Converting Cali Civic VX to Fed (lean burn) VX

[backsidesnap]

I might build one for you if you really wanted. It takes alot of time though. I will try and post a couple of pictures. The difficulty is getting the wiring correct. Just got my brothers all connected and looking pretty. He says he feels a little more power. The first thing you would need to do is find the five wire o2 sensor and then the ECU.

[AZVX]

Sounds good...

Please do...

I've seen the combo of L1H1, computer and harness go for $250...

I bought the computer and L1H1 already (ebay)...

I thought once you built one already, it is going to be easier for the second.

My number: (backwards for obvious reasons) is 888-308-9084 if you want to discuss it.

[TroyVX]

Well I got the "L00" ECU and installed it and the car runs great. It was a plug and play deal which made it nice. I'm going to get it smogged in the next few weeks. So I'm happy for now, I'll let you know if it does or doesn't pass the Ca smog test.

[backsidesnap]

Oh you have the 92 vx! That is so awesome, much less of a pain in the ass to make it lean burn thanthe later years, just a correct ecu and you are golden! I wonder if yiu tracked your mileage before the conversion so you can compare?

[TroyVX]

@ backsidesnap, yeah it was easy, It hasn't run correctly since we got it so no mileage checks at this point. We're really not that interested in the high mileage thing. We we're look at the VX for it's light weight, and it's just a car for my son's first ride. This VX was a 49 states car and now has the California ECU so I'm hoping it'll pass the ca smog test so we can get it transferred into my name!!

[Crazy88]

Originally Posted by texanidiot25

Wordy is always better than having to answer question later

FWIW, the 1st gen CRX HF did 41/51 in the current EPA adjustments, and it used a carb no less! I wonder what miracles the VX motor could have in the old HF shell (which has a curb weight of 1730 lbs).

I remember reading about an HF with a VX engine. The guy took an HF that had been used in racing, so it was stripped of all unnecessary weight. I think it weighed less that 1600 lbs. With the VX engine, the owner claimed he was getting around 60 MPG. With better driving technique and aero mods, I'm sure you could do much better than that.


Incidently I have a Cali. VX. I didn't realize it until after I'd bought it that it didn't make use of lean burn. Fortunately it is a '92 so I just picked up a Fed. ECU and gained about 5 MPG immediately.

[AZVX]

I got the needed parts to make not one but 2 harnesses at a local pick n pull. I re-read the instructions, and the only thing not clear is do you leave the old harness in place?

To me that would be the easiest, covering up the org. plugs with electrical tape.

BTW, what a dirty job pulling those connectors were! The PnP had 7 civics, all shells with nothing left...surprise...but I harvested several connectors from a big Acura, and an early 90's accord.

The civic is at the mechanics for: Timing belt, alt and a/c belts, water pump, new axles & seals, thermostat, radiator, cam and crank seal.

It was leaking bad, presumably out of the crank or cam shaft seal. I figured that might have destroyed the timing belt...(looked good, but the slob who did it, didn't bother to change the seals while in there)

Now I just hope that driving a 5 speed doesn't aggravate my back again.

Thanks for the help, great forum.

[wxxyz]

Thanks for the thorough write-up, my gears are really turning now!

[AZVX]

Hey guys,
Thanks to this thread I'm now up and running with my 93 VX. About 3 weeks ago I also bought a 2000 Insight which also does the lean burn, and it feels the same in both cars....a shudder and then that running lighter feel...

Couldn't be happier!

The car has been gone through completely and just needs new paint, due to AZ sun fading. (red)

[steffen707]

What "shudder" feeling are you talking about? The shudder when the car goes out of lean burn and into regular mode?