1/4 honda civic ex?????

I had a discission yesterday with somone from this board. Well I talked to her through AIM and she is the one that mentioned this board. Anyway, I/m sure she will read this. I have read numerous times off of the internet and car and driver that my 98 honda civic will run a 16.8 second quarter mile stock. I told her i could prolly pull of at leat a 16.7 with an intake and my thermal exhaust. She told me i can expect 17's. Whats the real deal here? How bad does my engine perform??