Skunk2- Honda Civic info and parts. Interesting articles about your Honda Civic and Integra- upgrading their performance.
2006 Honda Civic Si: Automotive Innovation at Its Best
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jenny_McLane]Jenny McLane
Designed as an "Advanced Personal Compact," the next-generation Si will incorporate flowing bodywork, a steeply angled windshield, and wide stance to suggest stability and forward motion. The new Si will be the fastest and most powerful Civic offered in its twenty-year history. The 2006 Civic lineup, launching this fall, will include a 4-door Sedan, a 2-door Coupe and Si Coupe, an even more fuel efficient Civic Hybrid and a natural-gas powered Civic GX.
The Civic Si Concept builds on its performance heritage with a 200-horsepower, 16-valve, and DOHC i-VTEC engine with an 8,000-rpm red line, mated to a close ratio 6-speed manual transmission. Helping to put all that power to the ground is a helical-type limited slip differential for improved launch traction and cornering performance.
A 200-horsepower 16-valve i-VTEC engine powers the 2006 Si. Honda sources indicate that next-generation i-VTEC technology will have significant gains in performance and fuel economy. A six-speed transmission will give drivers manual control of shift points up to the engine's redline of 8000 rpm, and a helical-type limited-slip differential will enhance traction and cornering ability.
The Si Concept includes performance features such as 18-inch cast aluminum wheels with 225/40R high performance tires, and 4-wheel disc brakes with large cross-drilled brake rotors. "The 2006 Civic Si Coupe will be the most powerful, fastest and fun-to-drive Si we've ever put on the street, and the Civic Si Concept sets the direction in terms of its styling, package and performance," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "It's part of a new family of Civic vehicles that build on the already class-leading values of the Civic in terms of safety, styling, performance and fuel efficiency."
This new production Civic Si Coupe will serve as the performance leader for the 2006 Civic model lineup, which will be completely redesigned. The 2006 Civic will feature more emotional styling, enhanced performance, and the latest generation of "intelligent" i-VTEC engine technology.
One of the leading Honda Parts suppliers is Parts Train. They offer high quality aftermarket Honda auto parts at guaranteed lowest prices. Simply browse at http://www.partstrain.com/ShopByVehicle/HONDAand you have access to one of the largest Honda auto parts wholesalers in the United States. Parts Train offers a variety of aftermarket and replacement Honda car parts including radiators, fog lights, tail lights, air filter, Honda engine parts and many other Honda replacement parts. Parts Train's very friendly and efficient customer service staff will be waiting for your enquiries.
Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_McLanehttp://EzineArticles.com/?2006-Honda-Civic-Si:-Automotive-Innovation-at-Its-Best&id=46625
Amateur Road Racing Safety
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Craig_Markusic]Craig Markusic
Danger is always present in auto racing. Race car drivers recognize the danger and take steps to reduce the risks. Aside from staying alert, the drivers ensure that their race cars are equipped with various safety devices. For the next auto racing season, this is how safety is prepared in the Acura Integra. The underlying principles in safety preparation can also be applied in other race cars.
Structure
The car already has a well-built 8-point welded-in roll cage from The ROLLCAGEGUY in Akron Ohio. I plan to add a few more bars and reinforcements before next season because I never feel quite safe enough. The bars will also serve to add some structural rigidity to the chassis. The driver's side features NASCAR style door bars that extend into the door cavity close to the outer skin. The original factory door beams are still in place. NASA allows the removal of the factory door beams if NASCAR style beams are installed with the cage. My personal opinion is that the factory beams should be left in place, at least on the driver's side.
The material used for the Integra factory beams is several times stronger than the mild steel tubing used in most amateur race car's roll cages and is required, by US Federal motor vehicle safety regulation 214, to resist a load equal to two times the curb weight of the vehicle during the first 18 inches of deformation when crushed with a 12 inch diameter steel ram. If the beam is removed from the door, you are left with a sheet metal shell typically constructed of steel less than one millimeter thick and that will provide essentially no crush resistance.
The other structural element that I've seen to be the target for weight removal in some Integras and Civics is the side center pillar gusset. This is a large steel reinforcement that bolts to the rear seat cross member and extends to the base of the center pillar (right below where the front row factory seat belt retractors mount). I'm not sure if the NASA rules explicitly allow the removal of these parts. The gussets serve to reinforce and anchor the base of the pillar and provide a substantial amount of crush resistance to the side of the vehicle during an impact. They should never be removed under any circumstance.
Fire
I'll be installing a Safecraft fire system this winter. Hand held extinguishers are legal but I'd prefer not to have to fumble around unlatching and aiming an extinguisher in the event of a fire. It is much simpler to just pull the release handle. The system uses Halon 1301, which is toxic if inhaled, but doesn't leave a residue when deployed. Hopefully I never have to use it.
Seat
I'm currently using the HRP Racing Products aluminum road-racing seat. It's essentially a Kirky deluxe road-racing seat with the HRP logo and fire resistance cover. It's a nice seat but NASA rule changes in 2007 require the use of a head restraint seat and/or a head restraint net (right side containment net). I could have kept the seat and just added the net but I like the combination of the head restraint seat and net and feel that it will provide the best level of safety.
I purchased a Racetech RT-4009WTHR seat with head restraint and their Viper side net through Harrison Motorsports. This model has provisions for a back support, which is unusual for a composite seat. We'll add an article later outlining the seat installation process.
