Hey guys! Thinking about souping up your 1999 Honda Civic Hatchback? You've come to the right place! This guide is packed with all the info you need to get your ride looking and performing its absolute best. Let's dive in and explore the world of tuning your classic Civic!

Engine Tuning for Your '99 Civic Hatchback

Engine tuning is where the real magic happens when you want to boost your '99 Civic Hatchback's performance. It's not just about adding a cool exhaust; it's about optimizing how your engine breathes, burns fuel, and generates power. Getting this right can transform your Civic from a reliable daily driver into a seriously fun machine. We're talking about everything from air intakes to ECU tuning, so buckle up and let's get started!

First up, consider upgrading your air intake system. The stock air intake is often restrictive, limiting the amount of air that can reach your engine. By installing a cold air intake or a short ram intake, you can significantly improve airflow. A cold air intake, positioned to draw cooler air from outside the engine bay, can lead to denser air and better combustion. On the other hand, a short ram intake offers easier installation and a more aggressive sound. Remember to choose an intake that fits your specific engine model (likely a D-series or B-series for the '99 Civic) and driving conditions.

Next, think about your exhaust system. The factory exhaust is designed for quiet operation and emissions compliance, which often means it's not optimized for performance. A performance exhaust system, typically made from larger diameter piping and featuring a less restrictive muffler, can help expel exhaust gases more efficiently. This reduces backpressure and allows your engine to breathe more freely, resulting in a noticeable power increase. When selecting an exhaust, consider a cat-back system, which replaces everything from the catalytic converter back, or a full exhaust system, which includes a new header for even greater gains. Don't forget to check local regulations to ensure your exhaust setup is street legal!

ECU tuning is the brain of your engine, and tweaking it can unlock hidden power. The stock ECU is programmed with conservative settings to ensure reliability and fuel efficiency. However, with the right tuning, you can optimize the air-fuel ratio, ignition timing, and other parameters to maximize performance. There are several options for ECU tuning, including piggyback ECUs, standalone ECUs, and remapping the stock ECU. Piggyback ECUs, like the Hondata S300, intercept and modify the signals from the stock ECU. Standalone ECUs, such as those from AEM or Haltech, replace the stock ECU entirely and offer complete control over engine parameters. Remapping the stock ECU, often done with software like Hondata FlashPro, allows you to fine-tune the existing ECU without replacing it. Choose the option that best suits your budget and tuning goals, and always have it done by a qualified tuner to avoid damaging your engine.

Finally, don't overlook the importance of fuel delivery. As you increase airflow and optimize the ECU, you may need to upgrade your fuel injectors and fuel pump to ensure your engine is getting enough fuel. Larger injectors can supply more fuel to meet the demands of a tuned engine, while a higher-flowing fuel pump can maintain consistent fuel pressure. These upgrades are especially important if you're planning to run forced induction, such as a turbocharger or supercharger. A proper fuel system ensures your engine runs safely and efficiently, preventing lean conditions that can lead to detonation and engine damage.

Suspension and Handling Upgrades

Suspension and handling upgrades are essential for improving your '99 Civic Hatchback's cornering ability and overall driving experience. A well-tuned suspension can transform your Civic from a decent handler into a nimble and responsive machine. These upgrades aren't just about lowering your car for looks; they're about enhancing its performance and making it more enjoyable to drive. From coilovers to sway bars, let's explore the options for improving your Civic's handling.

First, consider investing in a set of coilovers. Coilovers are adjustable suspension units that replace your stock shocks and springs. They allow you to adjust the ride height and damping, giving you precise control over your car's handling characteristics. Lowering your car's center of gravity improves stability and reduces body roll, while adjustable damping allows you to fine-tune the suspension for different driving conditions. Coilovers are a significant upgrade over stock suspension, offering improved performance and customization. When choosing coilovers, look for a reputable brand and consider the spring rates and damping adjustability to match your driving style and road conditions.

Next up are sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars. Sway bars connect the left and right wheels, reducing body roll during cornering. By minimizing body roll, sway bars improve stability and handling, allowing you to corner flatter and faster. Upgrading to thicker sway bars can make a noticeable difference in your Civic's handling, especially when combined with other suspension upgrades. Consider installing both front and rear sway bars for balanced handling, and choose a size that complements your driving style and the stiffness of your springs.

