Ren: My '92 Civic

[Ecky]

In terms of trims, CX < DX < EX < LX in terms of features, while VX(92-95)/HX(96-00) are kindof off to the side as being upgrade for super economy, while Si is an upgrade for performance.

EH2 means that the chassis is either a CX, DX or VX trim. From the pictures it doesn't appear to have power steering, but that doesn't narrow it down any. The air conditioning and power steering was an optional upgrade on any of those trims.

If it's a CX or VX, the stock tire size should be 165/70/13, while the DX would be 175/70/13.

If it's a CX/VX, it should have a super-tall transmission (=yay). The DX has a shorter transmission. You'll know once you get on the highway, because a CX/VX transmission with the correct tire size will run about 2250rpm at 65mph. A DX tranny with the right tire size will be about 2750rpm at 65. This isn't too bad though, I still get 35-40mpg with a 1.8L B18 engine in my car (which has worse aerodynamics) on the highway screaming down the road at 4000rpm.

All 92-95 Civics came wired from the factory as OBD1. There are 3 possibilities: (1) the new engine is running on an ODB1 computer not designed for it (possibly re-tuned so it's ok), and it's using the stock wiring, or (2) the new engine has a jumper harness converting the wire harness to OBD2 right before the ECU, which would *probably* cause it to throw a CEL (check to see if the CEL bulb is still in the cluster or working, it should flash when you start your car) or (3) the entire car wiring has been replaced, which is pretty unlikely.

As a side note, I believe OBD0 and OBD1 share the same distributor and injectors, and OBD1 and OBD2 shares an alternator. It's possible to mix and match them with jumpers (converters) though. If scenario 1 or 2 is correct, it's likely that the OBD2 engine is using the OBD1 injectors and distributor from the old engine so they would fit on the harness. This shouldn't be a concern as the computer is what counts, but be aware when shopping for parts that you won't be shopping for the injectors/dizzy for a D16Y7. Definitely find out what computer you're running.

EDIT: Is it possible to borrow a tie rod tool from NAPA? I have another Civic that's in need of fixing and I don't want to spend $60 on the tool.

[darcane]

Originally Posted by Sven7

Today was spent blocking the grilles, sanding and retouching some of the cracking bumper paint, moving the license plate to a less distracting place, and removing the front "H" emblem. Turns out the car was built in Ontario.


Ren by Tyler Linner, Intergalactic Man of Mystery, on Flickr

Since the radiator is on the passenger side of the car, you will likely want to move the opening closer to the license plate. Otherwise, it looks good.

[arcosine]

Its probably missing a piece under the licence plate. I like how the side mirrors fold on hondas. How does the car track in snow, tires lined up?

Originally Posted by darcane

Since the radiator is on the passenger side of the car, you will likely want to move the opening closer to the license plate. Otherwise, it looks good.

[Sven7]

Ecky, thanks for the info. It's probably a DX but I'll check the revs when I drive it on the freeway next. It's not on insurance and I'm not driving it past the mailbox until it's on its way to the alignment shop. The steering is not safe.

Do you need a special tool to do the tie rods? I ordered a manual and it'll be ready to pick up this afternoon. I'll also check in the book and see.

I know the rad is on the passenger side. Planning on making a "pretty" grille block this week/weekend if I have time and will take that into account. There is no block under the license plate, but there's also no rad there either.

[MetroMPG]

Whyfor the no boat tail plans?

AND: congrats on the purchase!

[slownugly]

Depends are you doing inner or outer tie rods?

I saw the instrument cluster had been changed possibly for the 96-2000? If that thing is running on obd2 and wired properly that would be perfect grounds for an hx swap with a Vx transmission!!

[Sven7]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

Whyfor the no boat tail plans?

AND: congrats on the purchase!

Why no boat tail? A few reasons.
-Not enough time
-Not enough money
-Weird two-part hatch to work around
-Looks weird (ie, conspicuous)
-Not planning on keeping the car long enough for a ROI

I know what it takes and I'm not willing to put that effort into this car.

And, thanks!

Originally Posted by slownugly

Depends are you doing inner or outer tie rods?

I saw the instrument cluster had been changed possibly for the 96-2000? If that thing is running on obd2 and wired properly that would be perfect grounds for an hx swap with a Vx transmission!!

I'm not sure- whatever has play, I'd like to replace. I would really like to swap out the engine/trans for the high efficiency stuff, but afraid (much like the boat tail) it's not a nice enough car to put that effort in.

If I came across a VX transmission for really cheap I'd probably do it.

[brucepick]

Window problems are usually due to the tracks getting out of adjustment. But you're probably familiar with that.

If not -
Remove door panel. One track at each end of window. Each track has a adjustment near bottom. My recollection is one is fore-and-aft, the other adjuster is in and out. So between the two, you can match the tracks to the window. I had one work loose and need attention again after about a year or two.

[arcosine]

No special tools need for tie rod ends, I suppose one could use a spreader, but I just use a hammer and a little heat, if necessary. There is probably a you-tube video on it. Never had an inner tie rod go out.

Jack up the wheels, if the play is for-aft ( steering direction) its the rod end, if its up and down it's the ball joint (s) or bushings. I had a rear upper ball joint break in my 87 honda, it was on top, right above the tire. I lashed it together with bailing straps I found along the road and made it home.

[Sven7]

Thanks Bruce. The car had been broken into previously so perhaps they got bumped out of alignment in the window install.

edit, arcosine, thanks. With a manual and some cussing I should be able to figure it out.