Rep Power: 207

I'm back!

It's been a while, but I bought a 97 DX last weekend and I am back on this wonderful forum. My Volvo has a busted exhaust valve so I have to sell it.

How she (Toshi) is now...



She has 138k miles, a pretty rough exterior and needs a new timing belt along with a tune up (happening today). Manual steering, D16 engine (paper filter stock).

I plan to run this engine as long as possible, I am not going to modify it anytime soon.
I plan on getting full ebiach suspension kit with sway bars and upgraded brakes when I get rid of my Volvo (this weekend hopefully). I want to make it a formidable autocross car and DD.
I have no plans to fix the cosmetic issues in the near future, function first.
I am installing my kenwood deck and 2 350rms 10" subs with dual single channel amps. I will need to get some component speakers because the 2 stock from ones are completely blown. Most likely polk audio or memphis audio brand.

It is the same make/model/color as the civic that i owned a few years ago that is why I named her "Toshi" (mirror image in Japanese).

 
Rep Power: 511

Ah crap, he's back.. lol, jk. Welcome back!

and I'm sorry for this in advance.

Um.. Best be safe to not watch it at work. Just to be sure. Skip to 0:37 if it doesn't

 
Rep Power: 517

HelloTitle reminded me of something.....
We've had employees like this......I need to make up a 'welcome back' basket with Valtrex in it...

 
Rep Power: 207

Thanks y'all

You are not going to believe it, but I couldn't get the crank pulley off, and I stripped the teeth right off the timing belt trying to remove it. So after impact gun, and hammer and heat and breaker bar etc. I am going to Honda tomorrow morning to see if they have the tool in stock. Damn it.

Anyways I'm mobbin my moms truck for tonight lol.

 
Rep Power: 511

I got mine at o'reilly auto. They offered it for rent, I asked to buy it

 
Rep Power: 366

Heya, mad dog, long time!

 
Rep Power: 207

good to know, I'll hit them up before the dealer for sure!

 
Rep Power: 207

I went to auto zone and rented the tool for about $40. I finally got that damn pulley off!

I also did a full tune up... plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air cleaner, oil change, timing belt with water pump and tensioner, valve adjustment (one has to be off, making a lot of noise, I'll get it next weekend), coolant flush, new valve cover gasket and oil cap (the old one was missing the rubber seal and leaking), all 3 engine/trans mounts, fuel injector cleaner. I have the fuel filter, but ran out of time to install it.

next time...
Brake inspection/repair (it shakes under heavy braking), also I think something in the suspension might be loose, so I'll look for that too.

Toshi idles smoother, and has much better throttle response from idle. I don't know how much gas mileage it was getting, but I am assuming that will improve as well. top end is still gutless.

 
Rep Power: 207

So Toshi has been idling up and down, I suspect a idea air control valve, but I will do the timing and fuel filter before testing for the idle air. I think I may have also adjusted one of the valves out of spec, one is clicking loudly. So this weekend I will check the valve lash too. It feels so much better with the new engine mounts.

I sold my old car (99 Volvo V70XC turbo awd tuned). So after I budget everything for the next couple of months I will see if I can afford the ebiach suspension kit.

 
Rep Power: 207

Toshi, is shaking when breaking at high speeds and light vibration during 75mph+, so I am going to do a brake and suspension inspection tomorrow too.

I also removed my two 350RMS subwoofers out of my old car with the Kenwood deck. I ordered Polk Audio 6 1/2 and 6X9 speakers and new amp wiring and dash install kit with Honda harness. I will install that after I get the mechanical stuff fixed.

 
Rep Power: 242

Nice! You're going to be bumping big time! Are you going to Dyno Mat or anything?

 
Rep Power: 207

Why would I need dynamat when I have a loud stereo to mask the road noise? lol

I am going to insulate the plastic interior panels with one sided foam tape to resist rattles. Plus dynamat is expensive. Maybe mattress pad material for the headliner, if I get bored one day.

Window tint on the way too. This cars long angled windows create a nice greenhouse effect.

 
Rep Power: 207

I rechecked and adjusted the valves, changed the fuel filter and adjusted the timing. Now she purrs like a kitten (two of the valves where .005 off) and has some more hp for sure. The idle surging seems to be gone as well. I think the fuel filter was clogged.

Fuel filters are the most neglected tune up item. I think the one I removed was the original.

Next is figuring out what is making the vibration. I checked the tie rod ends and ball joints, they seem to be nice and tight. So next weekend I will inspect the brakes and wheels for bends/warpage. I will also install the short throw shifter that I received this week.