Bushings are another often-overlooked component of the suspension system. The stock rubber bushings are designed for comfort and noise reduction, but they can flex and deform under stress, leading to imprecise handling. Upgrading to polyurethane bushings can significantly improve handling by reducing flex and maintaining proper suspension geometry. Polyurethane bushings are stiffer and more durable than rubber bushings, providing a more direct and responsive feel. While they may transmit more road noise and vibration, the improvement in handling is well worth it for performance-minded drivers. Replace the bushings in your control arms, sway bars, and other suspension components for a noticeable improvement in handling precision.

Don't forget about strut tower braces. Strut tower braces connect the strut towers on either side of the engine bay and rear cargo area, reducing chassis flex and improving handling. By stiffening the chassis, strut tower braces prevent the suspension from distorting under load, maintaining proper alignment and improving steering response. While they may not provide as dramatic an improvement as coilovers or sway bars, strut tower braces are a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-install upgrade that can complement other suspension modifications. Consider installing both front and rear strut tower braces for maximum benefit.

Exterior and Interior Modifications

Exterior and interior modifications are all about making your '99 Civic Hatchback stand out from the crowd and reflect your personal style. These mods can range from subtle aesthetic enhancements to bold, eye-catching changes. Whether you're aiming for a clean and understated look or a wild and aggressive appearance, the possibilities are endless. Let's explore some popular options for customizing your Civic's exterior and interior.

On the exterior, consider upgrading your wheels and tires. Wheels are one of the most noticeable aspects of your car's appearance, and the right set can completely transform its look. Choose wheels that complement the Civic's classic design and fit your personal style. Popular options include aftermarket alloy wheels in various sizes, styles, and finishes. When selecting wheels, consider the offset, width, and bolt pattern to ensure proper fitment. Tires are just as important as wheels, as they affect both appearance and performance. Choose tires that provide good grip, handling, and ride comfort, depending on your driving needs. A set of sticky summer tires can significantly improve your Civic's cornering ability, while all-season tires offer a balance of performance and versatility.

Body kits can dramatically alter your Civic's appearance, giving it a more aggressive and sporty look. Body kits typically include front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. These components can be made from various materials, including fiberglass, polyurethane, and carbon fiber. Fiberglass body kits are the most affordable but can be prone to cracking. Polyurethane body kits are more durable and flexible. Carbon fiber body kits are the lightest and strongest but also the most expensive. Choose a body kit that fits your personal style and budget, and have it professionally installed and painted for a seamless look.

Moving to the interior, seats are a great way to improve both comfort and style. The stock seats in a '99 Civic Hatchback may be worn or uncomfortable, especially for spirited driving. Upgrading to aftermarket seats can provide better support, cushioning, and adjustability. Racing seats offer excellent lateral support for track days and autocross events, while sport seats provide a balance of comfort and performance for daily driving. When selecting seats, consider the material, adjustability, and overall comfort. Leather seats offer a luxurious look and feel, while cloth seats are more breathable and affordable. Ensure the seats are compatible with your Civic's mounting points and consider professional installation for safety and proper fitment.

Finally, think about gauges and instrumentation. Adding aftermarket gauges can provide valuable information about your engine's performance and condition. Popular gauges include boost gauges, oil pressure gauges, water temperature gauges, and air-fuel ratio gauges. These gauges can help you monitor your engine's health and identify potential problems before they become serious. Install the gauges in a convenient and visible location, such as on the A-pillar or in a custom gauge pod. Consider gauges with clear and easy-to-read displays, and choose reputable brands for accuracy and reliability.

Conclusion

Tuning your 1999 Honda Civic Hatchback is an awesome way to personalize your ride and boost its performance. Whether you're focusing on engine upgrades, suspension tweaks, or cosmetic enhancements, there are endless possibilities to make your Civic truly your own. Remember to do your research, choose quality parts, and seek professional help when needed. Happy tuning, and enjoy the ride!