Here's where we act like we know something technical about cars. Feel free to ask us about your technical troubles. Write us at tech superstreetonline.com or Super Street c/o Tech Support, 831 S. Douglas St., El Segundo, CA 90245. Feel free to include a picture of your project or tech problem. Any images submitted become the property of Source Interlink Media, so be warned!
Q: I just bought a 1987 Honda Civic 4-door and it is all stock with its original 4-cylinder motor and five-speed transmission. I was wondering if they make high performance parts for this year because I want to make it fast. If there are parts then please tell me which parts are the best.
Riley
Via the Internet
A: While E-A chassis Civics are very cool they have little current aftermarket support. However if you decide to swap the engine to a newer D or B-Series there is plenty of potential. If you insist on leaving the engine stock you're going to have to go old school. Mugen and HKS were the two brands to own back in the day and they both offer performance products for your era Civic; the problem is that they are extremely hard to come by. We'd recommend doing further research with your peers on www.redpepperracing.com, a forum dedicated to 3rd generation Civics.
Q: I have been an avid reader of your magazines for a long time now (about two years). Anyways, I just have a few questions for you. I have a '96 Nissan 200SX SE-R, it has the SR20DE, FWD. I have a short ram intake, a Stillen header, stock cat and then aftermarket exhaust and sitting on some 17s. Anyways up here in Minnesota it's winter time so I have stored it away, and during the winter I'm going to save up enough money to swap the engine out for the GTI-R engine, the 220hp SR20DE. Now my questions really are: What tranny do I need to keep the car FWD? Where is the best company to go through to purchase these items? What else is needed besides engine, tranny, ECU, MAF and the wiring harness? Also... any other tips, tricks, ideas, helpful information would be appreciated. Thank you SUPER STREET!!
Adam
Via the Internet
A: Sounds like you've got a pretty good grasp on what is required for the swap. For the transmission you can retain your stock unit or use the transmission that comes with the swap (if it comes with one) as all FWD SR20 transmissions are interchangeable. As for tuning parts we highly recommend Jim Wolf Technology, you should checkout their website and contact them for more information regarding your swap. That or you could ditch that pile of crap SE-R and buy a S13!
Q: I just purchased a 1995 Civic. How can I tell if it is a true Type R Civic? Thanks guys I love the mag.
Jerry Jackson
Rockford, IL
A: Simple, there is no such thing as a 1995 Civic Type R. The production of Type Rs began with the EK chassis. Now you know 100%, without a doubt, you got ripped off.
Q: I have a 1979 Nissan 510 that I would like to upgrade/update. Where can I find info on parts that will interchange? Will parts from other Nissans fit or do I go the custom route? Thanks for any help on this manner.
Mark Bremmer
Tulsa, OK
A: Most of the parts on the 510, and most cars of the pre-'80s era, are proprietary to the chassis so little interchangeability exists. McKinney Motorsports makes a mount kit for an SR20 swap and there are a few other niche parts here and there. We recommend checking out http://dimequarterly.tierranet.com for more info about the 510.