So, you're thinking about giving your 2000 Honda Civic a complete makeover? Awesome! The 2000 Civic, also known as the oschondasc civic 2000, is a fantastic platform for tuning, offering a great balance of reliability, affordability, and aftermarket support. Whether you're aiming for improved performance on the track, a head-turning street machine, or just a more enjoyable daily drive, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about fully tuning your beloved Civic. Let's dive in and transform that ride!

Engine Tuning: Unleashing the Beast

Okay, let's get to the heart of the matter – the engine. Engine tuning is where you can extract serious power and improve the overall driving experience. When it comes to your 2000 Civic, there are several avenues to explore. First off, consider the basics: a cold air intake, performance headers, and a cat-back exhaust system. These bolt-on modifications can significantly improve airflow, leading to noticeable gains in horsepower and torque. Brands like Injen, DC Sports, and Skunk2 are popular choices for these components, known for their quality and performance enhancements.

Next up, think about upgrading the ECU (Engine Control Unit). The stock ECU is designed for optimal fuel efficiency and emissions, which often limits performance. A programmable ECU, such as Hondata or AEM, allows you to fine-tune various parameters like fuel injection, ignition timing, and rev limits. This is where you can really dial in the engine's performance to match your specific modifications. However, tuning an ECU requires expertise, so it's best left to a professional tuner who can optimize the settings on a dyno. Investing in professional tuning ensures that your engine runs safely and efficiently while maximizing its potential.

For those seeking even more power, consider internal engine modifications. Upgrading the camshafts, pistons, and connecting rods can significantly increase the engine's performance. High-performance camshafts, like those from Brian Crower or Skunk2, alter the valve timing, allowing the engine to breathe better at higher RPMs. Forged pistons and connecting rods are stronger than the stock components and can handle higher levels of boost if you're planning to add a turbocharger or supercharger. Remember, these modifications require precision and expertise, so it's crucial to work with a reputable engine builder who has experience with Honda engines. Also, ensure that all the components are compatible and work together seamlessly to achieve the desired performance gains.

Suspension Tuning: Handling Like a Dream

Now, let's talk about suspension tuning. What good is all that engine power if you can't control it? Upgrading your Civic's suspension is essential for improving handling, reducing body roll, and enhancing the overall driving experience. Start with a set of lowering springs or coilovers. Lowering springs, such as those from Eibach or H&R, will lower the car's center of gravity, improving handling and giving it a more aggressive stance. Coilovers, on the other hand, offer adjustable ride height and damping, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension to your specific needs. Brands like Tein and Koni are popular choices for coilovers, known for their quality and performance.

Next, consider upgrading the sway bars. Sway bars, also known as anti-roll bars, reduce body roll during cornering, improving stability and handling. Upgrading to thicker sway bars, such as those from Progress or Whiteline, will further reduce body roll and improve the car's responsiveness. Additionally, adding a strut tower brace can improve chassis stiffness, further enhancing handling. Strut tower braces connect the strut towers, reducing flex and improving the car's response to steering inputs.

Don't forget about the bushings! Replacing the stock rubber bushings with polyurethane bushings can significantly improve suspension response and reduce unwanted flex. Polyurethane bushings are stiffer than rubber bushings, providing a more direct connection between the suspension components and the chassis. Brands like Energy Suspension and Prothane offer polyurethane bushing kits for the 2000 Civic, covering various suspension components such as control arms, sway bars, and trailing arms. Upgrading the bushings is a relatively inexpensive way to improve handling and make the car feel more responsive.

Brake Tuning: Stopping Power You Can Trust

Alright, let's move on to brake tuning. With all that extra power and improved handling, you'll need brakes that can keep up. Upgrading your Civic's braking system is crucial for safety and performance. Start with a set of performance brake pads and rotors. Performance brake pads, such as those from Hawk or EBC, offer improved friction and heat resistance, providing better stopping power and reducing brake fade. Upgrading to slotted or drilled rotors can also improve braking performance by dissipating heat and reducing brake fade. Brands like Brembo and StopTech are popular choices for performance brake rotors.

Consider upgrading the brake lines to stainless steel braided lines. Stainless steel brake lines offer improved brake feel and reduced brake fade compared to the stock rubber lines. The stainless steel braiding prevents the lines from expanding under pressure, providing a more consistent brake pedal feel. Additionally, upgrading to a larger master cylinder can improve brake performance by providing more hydraulic pressure to the calipers. This is especially beneficial if you've upgraded to larger brake calipers or rotors.

For those seeking even more stopping power, consider upgrading to a big brake kit. Big brake kits typically include larger calipers, rotors, and brake pads, providing significantly improved braking performance. Brands like Wilwood and Brembo offer big brake kits for the 2000 Civic, designed to provide maximum stopping power and heat resistance. However, big brake kits can be expensive, so it's essential to consider your budget and needs before making a purchase. Also, ensure that the brake components are compatible with your wheels and suspension setup.

Interior and Exterior Tuning: Style and Comfort

Okay, now let's make it look good, guys! Interior and exterior tuning is all about personalizing your Civic to reflect your style and preferences. Let's start with the interior. Upgrading the seats is a great way to improve comfort and support. Performance seats, such as those from Recaro or Sparco, offer improved bolstering and support, keeping you firmly in place during spirited driving. Additionally, consider adding a short shifter for quicker and more precise gear changes. Short shifters reduce the throw between gears, making shifting faster and more engaging.

Next, think about upgrading the steering wheel and shift knob. A performance steering wheel, such as those from Momo or Nardi, can improve grip and feel, while a stylish shift knob can add a touch of personalization. Also, consider adding aftermarket gauges to monitor various engine parameters such as oil pressure, water temperature, and boost pressure. Aftermarket gauges can provide valuable information about your engine's performance and help you identify potential issues before they become serious.

Moving on to the exterior, start with a set of aftermarket wheels. Wheels can dramatically change the look of your Civic, so choose a set that complements your style. Brands like Enkei, Volk Racing, and Work offer a wide variety of wheel styles and sizes to choose from. Also, consider adding a body kit to enhance the car's appearance. Body kits typically include front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and a rear spoiler, giving the car a more aggressive and sporty look. However, ensure that the body kit is well-made and fits properly to avoid any fitment issues.

Conclusion: Your Tuned Civic, Your Way

So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to fully tuning your 2000 Honda Civic. Remember, the key to successful tuning is to plan carefully, research your options, and work with reputable professionals. Whether you're aiming for improved performance, enhanced handling, or a personalized style, the 2000 Civic is a fantastic platform for creating your dream ride. Happy tuning, and enjoy the journey!