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-   -   '96 Civic Sedan Ecomodding and Streamlining Project (no 56k!) (https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/96-civic-sedan-ecomodding-streamlining-project-no-56k-36428.html)

deluxx 05-02-2018 05:36 PM

'96 Civic Sedan Ecomodding and Streamlining Project (no 56k!)
 
My new car is a 1996 Honda Civic Sedan LX. I bought it for $700/USD.
I am the 6th owner.
She has 16****K miles.
She has the original D16Y7 engine @106hp.
She has the original 5 speed transmission with a 4.058 final drive.
She has Cooper GLS Touring tires @ 185/65R/15
All recommenced maintenance has been mostly completed.
The following list of parts have been replaced within the last few years.
Timing Belt, Water Pump, Rear Axles, Tie Rods, Camshaft Seal, Crankshaft Seal, PVC Valve, Valve Cover Gaskets, Fuel Filter, Wheel Bearings, CV joints,All belts, Air Filter, Radiator, Brake Light Bulbs. Headliner, Headlights, Headlamps, AC Freon, Brakes, Radio, Rear Speakers

TO-DO
  • Swap in Vtec motor with Vtec-e (If the engine fails)
  • Transmission Swap 5th gen CX (If the transmission fails)
  • Transmission Fluid (Pennzoil Synchromesh or Royal Purple)
  • Oil Change (5W-30 summer 0-20 winter)
  • Deep cycle battery / trunk relocation
  • Kill Switch
  • Off road lights
  • window tint
  • wheels with snow tires
  • Kats pad heaters
  • Kats coolant pump
  • lower suspension
  • mirror delete
  • Rear view camera/dash cam
  • OBDII splitter ScanGauge + bluetooth
  • TPS Cruise Control / Hand throttle
  • Thrust Turbo Muffler
  • easy trickle battery charge / HVAC pretrip plugin
Here, some pictures;
https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/05/...145708_DRO.jpg

The headlights are discolored, different from each other but not nasty.
https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/08/04/plates4.jpg

The interior is nice too.
https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/04/...402-200244.png

https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/04/...172225_DRO.jpg

This fell off, along with the LX badge years ago.
https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/04/...143214_DRO.jpg

This car also had a aftermarket alarm, removed.
https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/04/...155825_DRO.jpg

This little box beeps at you when you leave the key in or you leave the lights on, removed.
https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/04/...170327_DRO.jpg

I replaced the rear speakers and radio.
https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/04/...409_152019.jpg
https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/04/...409_153756.jpg
https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/04/...409_165139.jpg

I removed the wind catchers near the tires.
https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/05/...121607_DRO.jpg

In the coming months I am planning to modify this vehicle for better fuel economy with aeromods and more.

MetroMPG 05-02-2018 08:14 PM

Subscribed!

MetroMPG 05-02-2018 08:15 PM

Quote:

She has the original 5 speed transmission with a 4.058 final drive.
I assume that's stock? How does it compare to taller options that would work in this car?

deluxx 05-02-2018 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG (Post 568535)
I assume that's stock? How does it compare to taller options that would work in this car?

Yes its stock. According to ( http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post378478 ) I could swap the transmission for a 96-00 Civic HX or CX. It might be worth it. The transmission feels clunky with a solid clunk sound, hopefully a fluid change brings it back to life for a while.

California98Civic 05-02-2018 10:32 PM

Yes. And you can swap in the fifth gen VX/CX trans too, as I did, if you want the SUPER tall FD. Noticed you put 300 watt speakers in back. Stock was like 30 watts, no? What is in the doors? You like them all? Would the stock radio be able to power them?

deluxx 05-02-2018 11:30 PM

This is my first Honda so I don't know much about em, I'm learning.

I really enjoy having a nice radio in my car. The car had a aftermarket radio already. A JVC from ~2010. (sold for $20) The stock stereo probably pushes 25w to each speaker. This radio claims 52w. I was gifted this Sony radio and Polk speakers in 2007, It has mp3 CD support, HD radio, and 3.5mm input as well as RCA input. Top of the line even in 2018.
The front speakers are stock for now, I do plan on replacing them although the two I have are more then enough at 50% volume.

deluxx 05-08-2018 08:51 PM

First fill up:

456 miles on 9.481 gallons / $2.79 (US), for 48MPG

I kept it below 60mph, shifted to 5th gear at 35mph, turned the engine off at long lights, coasted in neutral downhill.
I filled her with 87 Sunoco at the same pump.

I think 70 MPG is possible at low speeds.

https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/05/..._143620.md.jpg

I'm happy with the MPG already!

MetroMPG 05-08-2018 09:13 PM

Nice baseline!

deluxx 05-09-2018 01:14 AM

I have a upcoming smog test including a visual test. (Maryland is so strict! :mad:

After that, aero begins

westb87 05-09-2018 08:38 AM

Subscribed! Keep us posted dude!

