Rep Power: 208

So, here's the car and why this is not-quite-a-build thread.



Lots of other things to spend money on, so not a lot of cash to put into the car. I'm definitely more likely to be looking in the bargain bins and used tables for **** to use.

Also not-quite-a-build thread because I know ****-all about actually doing any of this ****, although I seriously wanna learn. I've got the Haynes, some tools, and holy**** can I follow directions.

I honestly had no intention of driving this thing for more than another year or two, and then moving along to something else that I would want to really invest time/effort into. But late last year, I finally came to terms with this one and I'm thinking I'll keep it. It's neat that it's a recent model, yet is pretty unique - hardly anyone does anything with the 1.7 ELs.

Since November 2009 (not actual mods, but this is where I've been putting the money):
- block heater
- remote start / alarm
- new battery
- air filters (done myself, yay)

I'll be posting up a few posts in a row to get caught up to current. Figure it's better that way than to have 20 pics in a single post

 
Rep Power: 208

Installed these myself (YAY for me!)


=====

After tint (50% all around):

 
Rep Power: 208

Upgraded my stock 13mm rear stabilizer bar to a 19mm RSX-S one...


... after a buddy had to cut off my endlinks

 
Rep Power: 208

I recently wetsanded/polished my headlights.
This was using the "by hand" method.. lol

Before and After:



Before and After:

 
Rep Power: 208

Soooo... today, I went from this:


to this:


One step closer to a woodgrain-free interior!!

 
Rep Power: 208

Oh, and lookie what I found when I was ripping into my console:


Here's the close-up:


Somehow, a penny ended up working its way in there, and getting lodged right there. Given how tightly everything was snapped together, I'm stumped how this would have happened.

 
Rep Power: 208

And now... the stuff that's purchased, just not yet on the car:

 
Rep Power: 208

Finally got around to repairing my LF turn signal


Now, I just need to remove the rest of 'em and wetsand/polish them so they'll ALL look new

 
Rep Power: 812

nice mods so far. what color does that radio light up at night?

 
Rep Power: 208

The radio and console lights are amber.

 
Rep Power: 352

niceest stock civics ever! y are US models so ugly compared to canada's?

 
Rep Power: 208

This is a 1.7 EL... same basic idea as the Civic EX sedan, just luxxed out.
The Civics up here look the same as the US ones (well, except for that whole Si/SiR thing lol).

 
Rep Power: 217

I like the U.S. Sedan's Front end for 04-05. And love the Canada's EL Rear

 
Rep Power: 209

Good job with the headlights. I'm actually gonna be doing that sometime this month. Weird thing is, my left one is the only one that's got a haze on it. No idea how that happened.

So this is the first I've ever heard of this. I know Canadian Civics are slightly different than US Civics. But they are sold as Acuras??? BTW I really like that climate control. Anyone know if there is a direct conversion for climate control into an 04 ex?

 
Rep Power: 208

NOTE: the following is specific to 7th gen, but *might* apply to other gens as well:

The Canadian and US Civics are the same for the DX/LX ...
The US EX is the same as the Cdn Si
The US Si is the same as the Cdn SiR
Badges are different, but the actual cars are the same.

Now, on to Acura's role in this.
The Acura EL was introduced in Gen 6, and carried through Gen 7 (which is the model I have). It's chassis code is ES3, so it's basically a US Civic EX sedan, only with: heated power mirrors, heated front seats, leather interior, moonroof, keyless door/trunk entry, upgraded suspension, and some other goodies.

The EL was a Canada-only model, so it's unique (and also difficult to find aftermarket support for). For Gen 8, the EL was replaced by the CSX (again, a Canada-only model).

 
Rep Power: 208

Forgot about this.. lol

It should, yes. The only difference would be the ***** themselves have a setting for AUTO (automatic climate control) that the Civic wouldn't have. Everything should just bolt in, though

 
Rep Power: 253

****ing Canadians get all the nice ****.. I want heated leather seats.. and climate control..lol

 
Rep Power: 812

yeah the climate control wont work on auto without a new multiplex unit. the hybrid civic has the same thing but with an econ button. same auto and stuff for dials. i swapped in the temp dial cause it looks better than the regular one, but the color isnt a perfect match (slightly more silver look).

 
Rep Power: 209

Thanks for the info guys.

 
Rep Power: 208

Mail delivery today brought good news! I received my Strut King parts (SS adapter, and bushing sets).

No chance to put 'em on yet, but hopefully soon

 
Rep Power: 0

I sorta like the woodgrain on the center console by the shifter, too bad the woodgrain around the radio didn't look as nice.

 
Rep Power: 208

Yeah, I still have the woodgrain you're talking about - although as soon as I can find a deal on replacing the whole shifter console, I'll do it lol

But the center console that I replaced... wow, what a difference! The woodgrain there was just an eyesore.

 
Rep Power: 291

How is the el suspension upgraded with regard to the civic suspension?

 
Rep Power: 208

I don't know the particulars, but from talking to other EL/Civic owners, the EL is apparently much stiffer and more responsive.

Kind of a non-answer, and I'll see if I can find any data - now I'm curious! lol

 
Rep Power: 196

well i got a funny story too. well i was taking off my door pannels to put new speakers in..swear to god this is true. i popped off that little thingy. you know with the power window buttons, well i found 6 dollars in quarters pennys dimes and nickles all under it!!! i was like no way. im guessin the lady befor me kept her change in it and some of it kinda slid into it?? but anyways i put it all in my center console and use it at drive throughs.lol

 
Rep Power: 208

^ now THAT's a find!!

 
Rep Power: 291

Only thing I've been able to determine is that the suspension is tweaked. I'm going to keep looking. From the pictures it looks like the car is dropped a bit compared to a stock civic. I've got dibs on your springs if they are shorter.

 
Rep Power: 196

yea i was hoping that the lady put some in the other door too...but i wasnt as lucky. oh and i did find a cd in that little thing the ebrake is in. but it was burnt and a shitty cd at that.lol

 
Rep Power: 208

Installed new shifter bushings (aluminum), and aluminum short shift adapter kit (both from Strut King).
WOW.

 
Rep Power: 235

Yeah, it comes from putting your spare change in the door pocket like I do. It slides down between the pocket and the clothe of the door. There's still a penny in there I couldn't get. lol