91 Civic Build Thread

[ratherbehiking]

So It has Begun. I just picked up this civic hatch for my new 120 mile round trip commute and have been pretty impressed with the mpg numbers I have been getting so far. A truck and 3 SUVs is all I have ever owned and have tried my best to get good mpg numbers with those vehicles but I got to say having a small car is awesome!

I started with simple stuff that I didnt need to spend money on. like the passanger wiper delete and removing junk from the car. then picked up some stuff at my local Restore that I will use for the wheel skirts and is what I used for the grill block and antenna delete. not sure what the name of the stuff is, its kind of like frp, was only like 8 bucks for almost a full sheet so I figured Ide give it a try.

My first goal is 60mpg. I drive 98% of the time on the freeway but the commute is on a BUSY 75mph freeway with only 2 lanes in each direction so driving under 65 is kinda scary.

hopefully will finish the wheel skirts soon, will be doing smooth wheel covers (anyone know where I can find 13" pizza pans?), belly pan and kamm definitly. any comments, and help are greatly appreciated.

[turbotomass]

I've own an older civic like this for years and have been used to the excellent gas mileage. It wasn't drivable for awhile and I had to drive my volvo with gets 20 +/- and I couldn't stand it. I don't know how people can drive trucks and suv's as DD's.

I'm new to aero mods and haven't done any to my car, but I'll checking out your build progress and maybe copyi a few ideas as driving alone I've hit the wall at about 38mpg.

[some_other_dave]

Probably the most important mod:

MPGuino!

How you drive is probably the #1 influence on your fuel economy. It is very difficult to tell how you're driving without feedback, and waiting until you've driven through 10 gallons of gas means your feedback takes a very long time.

The MPGuino can also tell you if any other mods you make are having a good or bad effect.

-soD

[drmiller100]

a vx trans has LOOOOONG gears.

advance the timing the full length of the "notch'.

drive it.

[turbotomass]

It doesn't make any sense to advance the ignition timing. Ignition timing is set to where the max. amount of pressure/force is being exerted on the crankshaft at the angle with the most leverage. If that happens before or after that point you waste energy.

Plus the more advance the timing is the more energy is lost pushing the piston up the cylinder against the explosion.

when you make more power the mixture burns quicker. retarding timing actually makes more power.

[turbotomass]

Originally Posted by some_other_dave

Probably the most important mod:

MPGuino!

How you drive is probably the #1 influence on your fuel economy. It is very difficult to tell how you're driving without feedback, and waiting until you've driven through 10 gallons of gas means your feedback takes a very long time.

The MPGuino can also tell you if any other mods you make are having a good or bad effect.

-soD

I'm thread jacking here a bit, but the info could help the OP. I've been in quite a few cars with mpg gauges; bmw, volvo. and it seems as if it simply goes off of throttle position. less throttle more mpg, no matter what. I could get that data from a vac. gauge.

[basjoos]

Originally Posted by ratherbehiking

(anyone know where I can find 13" pizza pans?)

I ended up getting 14" pans and used tin snips to cut them down to 13".

[ratherbehiking]

thanks everyone for the replies!

I am definitely interested in getting a MPGuino, dont really know much about them actually.

The VX trans is probably not going to happen any time soon, maybe though if the current trans ever goes out on me.

Basjoos thanks for the info on the pans. I found some 12" pans at dollar tree that measure 13" but the rims are actually more like 14" across. been thinking of finding some vx wheels or maybe some hx rims so I have more LRR tire options. any input on 13" LRRs? it seems general searching has come up with view options.will definitly need some different tires: the current set up is 4 different tires 2 of which being winter tires. so I have got to be taking a hit there.

Thanks for all the info everyone. I am still very much a noob when it come to ecomodder and definitly civics.

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by ratherbehiking

I am definitely interested in getting a MPGuino, dont really know much about them actually.

Read this thread first:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tbi-11899.html
I really want one, but as far as I know, they won't work with the weird Honda throttle body injection. Converting to MPFI is supposed to improve MPG and should be compatible with the MPGuino. Or swap in a CRX HF drivetrain.

[ratherbehiking]

Hmm...so looks like the MPGuino might be a no go, that kinda sucks! I dont really want to deal with a MPFI swap but I do have a question about a CRX HF trans swap. I just found a HF trans local for $150 obo. Is there anything else I would need to do a trans swap? is it just a drop in swap? I have the 4 speed.