly? I have been reading about camber kits -- if I lowered the car 1.5 inches, would I need one? If I get a lowering kit should I get new shocks also?

The rear windows have "ground control" decals on them. Can someone please explain what this is and what it does and how it would affect lowering the car?

2) I would like to improve the car's braking power; can this be done affordably? How does a "big brake kit" work and how substantial is the improved braking power?

3) I cannot afford any fancy engine modifications at this time. Can I make some inexpensive modifications that will improve acceleration? Friends have suggested I look into headers, cold air intake, exhaust. Will these enhancements actually make a noticable difference? What type of horsepower improvement could I expect from these modifications?

I apologize for my ignorance, as I said, I am just now taking an interest in this stuff and I have a lot to learn.

One of the best places to start would be any one of these well written Honda/Acura performance books on the market - www.amazon.com

There are a few options when lowering, lowering springs, coilover sleeves, or true coilovers. Lowering springs & coilover sleeves(adjustable height springs) should be used with upgraded struts. True coilovers are struts & springs in one package designed to work together, your most expensive option. Coilovers are overkill for street use only, but if you have the $$$ why not? There are also spring/strut packages made by the same company H&R cup kit, Koni, Neuspeed those are good choices.

Ground Controls are coilover sleeves, basically a lowering spring with a threaded collare between spring perch & spring to adjust the ride height. For adjustable ride height your best off going with true coilovers because the threaded part is built into the strut not a seperate pieces like sleeves. True coilover struts are designed for the ride height change, most aftermarket struts used with sleeves can only handle so much lowering, usually around 2". 2" is as low as you want to go for street use because the suspension geometry gets messed up, struts over worked/loaded, pot holes, debris in road. Nothing worse than coming up on somebody's muffler laying in the street & you have a lowered car.

Big brake kit's aren't all that great because your still using the stock calipers. Larger rotors = more mass & that means more power lost to the wheels. I read an article where a RSX lost 16HP to wheels just from larger rotors. Your better off going with Brembo blank rotors or Powerslots with upgraded pads such as EBC green stuff. Stay away from RACE ONLY brakes because you will never be able to keep enough heat in them to function correctly.

Camber kits are suggested with any lowering or performance intended driving.

Header, your vehicle or any inline 4 cyclinder engine only has one cylinder head meaning its a header not headers. Anyways header, exhaust, intake can yield 15-30HP gains. I personally feel the biggest difference is noise and a louder car seems faster.

www.tirerack.com
www.modacar.com
www.helminc.com
www.amazon.com

stainless steel brake lines and semi-metallic pads will do a world of difference in braking.