19bonestock88 05-09-2018 01:38 PM

Sweet baseline run! 48 is a great number

deluxx 05-10-2018 04:56 PM

I have had a scangauge for about 4 years now and it has been broken for about 1 year.
I ordered a 3rd party replacement wire for $10 and it didn't work.
I got a replacement from Linear-Logic $20 and it still doesn't work.
I called them and they said it was a free repair!!
now i want 2... :D

mpg_numbers_guy 05-10-2018 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deluxx (Post 569308)
I have had a scangauge for about 4 years now and it has been broken for about 1 year.
I ordered a 3rd party replacement wire for $10 and it didn't work.
I got a replacement from Linear-Logic $20 and it still doesn't work.
I called them and they said it was a free repair!!
now i want 2... :D

Get a cheap adapter and use the Torque app...cheaper, works just as well, and the screen looks better too! :D

deluxx 05-10-2018 08:49 PM

I have had 3 different Bluetooth obd things but they also require a $50 phone,2 12v power sources. and the battery in the phone is a hazard in the summer and it gets to cold in the winter.

Great tool for testing with a tablet and checking codes but not as good as a scangauge for a replacement gauge cluster.

mpg_numbers_guy 05-10-2018 09:56 PM

I just use my own phone - at an additional cost of $0. ;) Already connected to the adapter via Bluetooth, hooks up in 5 seconds, and ready to go! :)

deluxx 05-10-2018 10:19 PM

Back in the android 4.xx days it took about 5 minutes on a dual core w/ 512mb of ram,
I bought a $50 Moto E (first gen) for the work van, quadcore 1gb ram and it can only do 4 gauges on 1 page with the most basic settings possible before its overrun.
The best experience I have had was with a Coolpad 4", it was able to run full tilt on any charger without the battery.

deluxx 05-26-2018 05:05 PM

Got some gas today. 46.5 mpg. The car is doing well. :) This tank had ~40 miles of high-speed driving with 4 200lb dudes in the car. I think with our bags we hit the 850lb limit of the vehicle. I did some engine off coasting. I actually came really close to running out of fuel. I had about .3 gallons left! So my low fuel light isn't working.

I replaced the headliner, I tore the old fabric out and glued new (3M 77) I used actual headliner fabric, I also put a cheap aluminum sun visor against the metal roof. I have acquired a large amount of coroplast. 2 6x8 sheets, 10mm I think. I'm going to work on a belly pan this week.

My scangauge has come back from repair, going to mount that in tomorrow and get some pictures of the headliner.

California98Civic 05-26-2018 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deluxx (Post 570663)
Got some gas today. 46.5 mpg. The car is doing well. :) ...

Nice number... Well above stock and achieved cheaply. Bonus.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deluxx (Post 570663)
...
aluminum sun visor against the metal roof. ...
....

Is that inside or outside the cabin? And if outside, it is flush with the windshield, I hope.

Quote:

Originally Posted by deluxx (Post 570663)
... get some pictures of the headliner.

I need to replace the headliner in my car. You got OEM fabric or did something unique?

Xist 05-27-2018 01:21 AM

Where do you find a good car for $700?! My sister-in-law charged me $250 for her Accord, but it needed a timing belt, catalytic converter, and windshield.

The only running Civic that I found in the Phoenix area for $1,000 or under was this: https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/c...596942459.html

$1000 for an autocraptastic CX.

I would probably get better fuel economy in it than my HX.

deluxx 05-27-2018 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by California98Civic (Post 570667)
Is that inside or outside the cabin? And if outside, it is flush with the windshield, I hope.
I need to replace the headliner in my car. You got OEM fabric or did something unique?

I placed a foil sunshade above the headliner, touching the metal, inside the cabin. out of sight.

To get the headliner out is easy, you have to unbolt the rear view mirror, sunvisor ect, pop out the little clips and interior pieces. it will fall out. Pull it out of the trunk/hatch.

Then I pulled all of the fabric off and rubbed down the old foam a quick over with a rock.
Applied the glue even and thick to the old foam/cardboard and pressed the new fabric down. Trimmed and poked holes for the interior pieces to go back in.

I used 3M Super 77 $12 The sunshade was ~$5 and the headliner fabric was $25 from Joann Fabric they have a deal %50 off utility fabric. Its got the foam on the fabric.

https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/05/...527_123334.jpg
https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/05/...527_125444.jpg
https://i.imgrpost.com/imgr/2018/05/...527_123233.jpg

It's close to the same color, looks stock but a few imperfections but at least its not blowing out the window at speed. I doubt anyone would notice its not stock. Costs about $50 and ~6 hours :)

deluxx 05-27-2018 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xist (Post 570695)
Where do you find a good car for $700?! My sister-in-law charged me $250 for her Accord, but it needed a timing belt, catalytic converter, and windshield.

