New here another Honda Civic guy

[alex16]

I have a lot of experience working on cars, including Honda's. This will be my 30th one I believe lol. I bought it from my friend not too long ago, its a 1999 Civic EX coupe automatic with 217k. We have card boarded and masking taped the front end and the door/hood gaps before and cruised at 55mph achieving 54+ mpg. I have a few plans for my civic but I am not going to go to extreme...or least no monster tail fins.

Things I want to do,,,


Aluminum sheet metal riveted to the front end with a opening for the radiator.

I want to have that opening have a linear actuated shutter to close off that opening until it reaches a little under operating temperature (override for winter)

Moon flying saucer hubcaps on steel wheels, stock 14's.

Mirror removal/replacement.

More to come as I learn more from this board

[MetroMPG]

Welcome to the forum!

Lots of Honda guys around here doing fun things with their cars and getting great results. You're in good company.

Too bad about the slushbox though... condolences.

[jedi_sol]

Originally Posted by alex16

I have a few plans for my civic but I am not going to go to extreme...or least no monster tail fins.

We dont do monster tail fins here...we do kaambacks!

you can also consider doing underbelly tray to smooth out airflow under the car.

Rear wheel skirts to smooth out air flow over the back wheels.

lookup user California98civic for more mod ideas.

[alex16]

awesome. I will do. I do want to make a underside aero soon as well, but simple things first lol.

I really like the idea of covering the wheel arches, I saw a Probe prototype on here and I can't believe we had a car like that in 1983. I had the idea to have front wheel arch covers that have hinges and springs to hold it in place while driving straight, and rollers to come in contact with the tire and allow them to push out for wheel turning. I also would like side skirts and maybe a way to make the airflow for the tires better?

[jedi_sol]

Originally Posted by alex16

I had the idea to have front wheel arch covers that have hinges and springs to hold it in place while driving straight, and rollers to come in contact with the tire and allow them to push out for wheel turning.

Here you go ...hinged front wheel covers

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...1-0-a-290.html

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by alex16

I also would like side skirts and maybe a way to make the airflow for the tires better?

Welcome! I have lots of notes no my garage page (linked in my signature file below). But on the ideas you list in this quote above: you're looking for "tire spats" it seems, and they're easy. My side skirts are cut rain gutter attached to the running boards.

-james

[alex16]

A lot of stuff I am going to duplicate from your Civic to mine for sure! I have dreams of putting a CX transmission in mine when my autotragic bites the bullet.

I also thought about the possibility of spare donuts for the rear with performance scooter tires for the rear.
...these alloys are too expensive but if cheap aluminum donuts could be found it would be nice

ebay item number 281138681065?


item number 161058787335

I doubt I could get away with that mod though. People so eager to sue one another... my luck I'd be rear ended and sued over having narrow rear tires lol.

[cbaber]

Welcome!

I wouldn't go putting motorcycle tires on your car. The load ratings for those tires are not designed for a car, and a tire that was designed to corner sideways wasn't designed for a cars suspension. The potential for less friction and lighter weight is not worth the the safety risks. Also, motorcycle tires wear quickly. It's a lose-lose.

But for the aero mods you seem to be on the right track. I would also suggest deleting your power steering and alternator as a future goal. As mentioned, California98Civic has provided lots of valuable information about our civics.

What kind of driving do you do mostly?

[alex16]

Most of my driving currently is terrible for mpg, 45mph and under up hill down hill mountain trails to and from work. The worst is a 3 mile 9% grade that the civic does not like. Even my Lincoln has to hold onto 3rd gear for the climb, the instant mpg gauge on the lincoln shows 8-9mpg on the grade. I have tried down grade without the engine but I don't feel safe without my brake power booster, so I neutral coast down it.

[alex16]

First mod was installed today.

APC Vacuum Gauge 107168 Black Bezel New | eBay

$14.00 vacuum gauge to show instant engine load.

I am curious if anyone has a wind speed gauge to monitor how much wind they are fighting.