I know it says no topics until 15 days, I hope I don't get in trouble for this. Don't worry, I'll stick around.

I have a 99cl2.3 and I'm all stock. I drive pizza and beer delivery and can't get too crazy because of this. I know there are threads and FAQs to tell me what to get and how to do things but I was wondering if any vets suggest a certain order to add/upgrade parts. I'm looking into exhaust upgrade, suspension upgrade/slight lowering, intake, transmission/clutch upgrade. My whole theme is to upgrade my car but keep it looking kindof original so people don't expect me sprinting away briskly.

Obviously a noob, I just wanted some guidance from you guys and maybe some ideas.

Thanks!

 

First off welcome, and be sure to check out the n00b guide and the diy forum for more ideas. Also, don't worry about the time limit for posting threads.

The most basic starting point for performance is intake/headers/exhaust, and possibly replacing the crank pulley.

As for suspension, it really depends on how far you want to go with it. Some people just throw springs on, or a set of springs and shocks, or a set of coilovers. Some people like me replaced all their bushings, ball joints, sway bars, control arms, strut bars, coilovers, etc. It really depends on what you mean by "suspension upgrade", how low you want to drop, and what kind of ride you are looking for in the end.

Most guys on here will say that an intake and exhaust won't do much of anything for your 2.3 and suggest you swap in a different motor.

Just to give you some idea. I look forward to seeing what you do with your car, and welcome to the forum

 

well, motor swaps dont come cheap... especially if he doesnt know ppl or a decent shop!! but thats silly assumptions on my part! regardless, what i started on mine was intake/muffler/suspension. and when i say suspension.. i mean what 97BlackAckCL sed... i went all out (grew up in a drag race family/environment and i also played ALOT of Gran Turismo to get ideas!!!) then later i got a full exhaust, wheels, etc etc. in regards to beginning car mods.. u already got a good idea of what u want, so now its where to get it and wut to get. thats the HARD part. so many brands out there!! seeing as this was my first import car, i referred to magazines to get ideas on wut i wanted. then it just came down to customer satisfaction via forums and etc. eventually your gonna wanna change everything out! start simple.. but not toooo simple.. ebay cheapy no names is NOT wut i mean by simple btw...

 

I also realized that dropping too much and tossing 20's on was NOT the biz, especially out in AZ!!! lol, that was a BAD investment.... lolol 18 turned out to b the final number

 

i agree with blackack; Personally i would start off with a shock/spring combo. (maybe eibach springs with koni adjustables) Only because you're doing deliveries in it;otherwise if you have the money: get coilovers!
maybe some slight tints;and headers+intake for sure.
Check out the noob guide; it explains what you can use for our CL.
Welcome; post some pics!


https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-cl-1997-1999-56/%2A%2A%2A-1st-gen-noob-guide%2A%2A%2A-494068/

^^^:noob:

 

How much advantage in there to adjustable vs non? I might go to a few autoX meets this spring, but where else will I need to adjust my shocks?

 

I did Maintenence items first when I bought the car (basically tune-up and belts). Then Energy suspension bushing master set (from 94-97 Accord), Ebay CAI with K&N cone,neuspeed sport springs with kyb gr-2 struts (although people are not too fond of this setup because of longevity concerns), and a magnaflow 14832 muffler.

 

Longevity is a main concern for me. I need everything I do to last as long as possible. Is it foolish to just put springs and shocks/struts? I have a small hole in my exhaust so I figured I would start there. Cheaper to just het a whole system vs having one made + muffler? Gah, I'm so new to this!

 

The rest of my exhaust was still in decent shape, so I just replaced the muffler for now. Might do header/high flow cat/custom pipes. I have some wheel well rust and dings and dents to get to first. Shocks/springs is fine for what your looking to do. Good luck and post pics!