DIY Network

Civic Cam Upgrade: Engine Prep and Disassembly Performance Cam Shaft and Cam Gears, Part 1 of 4 From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-312

Stealth bomber. This modified Civic hatchback dresses out in basic black and flies below the radar.

Why would someone install a high performance adjustable cams? For more power of course.

In this project, Tricked Out host Andrew Totolos shows you how it's done--in this case on a 1992 Honda Civic hatchback that already sports a hopped up Integra engine and a decidedly low-pro dress black exterior.

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: We gave this a difficulty rating of 4 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. Everything that's new is going to bolt right on, but the project does require disassembly and reassembly of the top end of the motor--and that's definitely going to take some clear thought and patience.

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	Performance cam shaft
	Adjustable cam gears

Complete Materials/Tools List for All Modifications

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, cordless drill, torque wrench, etc.), tools and materials used to complete this entire project include the following:

set of billet ground camshafts
high performance valve springs with retainers and locks
valve cover gasket kit
fresh camshaft seals
valve spring compressor
air-tool adapter
leak-down tester
spark plug adapter
high-temp RTV silicone
assembly lubricant
thread lock
floor jack
jack stands
wheel chocks
clean rags/paper towels
standard shop tools
rubber mallet
piece of cardboard
vice
painter's tape
cutoff saw or rotary tool
file or sandpaper
rubbing alcohol
fresh engine oil

	The Civic's dual overhead cam engine
	Timing belt and cam sprockets

So Why Swap Cams?

On our project car, the engine head has two overhead cams--one for the intake valves and one that operates the exhaust valves. The timing belt loops over the sprockets and ensures that the valves stay in time with the crankshaft. As they turn, the lobes push against the rocker arms, which push the valves open from up top.

If we change the size or orientation of the lobes by changing the cams, we'll be changing how the valves open. So changing your cams can really have a big impact on the personality of your engine. Depending on what your intended use is, you can select a cam that's tuned for high RPM's and more power on the top end, or a cam that provides more low-end torque.

The Project Car: 1992 Honda Civic Hatchback

The fifth generation Civic hatchbacks like this one are a favorite with the tuner crowd because they're lightweight, and infinitely modifiable. This particular car already has its fair share of changes, but the car's owner is ready to squeeze a little more power out of the transplanted Acura Integra engine.

For this owner, modifications are all about performance so he's nixed a flashy paint job for traditional hot-rod flat black. JDM turn signals and diamond clear hid headlights with city lights and JDM SI tails update the factory look. The Civic rides tight on a lowered suspension, with '93 Acura Integra GSR wheels (in basic black) and 4-wheel Integra disc brakes.

Inside, Integra GSR seats and a JDM center console work with an aftermarket steering wheel to update the look, and an upgraded head unit and a low-profile custom sub box pump out solid sound without drawing unwanted attention.

Under the hood, things get interesting with a B18b Integra motor swap with a cold-air intake. Spent gasses exit through wrapped racing headers and out the stainless steel exhaust.

Ready to see the nuts and bolts of the cam-swap upgrade and how the project gets underway? Keep reading.

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