I used to drive a 2002 Honda Civic EX 5spd. When you'd turn the key it would instantly kick on the engine.

In the Formula it makes the "gung gung" noise a couple times before it kicks on the engine. Could the starter be biting the dust? Or does it just take more energy to turn over a V8?

- Formula V8

 

If the battery and altonator(sp) is good then i would replace the starter

 

As noted above, first check the alternator condition? Then the state of the battery charge. If that checks out, check the condition of the starter. A healthy system should kick in and start with the first touch of the key. A starter that is drawing too many amps can screw up the power availble for the injectors and ignition, making the startup painfully slow.

 

My starter was a lil slow and the nose broke off, after i got the new one in it seems it cranks twice as fast.