Newb questions

[hywindz]

Hey guys I have a 1996 civic vti sedan and wanted to ask you guys the following:

First just quick questions. I'm pretty sure the suspension is stock and was wondering are civics made to sit pretty low stock? Every now and then my car scrapes over dips/driveways and some of the taller speed bumps. And just getting into/out of the car it feels pretty low. roughly from the sideskirt to the ground is 19~20cm.

Secondly, whilst driving I've noticed that my engine sounds in general louder than normal. I've replaced the engine oil and filter and it's the same. Not sure how to explain it but I guess it's sorta like the engine is working harder than it should be (i.e pretty loud when just driving normally). It has has clocked about 150,000 kms. Is this any cause for concern or just old age?

I'll probably take it to a honda mechanic sometime soon to get their opinion but in the meantime if anyone has any ideas i'm all ears.

Cheers

[MWAKU]

20cm off the ground is pretty high. like really high. how fast are u going over the bumps :S just check if u have anything, just have a look behind and up from the wheel, if its black springs black shocks is most probably stock, if its a different color springs, ur running springs, la la same inspection for coilovers rara.