WTB: Honda Civic VX (CA emissions) exhaust manifold

[NachtRitter]

During the most recent attempt at getting the old Maus ('94 Honda Civic VX) smogged here in Cali, we discovered that the exhaust manifold is cracked:



Unfortunately, the exhaust manifold is unique to the Cali VX:


Due to the uniqueness, it is exceptionally difficult to find. It is discontinued through the dealer, and there is nothing I was able to find on either eBay or Craigslist. The local auto dismantlers also had nothing. So I'm hoping that there is someone that is hoarding Cali VX parts that might have a spare Cali VX manifold available.

If not, I may need to find a non-VX engine to put into the car for the time being...

[user removed]

Used Honda Civic VX Exhaust Manifolds for Sale - PartRequest.com

Not sure if this is the right part, but may be worth a try.

regards
Mech

[NachtRitter]

Thanks for the input, but ya, checked several places like that, and every single one I checked in detail was for the wrong part... maddening!

For instance:
- Title says: P28 Honda Civic VX exhaust manifold
- Details says: P28 P72 P73 P30 VTEC Honda DEL SOL CHIPPED ECU Chip Socketed B16a2 B16a1 B16a
- I say: WTH? How does the exhaust manifold title relate to the ECU description??

Other descriptions also fail the check immediately... Coupe? No. Del Sol? No. 1600? No.

[WD40]

I believe that the VX and CX share the same exhaust manifold.
That should make it a little easier to find a used part.

[NachtRitter]

Great information! I confirmed that the CX engine (D15B8) used the same part number for the exhaust manifold in Cali as the VX engine (D15Z1). Thank you!!

[Mista Bone]

Part #3 is used to mount small turbos on Hondas wit a simple adapter, I have one sitting here.

Should be the same manifold as 88-91 HF and 96-00 CX/DX/LX which are prone to cracking. So much that Dorman offered a replacement for about $120.

However most replacements now are including the cat. with the manifold, ESP. in California.

[NachtRitter]

Thanks Mista Bone...

Looks like the HF uses an exhaust manifold that is similar to the non-Cali manifold in the VX. The design of the cat is different enough that the Cali cat will not fit with the non-Cali manifold (gasket is flat for the non-Cali cat, round for the Cali cat).

I do see the later CX/DX/LX have a similar manifold/cat arrangement, but the engines are 1.6l vs my VX's 1.5l... would the exhaust ports and studs be the same? Also, it looks like there are two O2 sensor ports (guess I could plug the lower one) and the flange from the bottom of the cat to the rest of the exhaust system looks different. Obviously, I'd love it if the later cat would work on my VX, but want to make sure it works before shelling out big bucks... even used ones are pricey!

I wouldn't mind finding an all-in-one manifold & cat, but everything I've found so far says "Not legal for sale in CA!"