Black & Green modding thread (1998 Civic DX Coupe base)

[cbaber]

Yes it would work. I don't know the 1-5th gear ratios between the VX and your DX, but you might want to plug some numbers and see how the different ratios will work with the VX FD. For example if the DX 5th gear ratio is shorter than the VX, would the end result of your hybrid transmission be about the same as a VX?

Mista Bone, as far as the HX goes, the VX is worlds better for fuel economy. I swapped my HX trans out for a VX, and the improvement is incredible. They really went more conservative as the cars got newer. Compare the CRX HF transmission to the VX, and then the VX to the HX, an then the 96-00 HX vs the 2001-2005 HX.

[Mista Bone]

No need to have me compare the ratios on 88-2000 Civic SOHC 4-5 Transmissions, you'll find most of the info...I'm part of it. Here is a Gearing Calc I helped on making sure all the D series ratios were correct. They have been my "passion" for 15+ years now.

Honda Transmission Calculator by ZealAutowerks

As the cars got newer, they got heavier and therefore couldn't take advantage of the longer gearing. My 89 CRX HF was weighed under 1800 lbs by the previous owner. 96+ are likely 2400-2600 lbs w/0 driver.

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by Mista Bone

No need to have me compare the ratios on 88-2000 Civic SOHC 4-5 Transmissions, you'll find most of the info...I'm part of it. Here is a Gearing Calc I helped on making sure all the D series ratios were correct. They have been my "passion" for 15+ years now.

Honda Transmission Calculator by ZealAutowerks

As the cars got newer, they got heavier and therefore couldn't take advantage of the longer gearing. My 89 CRX HF was weighed under 1800 lbs by the previous owner. 96+ are likely 2400-2600 lbs w/0 driver.

Nice calc! I wish I had put the DX 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears into the 49-State HF trans I put in my '91 Wagon. And replaced the noisy bearing.

[j12piprius]

Originally Posted by California98Civic

7 LED brake & running lights and a H4/HB2/9003 HID kit for the headlights

How do you like the LED brake lights?

Are the HID headlights only for better visibility, and did you consider LED headlights?

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by johnlvs2run

How do you like the LED brake lights?

Are the HID headlights only for better visibility, and did you consider LED headlights?

The lights are doing very well. No complaints. The HID kit was purely for reduced wattage. These are, IIRC, 35w bulbs whereas the OEM was 60w or 70w or something. It's all to increase battery life for the alternator delete and winter EOC driving. Very satisfied, but there are guys on here who vigorously, rigorously, and ideologically criticque and oppose HID systems in OEM reflectors. They have a point. The light scatters a little more. But I get few or no "complaints" from other drivers, ever. Btw, I got a color that imitates OEM.

[j12piprius]

Thanks for the feedback.

[PaleMelanesian]

OEM is 55W low beam. I have a set of Sylvania Ecobright halogens that draw 45W. I also have full LED's for everything else, all from SuperbrightLEDs. No complaints. Well, one complaint - I can't use them in the turn signals without hyper-speed-flashing. I've since noticed that both Honda and Toyota use regular bulbs for turn signals even in their top-trim models with LED taillights.

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

OEM is 55W low beam. I have a set of Sylvania Ecobright halogens that draw 45W.

Yup. That's right. I just guessed at my memory.

Originally Posted by PaleMelanesian

... both Honda and Toyota use regular bulbs for turn signals even in their top-trim models with LED taillights.

I think that's because of the cost of the added resistor thingys needed for LED flashers. I wonder if the new models' separate the bulb for the flasher from the bulb for the running lights? Would it be cheaper to have LED running lights and incandescent directionals, instead of LEDs with the added resistor element for each? My Civic uses the same bulb in the amber fixtures for both running and flashing. And so I have never tried to replace them, because the costs of the special units for an LED flasher seem a little prohibitive. The incandescent bulbs are about 20w each, though. So I can see a small voltage drop (0.1 volts roughly) whenever I turn on the running lights.

[PaleMelanesian]

My running lights are separate from the turn signals in front. Rear running lights are the taillights.

[j12piprius]

Nice updates to your garage and detailed explanations.

Are you still planning the "lightweight crank pulley, single belt conversion with harmonic balancer" when you change the timing belt, or do the comments here advise not to do it?