So, you're looking to spice up your 1999 Honda Civic Hatchback, huh? Awesome! The '99 Civic hatch is a fantastic platform for tuning and modification. It's lightweight, responsive, and has a massive aftermarket support. Whether you're aiming for street performance, track days, or just a cool daily driver, this guide will walk you through the essential aspects of tuning your EH/EJ Civic. Let's dive in!

Engine Tuning

Let's face it, when we talk about tuning, the engine is where most of the magic happens. For a '99 Civic Hatchback, you've got a few paths you can take. The stock D-series engines (like the D16Y7 or D16Y8) are reliable but not exactly powerhouses. Here’s how to squeeze more juice out of them:

Basic Bolt-Ons

These are your bread-and-butter mods. Easy to install and relatively affordable, they offer a noticeable improvement without requiring major engine work.

• Intake: Swapping the restrictive stock airbox for a cold air intake (CAI) or a short ram intake (SRI) can free up a few horsepower. CAIs generally perform better by drawing cooler air from outside the engine bay, but SRIs are easier to install and can be less susceptible to water ingestion. Brands like AEM, Injen, and K&N are popular choices. Make sure to get one designed for your specific engine.
• Exhaust: A cat-back exhaust system replaces everything from the catalytic converter back to the muffler. A larger diameter piping and less restrictive muffler can significantly improve exhaust flow, resulting in more power and a sportier sound. Look for systems from reputable brands like Skunk2, Magnaflow, or Borla. Ensure it complies with local noise regulations!
• Headers: Replacing the stock exhaust manifold with an aftermarket header can further improve exhaust flow. Shorty headers offer a mild improvement, while long tube headers provide the most gains, especially in the mid-range. DC Sports and Skunk2 offer good options, but be prepared for a slightly more involved installation.

ECU Tuning

Once you've installed some bolt-ons, the next step is to optimize the engine's air-fuel ratio and ignition timing. This is where ECU (Engine Control Unit) tuning comes in. The stock ECU is programmed for a stock engine, so it can't fully utilize the potential of your modifications.

• Chipping/Reflashing: This involves modifying the existing ECU. Options like Hondata S300 or Neptune RTP allow you to upload custom maps tailored to your specific setup. You'll need a laptop and some tuning knowledge or a professional tuner.
• Standalone ECU: For more advanced setups, a standalone ECU like AEM EMS or Haltech Elite offers complete control over every aspect of the engine. These are more expensive and require extensive tuning knowledge, but they allow for maximum performance.

Forced Induction

If you're craving serious power, forced induction is the way to go. Adding a turbocharger or supercharger can dramatically increase horsepower and torque. However, this is a complex and expensive modification that requires careful planning and execution.

• Turbocharger: Turbo kits are available from various manufacturers like GReddy, Garrett, and BorgWarner. These kits typically include a turbocharger, manifold, downpipe, intercooler, and all necessary plumbing. Installation can be challenging, and you'll need to upgrade your fuel system and ECU to handle the increased boost.
• Supercharger: Superchargers are less common on Civics, but they offer instant boost and a different power delivery than turbos. JRSC (Jackson Racing Supercharger) used to be a popular option, but they are becoming harder to find. Supercharger kits are generally easier to install than turbo kits, but they may not offer as much peak power.

Engine Swaps

Another popular option for increasing power is to swap in a more powerful engine. The B-series (like the B16A2 or B18C1) and K-series (like the K20A2 or K24A2) engines are common choices. These engines offer significantly more horsepower and potential than the stock D-series.

• B-Series Swap: A B-series swap is a relatively straightforward swap that has been well-documented. You'll need an engine, transmission, axles, wiring harness, and ECU. Mount kits are available to make the swap easier.
• K-Series Swap: A K-series swap is more complex and expensive than a B-series swap, but it offers even more power and potential. You'll need an engine, transmission, axles, wiring harness, ECU, and custom mounts. K-Tuned and Hybrid Racing offer swap parts.

Suspension Tuning

Improving the suspension is crucial for better handling and performance. The '99 Civic Hatchback can benefit greatly from a few well-chosen upgrades.

Lowering Springs

Lowering springs are a simple and affordable way to improve handling and appearance. They lower the car's center of gravity, reducing body roll and improving cornering. Popular brands include Eibach, H&R, and Tein. Be sure to choose springs that are compatible with your stock shocks, or consider upgrading to aftermarket shocks as well.

Coilovers

Coilovers offer the ultimate in adjustability and performance. They allow you to adjust ride height, damping, and often camber. This allows you to fine-tune the suspension to your specific driving style and track conditions. Brands like BC Racing, Tein, and K-Sport offer a wide range of coilovers for the '99 Civic Hatchback.

