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OG VX · 08-14-2014, 10:57 PM

Update: Registration/First Maintenance/Gauge Cluster Modifactions

We'll, finally folks, after all my talk, here's some "walk".

First up was registration. I'll post a pic because of the appraised value. HA!

Moving on...Maintenance work commenced as soon as I got the car back to the house.

I wanted to know exactly what I was "working with", so I ran a compression test. I'd like to think EricTheCarGuy, my favorite dude for Honda tutorials on YouTube, for the excellent advice on how to properly do compression testing.

First, I ran the tests on a cold engine ("dry" cylinders); then again with "wet" cylinders. Then, I drove the car for a couple of days with fresh oil and Engine Restorer additive. I then did the compression test once more, and achieved a bit more favorable numbers.

Overall, certainly not stats good enough to slap your momma about. However, they are within the working limits from Honda (135 psi, I understand, is the service limit). And most importantly, they are even. So, OK, now I don't feel too bad putting some time and money into this car.

The transmission got fresh Honda MTF. However, after a week of driving with it in, things still felt "crunchy". After some research, I decided to try Penzoil Syncromesh. Man, glad I did! Transmission is shifting much better now. I highly recommend it vs. the Honda stuff. The "crunch" is almost gone entirely. The syncros are worn, but I'm hoping that using this stuff in regular intervals will help prevent a tranny re-build....or at least, drastically delay it.

Lastly for this first update, I did some research into the dash lighting. My cluster was rather dull, even with the illumination knob turned all the way up. I did an LED swap on my truck and liked the brightness of it, but do have some "hot spots" on the truck cluster. After some research, I found and decided to follow this awesome DIY linked below from a Honda-Tech user; amber halogen bulb swap. I'll be following his council for the climate control and remainder of the dash buttons + clock as well.

My EG speedo cluster & climate control in amber - done right - Honda-Tech

And so, off I set removing the cluster and setting up for the bulb swap.

But while I was in there, I decided to do some custom paint work as well. Time to break out an old friend for my model car days...

All sealed up and drying post-paint.

Used this stuff. Dries clear. Great stuff. Called "Canopy Glue". Used to glue plastic canopy's on model airplanes.

V.1 all done and in the car the next day:

Night-time pic w/ the amber effect (whole dash will be this color soon)

Later that evening, I had another idea/addition to add. Woke up the next day and added it. SO glad that I did. Feel like it really makes the cluster and ties everything together with the "green" mods for the dash. Added a "sweet spot" of green.

Here's the "sweet spot" in action, right near the area I shoot to lean burn within while highway cruising.

That's it for now. More to come.

Thanks for eco-tuning in!

08-14-2014, 10:57 PM	#32 (permalink)
OG VX JDM hypeR mileR Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 418 The OG VX - '92 Honda Civic VX Team Honda 90 day: 68.64 mpg (US) Thanks: 475 Thanked 418 Times in 198 Posts	Update: Registration/First Maintenance/Gauge Cluster Modifactions We'll, finally folks, after all my talk, here's some "walk". First up was registration. I'll post a pic because of the appraised value. *HA!* Moving on...Maintenance work commenced as soon as I got the car back to the house. I wanted to know exactly what I was "working with", so I ran a compression test. I'd like to think EricTheCarGuy, my favorite dude for Honda tutorials on YouTube, for the excellent advice on how to properly do compression testing. First, I ran the tests on a cold engine ("dry" cylinders); then again with "wet" cylinders. Then, I drove the car for a couple of days with fresh oil and Engine Restorer additive. I then did the compression test once more, and achieved a bit more favorable numbers. Overall, certainly not stats good enough to slap your momma about. However, they are within the working limits from Honda (135 psi, I understand, is the service limit). And most importantly, they are even. So, OK, now I don't feel too bad putting some time and money into this car. The transmission got fresh Honda MTF. However, after a week of driving with it in, things still felt "crunchy". After some research, I decided to try Penzoil Syncromesh. Man, glad I did! Transmission is shifting much better now. I highly recommend it vs. the Honda stuff. The "crunch" is almost gone entirely. The syncros are worn, but I'm hoping that using this stuff in regular intervals will help prevent a tranny re-build....or at least, drastically delay it. Lastly for this first update, I did some research into the dash lighting. My cluster was rather dull, even with the illumination knob turned all the way up. I did an LED swap on my truck and liked the brightness of it, but do have some "hot spots" on the truck cluster. After some research, I found and decided to follow this awesome DIY linked below from a Honda-Tech user; amber halogen bulb swap. I'll be following his council for the climate control and remainder of the dash buttons + clock as well. My EG speedo cluster & climate control in amber - done right - Honda-Tech And so, off I set removing the cluster and setting up for the bulb swap. But while I was in there, I decided to do some custom paint work as well. Time to break out an old friend for my model car days... All sealed up and drying post-paint. Used this stuff. Dries clear. Great stuff. Called "Canopy Glue". Used to glue plastic canopy's on model airplanes. V.1 all done and in the car the next day: Night-time pic w/ the amber effect (whole dash will be this color soon) Later that evening, I had another idea/addition to add. Woke up the next day and added it. SO glad that I did. Feel like it really makes the cluster and ties everything together with the "green" mods for the dash. Added a "sweet spot" of green. Here's the "sweet spot" in action, right near the area I shoot to lean burn within while highway cruising. That's it for now. More to come. Thanks for eco-tuning in!