Restraint/Harness
I'm currently using a Schroth 6-point with quick release latch. It is FIA-approved so it only has to be replaced every 5 years versus approximately every two to three years for an SFI-approved harness. I have used TeamTech harnesses up until 2005 when I purchased a HANS device. I wasn't comfortable with how the 3-inch shoulder straps of the Teamtech harness fit over the HANS device so I switched to the Schroth unit with more HANS compatible 2-inch wide shoulder webbing. Teamtech now offers a HANS compatible harness with 2-inch shoulder straps and I like the additional features they offer such as pelvis and thorax padding and a torso strap so I might be switching back soon.
HANS Device
If you enjoy having your head properly attached to your neck, this is a good investment. I don't think it will be too much longer before it becomes a requirement in SCCA and NASA club events. It's pricey but it is a relative bargain when compared to the alternatives. If your racing budget won't accommodate the purchase of the HANS (Head and Neck Restraint System) or a similar device then you should stop racing until it does. If you have a friend that competes in a different class you can always share the HANS. The helmet mounting tabs are inexpensive so this would be a reasonable way to stay safe on a budget.
2001 Acura Integra GS
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jermaine_Pleas]Jermaine Pleas
People who lives in Orlando Florida has a thing for smaller cars because racing is sort of a specialty in Orlando Florida. Although California is a major player in the game for race car drivers Orlando has some of the crankiest roads to play on for racers. The Acura Integra GS is supreme in this industry because of the ultimate engine that it's know for. This car has an hatchback which is awesome for racing on the streets Miami, Orlando, and Long Beach California. It has an diagonal shape sit which makes it easier to push forward instead of leaning back too much.
The price is very ordinary for an 90,000 mileage automobile like the 2001 Acura Integra GS. You can own one of these wonderful cars averaging around 10,000 dollars at the max. This vehicle holds gas perfectly for people who travels a lot. You can also use the Acura Integra as a student vehicle if you want. It takes off pretty quicky by just touching the peddle slightly it will take off. This particular Acura Integra GS is an automatic, but that does not mean that you can't convert it over to an stick.
If you like leather in your sports car then you will not have a problem with the extras that have been installed by many manufacturing companies. You can have any color leather replaced with your car. The color tan is a known color for countless of cars. Recently, I have have seen the color dark gray in the 2001 Acura Integra GS and it was a beaut in my opinion. I give this car a 7/10.
My name is Jay Pleas. I'm an auto mechanic and interior designer that spends most of my time buying autos and detailing them for many customers. At this time I make $100,000 a year maintaining my own car interior business. I live in Florida. I'm 28 years of age. [http://www.squidoo.com/car-insurance-online]Car Insurance [http://www.squidoo.com/newcarpurchase]Car Purchase [http://www.squidoo.com/buy_a_car/]Buy A Car
What To Look For In A Honda Civic Cat Back Exhaust
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Garland_Robinson]Garland Robinson
Modifying your exhaust system on your Honda Civic is one of the most cost effective solutions to adding horsepower and torque. The exhaust system is made up of the exhaust manifold(header), downpipe, catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust tip. Since we are discussing Honda Civic cat back exhausts we will be concerned with the piping and muffler choice.
There are several options when it comes to Honda Civic cat back exhausts. You could buy a direct bolt-on kit from one of the several exhaust system manufacturers. You also could purchase a system from a local muffler shop. Each choice has distinct advantages and disadvantages.
To understand why its necessary to upgrade to a Honda Civic cat back exhaust, I'm going to use an analogy. Its all about exhaust escape velocity and exhaust flow capacity. Imagine a water hose. If you take off the spray nozzle the water will flow slowly, but it will flow out at more volume. If you attach the nozzle the water will flow faster, but volume will decrease. In order to make good power from a Honda Civic cat back exhaust you are going to want to find the perfect balance between velocity and flow. This is where your Honda Civic cat back exhausts piping size comes into play.
Honda Civics utilize a small four cylinder engine for power production. This means that for naturally aspirated applications(no forced induction) you do not need piping any larger than 2.25 inches. If you go any larger you will notice a decrease in bottom end power. Larger piping is like taking the nozzle off of the water hose. Higher exhaust flow, but decreased velocity.
The muffler that is used in your Honda Civic cat back exhaust also effects total power gained. You may choose to go for a glasspack, which is a canister stuffed with fiberglass to reduce noise. These type of mufflers flow extremely well, but they are extremely loud. You may draw unwanted attention from your local law enforcement officers.
Honda Civic cat back exhausts sometimes employ other canister style mufflers that use a combination of baffles and fiberglass to reduce noise. This is the most common choice of Honda Civic tuners. These type of mufflers give your Honda Civic that signature unmistakable Honda four cylinder exhaust tone.
Another choice is to have no muffler at all! This will provide you with the best flow, however the noise will be almost unbearable to those outside of your vehicle. I would only recommend doing this if you were going to use your Honda Civic for off-road use only, such as drag racing or autocross.
Honda Civic cat back exhausts come in many different forms and fashions. Choosing the correct one will set your Honda Civic apart from all of the others. Remember to shop around and consult other Honda Civic tuners to help you make a good buying decision.
The author Garland Robinson is a die-hard automobile nut. He especially loves Hondas.
His undying obession with the Honda Civic has driven him to create an entire website based on them.
