Aerocivic - Restoration and further modding

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by AeroMcAeroFace

"Technology has really changed in the last 10 years, so maybe 150 or even 200 mpg is possible now." ah yes the new 200% gasoline, 200% more energy per litre. If anything, worse mpg is expected now due to the higher ethanol content they put in fuel.

Just shows, you don't need to be knowledgeable to be a magazine writer. I will be following this thread ecky.

If in the process of restoration you can add pictures of a how it was done then that would be great.

Absolutely.

I was very much interested to see how Basjoos had done his adjustable front grille block. It's rather ingenious and deserves pictures.

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by Ecky

Insight aluminum drums

I'm pretty sure the Insight front brakes bolt up too. But they are smaller.

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by Gasoline Fumes

I'm pretty sure the Insight front brakes bolt up too. But they are smaller.

That would be neat. I'll have to look into it.

The Civic front brakes clear 13" wheels while the Insight ones do not. I'll pull them all what apart and compare. Might just be than the Insight ones are aluminum and thicker.

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by Gasoline Fumes

I'm pretty sure the Insight front brakes bolt up too. But they are smaller.

So I checked and the size difference is 231mm vs 240mm - 3.9%. Brakes are one thing I'm generally very reluctant to downsize, but with such a small difference I'm considering it. The weight difference between the two cars is only around 200lbs, and Aerocivic is more rear biased. And, I'll never be towing with it, something I did (and do) extensively in my Insight.

Aerocivic seems to brake just fine, but I plan to pull the calipers off and service them anyway. Perhaps if the calipers are at all sticky I'll swap them.

[BlueCell]

Hi! Very cool to see the Aerocivic is still around. What part of Vermont are you in? I've always been curious whether it really lived up to the claimed MPG, so I look forward to hearing your analysis. I'm also curious how hard it will be to get through a VT inspection!

[M_a_t_t]

I don't think Vermont does inspections.

Edit: I see you're in Vermont as well. I didn't think they did. I registered my civic there without an inspection, but it's also 17 years older than the aerocivic.

[Ecky]

I'm just north of Burlington, on the Georgia / Milton border, and work in the Burlington area. I'll definitely bring Aerocivic that way once I get plates on it, but the DMV is only doing things by appointment or mail right now, and appointments are backed up nearly 2 months.

As for inspections, they're actually quite strict here. I expect it'll pass once I replace all of the tired bushings, given there's no rust and no CEL.

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by Ecky

That would be neat. I'll have to look into it.

The Civic front brakes clear 13" wheels while the Insight ones do not. I'll pull them all what apart and compare. Might just be than the Insight ones are aluminum and thicker.

I've had 13" wheels on my Insight. They just barely cleared the aluminum calipers. I can see some 13" wheels not fitting.

I doubt the slightly reduced braking power or lighter weight of the smaller brakes will noticeable, but it's the cool thing to do (which won't impress anyone either). Of course I have a pair of Insight calipers that will eventually go on the CRXFi.

[Ecky]

Some parts arrived.

[redneck]

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It should be mechanically sound after you install all those parts.

And maybe...

Just maybe...

A coat or two of that “Kilz Hide All” too...


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