I, too have a 3-door Excel and it is a great design. It easily holds anything that will fit into the hatch area and then some...<img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
To determine if its a base, GL, or GLS, look at the sixth number of your VIN(on the dashboard looking through the windshield on the left). If the 6th number is a 1, its a base. If its 2, its a GL. If its 3, then its a GLS. Or, easier, look at the back of the car. If it says Excel, its base. If it says Excel GL, then its a GL(Hon-DUH), and if its a GLS, it will say...Excel GLS. Plus, if its a manual, the base Excels use the Mitsu KM-161 4-spd whereas the GL and GLS manuals use the KM-162 5-spd transaxle.
The 1468cc engine is easy to upgrade, provided the right parts and you know what you're doing. The easiest thing I've done is the K&N filter. I am trying to come up with a CAI(Cold Air Intake) to replace the front tube(P/N 28210-21200). Its easy and these motors have a lot of potential, but you just need to know what you're doing. Peace.