The only running Civic that I found in the Phoenix area for $1,000 or under was this: https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/c...596942459.html

$1000 for an autocraptastic CX.

I would probably get better fuel economy in it than my HX.

I got a ok deal, you just have to be patient.
Honda's are very popular here, and you can find several for under $1000.

California98Civic 05-27-2018 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deluxx (Post 570714)
I got a ok deal, you just have to be patient.
Honda's are very popular here, and you can find several for under $1000.

I just saw a $1,900 listing for a sixth gen civic that "needs a new engine". Ell-oh-(effin')-ell !!

And a 2011 BMW 238i with 110,000 miles, chips and dings everywhere, a salvage title, multiple leaks, and the check engine light on... for $4000! Hahahaha!

deluxx 05-27-2018 09:22 PM

Cheap cars aren't as cheap here as they seem. With smog and the state inspections, they are extremely strict and the vehicle has to be perfect. Or you know of a friendly mechanic for an inspection,

I'll get a letter in the mail soon ordering me to take my car to smog and a guy will plug a OBDII wire in, a probe in the tailpipe and rev it to 2500rpms for 2+ minutes. They also take pictures of the car. After I finish with that I'll do some aero mods.

California98Civic 05-27-2018 09:49 PM

My daughter says I should do the headliner in black instead of stock gray.

deluxx 05-27-2018 10:13 PM

The grey Joann had was a dark grey, and you don't notice a headliner if its in good condition only when its flapping around hahahahaa.

Chrysler kid 06-01-2018 01:49 PM

1 Attachment(s)
The deals are out there, but you have to be diligent. The sixth gen Civic is the most reliable car ever made and replacement parts are $20 each no matter what part

Check out my $1400 Civic LX!

Xist 06-02-2018 06:49 PM

Please link a $20 engine. Thank you very much.

deluxx 06-02-2018 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xist (Post 571141)
Please link a $20 engine. Thank you very much.

Found one!

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post571145

Xist 06-02-2018 09:40 PM

Those are rookie tires! Ya gotta pump them up!

I have watched a few videos lately where people said you could always find used Hondas for $300 - 500.

The best that I found was an Accord that has been up for two months, but the price has gone from $800 - $890.

Either someone should be able to talk them down to $500 or it is not even worth eight hundred, but they refuse to come down.

deluxx 06-02-2018 10:26 PM

Do you know how to find the RR of a tire? The car doesn't coast very well but I mostly assumed it was because its so lightweight, my route is basically waiting on jackrabbits to trigger lights and 45-55 mph cruizin

mpg_numbers_guy 06-03-2018 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deluxx (Post 571160)
Do you know how to find the RR of a tire? The car doesn't coast very well but I mostly assumed it was because its so lightweight, my route is basically waiting on jackrabbits to trigger lights and 45-55 mph cruizin

My car didn't coast well when I bought it too, but that was before doing aero mods and pumping up my tires. My tires were at like 32 PSI or something when I bought it. Aero mods + 41 PSI all around make it coast much better. Try pumping up your tires and see how much of a coasting improvement you see.

Xist 06-03-2018 12:48 PM

It is also possible that a brake is dragging. You can jack up each wheel and see how freely it spins.

deluxx 06-04-2018 04:00 PM

I had a dragging brake in the front right and I'm now @50psi

mpg_numbers_guy 06-04-2018 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deluxx (Post 571285)
I had a dragging brake in the front right and I'm now @50psi

Have fun coasting! :)

deluxx 06-06-2018 07:17 PM

I found a new job 1 mile away from home. The civic is now recreation only. :D

California98Civic 06-06-2018 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deluxx (Post 571478)
I found a new job 1 mile away from home. The civic is now recreation only. :D

Congrats on the job that'll aid your health and save gas money. More time and cash for mods?

deluxx 06-06-2018 08:04 PM

Oh yes! More time for life and mods, more money, more miles on the bike and skateboard. Work is downhill so I will coast to work, push uphill back home. Total win!

California98Civic 06-06-2018 08:30 PM

Every dollar you save in cash is an after tax dollar.... And if you drive sometimes in the cold months, no biggie. I wish I were closer to my job, but I bought my house in 09 at a steep discount in price and interest rates that I will never see again, so I hold onto it and drive the 12 miles.

deluxx 06-06-2018 09:39 PM

I still rent but its the cheapest house around, parking for 4 cars and no big property company or HOA to deal with, just a rich guy who lives nearby. I have to deal with some small issues like a leaking roof and a cracked driveway but its all good when you save $400+ a month.

deluxx 06-06-2018 10:25 PM

My brother owns a small muffler shop, gonna borrow the lift for belly pan installation because it seems we can't go 48 hours without rain this year. I'm going simple, aluminum over the exhaust, coroplast for the rest. He's a bit of a bully so I'm sure he will be a huge help and do most of the work.


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