Odyssey 1998 Honda Auto - build thread

[benphyr]

This thread will document my modifications to an older 1998 Honda Odyssey (1st generation with car doors not sliding doors!)

The challenges:
-mods that the other half can tolerate. That is, the vehicle needs to look stock or unnoticeably different. To put it another way, the modifications need to not cause questions from others.

***If you know information or have experience with this generation of Odyssey I would appreciate your advice.***

Cheers,
Benphyr

[benphyr]

These lists will be updated as changes occur.

Current Modifications:
-vent visors (from previous owner)
-upper grill block - tape
-partial lower grill block - tape
-tires inflated to 40psi

Plans/ideas:
-manual control of torque converter lockup (override to locked status)
-Manual control of gear selection
-black Kamback like new Odyssey has
-wheel covers to replace worn out hubcaps
-undertray
-mirror covers (aeropods)
-interior mirrors
-antenna delete

[benphyr]

http://owners.honda.com/vehicles/information/1998/Odyssey/specs#mid^RA386WEW

4 Speed Automatic LX-7

Engine
Type: Aluminum-Alloy In-Line 4
Displacement (cc): 2253
Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net): 150 @ 5600
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): 152 @ 4500
Compression Ratio: 9.3: 1
Valve Train: 16-Valve SOHC
Fuel System: Multi-PointProgrammed Fuel Injection
Ignition System: Electronic

Drivetrain
Type: Front-Wheel Drive
Automatic Transmission: 4-Speed
Final Drive Ratio: 4.785:1

Body/Suspension/Chassis
Body Type: Unit Body
Suspension: 4-Wheel Double Wishbone
Stabilizer Bar (mm, front/rear): 30.0/13.0
Steering Type: Variable-Assist,Power Rack-and-Pinion
Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft.): 37.7
4-Wheel Disc Brakes with 4-Wheel ABS
Wheels: 15" with Full Covers
Tires: All-Season: P205/65 R15

Exterior Dimensions
Wheelbase (in.): 111.4
Length (in.): 187.6
Height (in.): 64.6
Width (in.): 70.6
Track (in., front/rear): 60.0/60.8
Curb Weight (lbs.): 3450 (6-Passenger)3472 (7-Passenger)

Interior Dimensions
Headroom (in., front/middle/rear): 40.1/39.3/37.5
Legroom (in., front/middle/rear): 40.7/40.2/34.0
Shoulder Room (in., front/middle/rear): 57.1/57.9/47.6
Hiproom (in., front/middle/rear): 53.3/53.1/40.9
Cargo Volume (Behind rear seat/rear seat folded, cu. ft.): 9.8/45.9
Cargo Volume (maximum, cu. ft.): 102.5 (6-Passenger) 93.5 (7-Passenger)
Passenger Volume (cu. ft.): 152.8

Exterior Features
4 Side Doors
Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Remote Entry System: Accessory
Dual Power Mirrors
Alloy Wheels: Accessory
Full Wheel Covers
Body Side Moulding
5-mph Impact-AbsorbingBody-Colored Bumpers

Interior Features
Dual Airbags (SRS)
Front Bucket Seats with Armrests
Power Windows with Auto-DownDriver's Window
Power Door and Tailgate Locks
Cruise Control
Front and Rear Air Conditioning
AM/FM High-Power Stereo Cassette: 4x12.5-watt
Map Lights: Accessory
Quartz Digital Clock
Adjustable Steering Column
Tachometer
Seatback Pocket
Beverage Holders: Fr/Md/Rr
s-Speed/Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
Front 3-Point Seat Beltswith Adjustable Anchors
2nd-Row 3-Point Seat Belts: with Center Lap Belt (7-Passenger)
3rd-Row 3-Point Seat Belts
2nd-Row Seats: Removable Bucket Seats w/Armrests (6-Passenger) 50/50 Split Fold-Down Bench Seat (7 Passenger)
3rd-Row RetractableFold-Down Bench Seat
Remote Fuel Filler Door Release
Tailgate-Open Warning Light
Rear Window Defroster with Timer
Low-Fuel Warning Light
Cargo Area Light
Cargo Area Storage Bin
Upper and Lower Glove Compartments
Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
Rear Seat Heater Ducts
Maintenance Interval Indicator

EPA Mileage Estimates*/Fuel Capacity
City/Highway: 21/26
Fuel (gal.): 17.2

[benphyr]

1998 Honda Odyssey LX Passenger Minivan 2.3L 4-cyl. 4-speed Automatic Features and Specs

[Baltothewolf]

An undertray, grill block and wheel covers(if done right) would be the best way to go with picking up a few mpg (aside from driving style). If your other half drives the vehicle, I would not advise a grill block unless temps are going to be watched.

[benphyr]

I didn't even dare use the Kammback for visibility and fear of causing an accident if/when the large chunk of snow falls off in front of someone!

You might even notice a partial smooth wheel cover and wheel boat tails...

[benphyr]

Originally Posted by Baltothewolf

An undertray, grill block and wheel covers(if done right) would be the best way to go with picking up a few mpg (aside from driving style). If your other half drives the vehicle, I would not advise a grill block unless temps are going to be watched.

Undertray and wheel covers are distant future considerations right now. The nut behind the wheel is probably close to as adjusted as it will get but the ScanGauge will keep us striving. I'm not too concerned about the grill block at present since it is winter, it takes a looong time to warm up still and only really kicks out the heat when we are going up steep hills which are measurably short and returns to barely keeping the interior windows clear all the rest of the time.

Thanks for the suggestions. Do you know where I can find what temperatures 1998 Hondas (specifically Odyssey) would have thermostat open, fan 1 and fan 2 kick on? That would help guarantee we aren't overheating it right?

[Gasoline Fumes]

My parents' have a 1997 Odyssey and it heats up quickly in cold weather. You need a new OEM thermostat.

The underside of these vans is really rough. Limiting airflow under the van should help.

[benphyr]

Originally Posted by Gasoline Fumes

My parents' have a 1997 Odyssey and it heats up quickly in cold weather. You need a new OEM thermostat.

The underside of these vans is really rough. Limiting airflow under the van should help.

We just had the thermostat replaced a couple months ago. It is much better than it was with a dead thermostat, maybe the comparison with our previous vehicle, a 2005 Civic with half the kilometers, is an unfair comparison.

Thanks for the tip on the underside - I think I'll wait until after the -20 weather to take a look at what can be done.

Thanks!

[benphyr]

Cold starts at -21oC or colder had the engine complaining and turning over maybe half the speed of normal. Hard on the battery and engine!

So a few days ago we added a 430W block heater. It is a small element that replaces a bolt in the engine block and heats the coolant. The coolant heats transfers heat to the block. The coolant may be circulated by convection thus sharing the heat with more of the block (though I cannot verify this).

The difference in starting is significant. Yesterday it was -21 and the engine started moderately easily. The coolant temperature by the time I looked at my ScanGauge was 20oC. Today it is -20oC and I will remember to check coolant temperature right away and what the minimum it gets once the engine is on and the water pump is circulating. That may be a more accurate gauge of how much the engine is warmed.