Hey guys! So, you're looking to inject some serious life into your 1999 Honda Civic Hatchback? Awesome! The '99 Civic Hatch, especially the hatchback, is a legendary platform for tuning and modification. It's lightweight, responsive, and has a massive aftermarket support. Whether you're aiming for street performance, track dominance, or just want to personalize your ride, this guide will walk you through the key areas to focus on when tuning your '99 Civic Hatch.

Engine Tuning: Unleashing the Beast

Engine tuning is where you can really extract some serious power from your Civic. Let's dive into some options:

Intake and Exhaust

Let's talk about intake and exhaust – the bread and butter of engine tuning. Swapping out your restrictive factory intake for a cold air intake (CAI) or short ram intake (SRI) can make a noticeable difference. A CAI pulls cooler air from outside the engine bay, leading to denser air and better combustion, while an SRI offers easier installation and a more aggressive sound. On the exhaust side, upgrading to a performance header and cat-back exhaust system is crucial. A header with optimized runner lengths improves exhaust flow from the engine, while a cat-back system reduces backpressure, allowing the engine to breathe more freely. Brands like DC Sports, Skunk2, and Invidia are popular choices for Civic exhausts. Remember, a less restrictive exhaust not only boosts horsepower but also gives your Civic that sweet, throaty growl we all love.

Forced Induction: Turbocharging or Supercharging

For those craving serious power gains, forced induction is the way to go. Turbocharging involves using a turbine powered by exhaust gases to compress the intake air, forcing more air into the engine. This can result in significant horsepower and torque increases. Supercharging, on the other hand, uses a belt-driven compressor to achieve the same effect. Turbos generally offer higher peak power, while superchargers provide more immediate throttle response. Companies like Garrett, Precision Turbo, and Kraftwerks offer turbo and supercharger kits specifically designed for the Civic. Keep in mind that forced induction requires careful planning and tuning, as it puts a lot of stress on the engine. Upgrading your fuel system and engine internals is often necessary to handle the increased power.

ECU Tuning

No matter what engine modifications you make, ECU (Engine Control Unit) tuning is essential to ensure optimal performance and reliability. The ECU controls various engine parameters, such as fuel delivery, ignition timing, and boost pressure (if applicable). Tuning the ECU allows you to optimize these parameters for your specific modifications, maximizing power output and preventing engine damage. There are several options for ECU tuning, including using standalone ECUs like Hondata S300 or AEM EMS, or using piggyback systems that modify the signals sent to the stock ECU. Hondata is a very popular choice for Honda vehicles. Professional dyno tuning is highly recommended to ensure your ECU is properly calibrated for your engine setup.

Suspension Tuning: Handling Like a Dream

Okay, so you've got the engine roaring. Now, let's make sure your Civic can handle all that extra power!

Coilovers and Lowering Springs

Upgrading your suspension is crucial for improving handling and reducing body roll. Coilovers offer the most adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune ride height, damping, and rebound. This is perfect for dialing in your Civic's handling for specific track conditions or personal preferences. Lowering springs are a more budget-friendly option, providing a lower ride height and improved handling compared to the stock springs. However, they offer limited adjustability. Brands like Tein, Eibach, and Koni are well-regarded in the Civic community. Remember that lowering your car can affect alignment, so it's essential to get a proper alignment after installing new suspension components.

Sway Bars and Strut Tower Braces

To further enhance handling, consider upgrading your sway bars and adding strut tower braces. Sway bars (also known as anti-roll bars) connect the left and right wheels, reducing body roll during cornering. Stiffer sway bars improve handling response and reduce understeer or oversteer. Strut tower braces connect the strut towers, stiffening the chassis and reducing flex. This improves steering response and overall handling feel. Companies like Progress, Suspension Techniques, and Tanabe offer sway bars and strut tower braces for the '99 Civic.

Bushings and Control Arms

Don't overlook the importance of bushings and control arms. Worn or soft bushings can negatively affect handling by allowing excessive suspension movement. Upgrading to polyurethane bushings can improve handling precision and responsiveness. Aftermarket control arms allow for greater adjustability of camber and caster, which are crucial for optimizing handling performance. Brands like Energy Suspension and Hardrace offer polyurethane bushings and adjustable control arms for the Civic.

Brakes: Stopping Power is Key

With all that extra power and improved handling, you'll need brakes that can keep up.

Brake Pads and Rotors

Upgrading your brake pads and rotors is a simple but effective way to improve braking performance. Performance brake pads offer higher friction coefficients, providing more stopping power. Upgraded rotors, such as slotted or drilled rotors, improve heat dissipation and reduce brake fade. Brands like EBC Brakes, Hawk Performance, and StopTech offer a wide range of brake pads and rotors for the Civic.

Big Brake Kits

For those seeking maximum braking performance, a big brake kit (BBK) is the ultimate upgrade. BBKs typically include larger rotors, multi-piston calipers, and upgraded brake lines. This significantly increases braking power and reduces brake fade, especially during hard driving. Companies like Wilwood, Brembo, and AP Racing offer BBKs for the Civic. Keep in mind that BBKs often require larger wheels to clear the larger calipers.

Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Replacing your stock rubber brake lines with stainless steel lines is a worthwhile upgrade. Stainless steel lines don't expand under pressure like rubber lines, resulting in a firmer brake pedal feel and improved braking response. This is a relatively inexpensive upgrade that can make a noticeable difference in braking performance.

Wheels and Tires: The Final Touch

Your choice of wheels and tires can significantly impact your Civic's handling, appearance, and overall performance.

Lightweight Wheels

Lightweight wheels reduce unsprung weight, improving acceleration, braking, and handling. Look for wheels made from aluminum alloys or other lightweight materials. Popular brands for Civic wheels include Enkei, Volk Racing, and Konig. Consider the wheel size and offset carefully to ensure proper fitment and clearance.

Performance Tires

Performance tires provide superior grip compared to standard tires, improving handling, braking, and acceleration. Choose tires based on your driving style and the conditions you'll be driving in. Summer tires offer the best grip in dry conditions, while all-season tires provide a good balance of performance and versatility. Brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, and Yokohama offer a wide range of performance tires.

Interior and Exterior: Personalizing Your Ride

Okay, let's not forget about making your Civic look and feel awesome!

Seats and Steering Wheel

Upgrading your seats and steering wheel can significantly improve your driving experience. Performance seats offer better support and comfort, especially during spirited driving. A smaller diameter steering wheel can improve steering response and feel. Brands like Recaro, Sparco, and Momo are popular choices for seats and steering wheels.

Body Kits and Spoilers

Adding a body kit or spoiler can enhance your Civic's appearance and aerodynamics. Body kits typically include front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and other styling elements. Spoilers can improve downforce and reduce drag. Choose a body kit or spoiler that complements the Civic's design and your personal style. Companies like Mugen, Wings West, and VIS Racing offer body kits and spoilers for the Civic.

Lighting

Upgrading your headlights, taillights, and interior lighting can improve visibility and enhance your Civic's appearance. LED headlights offer brighter and more efficient lighting compared to halogen bulbs. Aftermarket taillights can add a custom touch to your Civic's rear end. Consider adding LED interior lighting for a modern and stylish look.

Final Thoughts

Tuning a 1999 Honda Civic Hatchback is a rewarding experience. Whether you're aiming for increased performance, improved handling, or a personalized look, there are countless options available. Remember to prioritize safety and reliability when making modifications, and always consult with a professional mechanic or tuner if you're unsure about anything. Happy tuning, and enjoy your awesome '99 Civic Hatch! Good luck guys!