Sway Bars

Sway bars (also known as anti-roll bars) connect the left and right wheels, reducing body roll during cornering. Upgrading to stiffer sway bars can significantly improve handling. A larger front sway bar will reduce understeer, while a larger rear sway bar will reduce oversteer. Progress and Skunk2 offer sway bar kits for the '99 Civic Hatchback.

Bushings

Replacing worn or soft rubber bushings with polyurethane bushings can improve suspension response and reduce unwanted movement. Polyurethane bushings are stiffer and more durable than rubber bushings, but they can also transmit more road noise and vibration. Energy Suspension and Prothane offer bushing kits for the '99 Civic Hatchback.

Strut Tower Bars

Strut tower bars connect the strut towers on each side of the car, improving chassis rigidity and reducing flex. This can improve handling and steering response, especially during hard cornering. Cusco and Tanabe offer strut tower bars for the '99 Civic Hatchback.

Brake Tuning

Upgrading the brakes is essential for improved stopping power and safety, especially if you've increased engine performance.

Brake Pads

Upgrading to performance brake pads is a simple and effective way to improve braking. Performance pads offer higher friction coefficients than stock pads, resulting in shorter stopping distances. Brands like Hawk, EBC, and StopTech offer a wide range of brake pads for the '99 Civic Hatchback. Choose pads that are appropriate for your driving style and conditions.

Brake Rotors

Upgrading to slotted or drilled brake rotors can improve braking performance by dissipating heat and reducing brake fade. Slotted rotors help to clean the brake pads, while drilled rotors help to cool the rotors. However, drilled rotors can be prone to cracking under extreme conditions. Brands like Brembo, StopTech, and EBC offer performance brake rotors for the '99 Civic Hatchback.

Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Replacing the stock rubber brake lines with stainless steel brake lines can improve brake pedal feel and responsiveness. Stainless steel lines don't expand under pressure like rubber lines, resulting in a firmer and more consistent pedal feel. Goodridge and StopTech offer stainless steel brake lines for the '99 Civic Hatchback.

Big Brake Kit

For the ultimate in braking performance, consider a big brake kit. These kits typically include larger rotors, multi-piston calipers, and performance brake pads. Big brake kits offer significantly more stopping power and heat capacity than the stock brakes. Wilwood and Brembo offer big brake kits for the '99 Civic Hatchback, though they can be quite expensive.

Wheel and Tire Tuning

The right wheels and tires can dramatically improve handling, traction, and appearance.

Wheels

Choosing the right wheels involves considering size, weight, and offset. Lighter wheels can improve acceleration and handling, while the correct offset ensures proper fitment and clearance. Popular wheel brands for the '99 Civic Hatchback include Enkei, Volk Racing, and Work. A popular size is 15 or 16 inches.

Tires

Tires are the most important factor in determining grip. Performance tires offer significantly more traction than all-season tires, resulting in better handling and braking. Popular tire brands for the '99 Civic Hatchback include Michelin, Bridgestone, and Yokohama. Consider tire compounds like summer tires for maximum grip in warm weather or all-season tires for year-round use.

Cosmetic Tuning

While performance is key, let's not forget about aesthetics. A few well-chosen cosmetic mods can transform the look of your '99 Civic Hatchback.

Body Kits

Body kits can dramatically change the appearance of your car. They typically include a front bumper, rear bumper, and side skirts. Popular body kit brands for the '99 Civic Hatchback include Mugen, Wings West, and VIS Racing. Be sure to choose a kit that complements the car's lines and is made from durable materials.

Spoilers

A spoiler can add a sporty touch to your '99 Civic Hatchback. Spoilers are available in various styles, from subtle lip spoilers to aggressive wing spoilers. Popular spoiler brands include Mugen and Spoon. Choose a spoiler that complements the car's overall look and provides some functional benefit.

Lighting

Upgrading the headlights and taillights can improve visibility and appearance. Projector headlights offer better light output than traditional reflector headlights, while LED taillights are brighter and more efficient than incandescent taillights. Brands like Depo and Spyder offer aftermarket headlights and taillights for the '99 Civic Hatchback.

Interior

Don't forget about the interior! Upgrading the seats, steering wheel, and gauges can improve comfort and driving experience. Recaro and Sparco offer performance seats, while Momo and Nardi offer aftermarket steering wheels. AEM and Auto Meter offer gauges to monitor engine performance.

Conclusion

Tuning a '99 Honda Civic Hatchback is a rewarding project. By carefully selecting and installing the right modifications, you can transform your EH/EJ Civic into a high-performing and stylish machine. Remember to prioritize safety and reliability, and always consult with a professional mechanic or tuner if you're unsure about anything. Happy tuning, guys!