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I'm sure this is somewhere in some thread, but I've been reading this forum for years and have yet to find the answer particular to this.

The Situation:
I drive a 2002 Civic DX-G Sedan. This thing is stock except for audio and some paint changes. I've been driving this thing every day for about 2 years.

I just purchased a 2001 Civic SI (Canadian, aka EX) Coupe.
The coupe has:
K&N Filter (haven't looked at it much to know more about it)
VTEC
Muffler - don't know much about it yet, but they didn't change the exhaust pipes, just threw a muffler on the end (as far as I can tell so far)
Honda Rims

The Issue:
The 2001 is noticeably slower off the line, but faster at the top.
My question is whether or not this is normal? I was hoping the VTEC might make it a tiny bit faster, but didn't expect this.

I've been reading all manner of posts about maintenance and such, so can anyone recommend somewhere I might start to try and isolate the problem (if there is a problem?). I will submit to your expertise on this one - I will have both cars for another few weeks, so the 2001 is not my primary driver yet.

 
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it is somewhat normal, altho i would point to the K&N's very low 92% filtration as a possible problem because dirt particles can cause all sorts of problems. but anyway the vtec does not really do much unless you are flooring it and above 4500 rpms. otherwise for normal driving, you actually are getting worse performance than a non vtec because the vtec never uses its full amount of valves. so yes the non vtec will use the whole engine output during normal driving, and the vtec will only use it for the higher cam profile (essentially when youre racing). not a huge difference, but enough to notice. the vtec was made more to balance good gas mileage and power depending on how you drive.

 
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Should I take it off and clean it out, or am I looking at cleaning dirt particles further down the line if that was the issue?

I have no issues swapping some parts to get this thing back on track, but when I say noticeably slower I mean that the 02 would be a car length ahead before the 01 has even traveled a full car length.

Stupid example: If I try to "squeal" the tires on the 01 it's real easy, but the 02 will not take off fast enough to make any noise, it "eases into" the take off.

Does that make sense? I'm not all about the technical speak.

 
Rep Power: 812

i meant dirt that is getting sucked past the filter and into the engine. switch to a paper dry filter (aem dryflow if you have an aftermarket intake) and clean out the intake system parts and vtec solenoid. there is a good thread with some info on how to take it apart.

you can also tighten the throttle cable under the hood to give a faster pedal response. but the non vtec will be faster in the lower rpms. the vtec will not get faster until above 4500 rpms and then only for a second or two til you hit redline. the vtec is normally only using 12 full valves and 4 partial open valves, whereas the non vtec is using 16 full valves all the time. so in a way, most daily driving and racing below 4500 rpms you are using a "crippled" engine with vtec that is not performing at the best it can. that is just how the system works. a tuneup and cleaning out parts can still help, but dont expect miracles. not only is the non vtec a better engine for daily driving, the dx/lx are also lighter cars which helps performance as well.

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...e-up-mods.html

 
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Thanks gearbox,

The thread you linked is already bookmarked from when I was reading through everything before. I will take the whole intake off and see what I can about cleaning it and changing the filter.

I already intend to do many of the tune-ups you linked to - I imagine next to none of them have been performed on the car, and at 280,000 it must need some TLC.

I wonder if the throttle cable has loosened though, because I've noticed a slower response on that in general - will add this to the list of things to check.

 
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Small Update:

Looks like the coupe either needs a new transmission or a rebuild on the transmission.
As the sale is not yet final, I have to debate this one.

The car is only $1600, but with transmission repairs that price will likely double.

 
Rep Power: 812

the 2001 autos were the worst with trans problems, but 02-05 also has a good amount of issues. i would steer clear of the autos. i would recommend keeping the dx, its a better car in every way. and trans repairs will never last. it will break down again and have all sorts of issues. when mine goes out, i will prolly just junk the car after selling off some parts, or sell it whole to someone who wants to rebuild. not worth the trouble to me.

 
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Ahh.. this is definitely not what I wanted to hear.
I can't wait to get out of my DX. No cruise control, everything is loose and creaky and noisy.. not to mention it's a sedan and I want to switch to a coupe with seats that actually support my back.

I'm leaning towards making the change anyways, even if it's just to feel like I have a new vehicle. The tranny is making some noise and they haven't isolated the exact cause yet, so we will know soon enough how bad it is. Worst case scenario, I would put a different tranny in it if the repairs won't last.