Civic FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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We regulars tend to see the same questions being asked every week or couple of weeks... Having to constantly respond to these questions makes some of the regulars irate. To avoid being "flamed" or told to use the search function, it's always best to check this thread before asking a question.

 

This thread will be updated as necessary. To keep it from being p/w'ed, this thread will remain locked. If you wish to contribute, please PM the moderators of this forum to have your Q&A added.

 

Information

 

- ECU/Motor List - http://www.hondaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=10449

- Engine Code List - http://www.hondaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=5857

 

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THE FOLLOWING WAS LAST UPDATED 7/29/05

 

Questions and Answers Currently Found in this Thread

 

1. Where can I get a motor? What is the best place online to find a USDM or JDM engine?

2. Do I have VTEC? What engine do I have? Why doesn't my valve cover say VTEC?

3. How much HP (horsepower) does my Civic have? What are my engine specs?

4. What should my first modification be? What are the most common mods?

5. Which intake should I get? Is there a difference? What if I have an engine other than stock?

6. How much is my car worth? Should I sell it, trade it, or keep it?

 

7. What is the difference between a 4-1 and 4-2-1 header? Which is best?

8. How do I reset my ECU? How do I read codes from my ECU?

9. What does my ECU trouble code mean?

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1. Where can I get a motor? What is the best place online to find a USDM or JDM engine?

 

- Your best bet in finding a motor is to search around your general area for a reputable shop that has some in stock. This will save you shipping costs (which can be up to $300 or more depending on the engine, and your location), and most local shops will offer you some kind of warranty.

 

If you are looking to purchase online, visit hmotorsonline.com. They are highly reputable, have fair prices, and offer a start-up warranty that is detailed at http://hmotorsonline.com/shop/warranty.html .

 

 

2. Do I have VTEC? What engine do I have? Why doesn't my valve cover say VTEC?

 

- If you own a 92-95 Civic EX or Si model, you have the D16Z6 engine, which is a SOHC VTEC engine.

 

If you own a 96-00 Civic EX, you have the D16Y8 engine, which is a SOHC VTEC engine.

 

The easiest, and fastest way to see whether you have VTEC is to look for the vtec solenoid, as pictured below:

 

 

Some valve covers from those generation Civics have "VTEC" written on them, and some do not. If yours does not, it does not mean you don't have VTEC.

 

 

3. How much HP (horsepower) does my Civic have? What are my engine specs?

 

Please refer to the following resources:

 

HondaForums Civic Engine Code List

Sport Compact Car Ultimate Honda Engine Swap Guide (In PDF format)

HondaHookup Engine Comparison Chart

HondaHookup Speed Chart

SuperHonda Honda Engine Codes

 

 

4. What should my first modification be? What are the most common mods?

 

- The most common modifications are "bolt-on" mods. Most beginners start off with one, or a combination of the following: Intake, Header, Exhaust. (or i/h/e).

 

Before choosing a modification, you should really take the time to decide what you want from your car. Do you just want something that you think looks good? Do you want a good sound system? Do you want to take it to the dragstrip, road course, or auto-x? Deciding what you want from the car can save you a lot of time, and money when it comes time to purchase your modifications.

 

 

5. Which intake should I get? Is there a difference? What if I have an engine other than stock?

 

- If you ask this question, you will most likely get the following answers: AEM or Injen. (Cold Air)

 

For relevant threads:

http://www.hondaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=3087

http://www.hondaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=4967

http://www.hondaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=5932

 

If you have a Civic with an engine swap, take a look at AEM's line of Hybrid intakes, which are specifically designed for vehicles with popular engine swaps. You can also refer to the following thread: http://www.hondaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=3396 .

 

 

6. How much is my car worth? Should I sell it, trade it, or keep it?

 

- Visit kbb.com. Do not believe that you can sell a Civic with a blue book value of $2900 for $10,000 because you have modifications done to it. You may be fortunate enough to find a buyer for it, but for the most part... modifications to a vehicle do not bring the value of the car up. You will usually end up getting a better deal by selling your modifications, bringing the vehicle back to stock, and selling it that way. Of course, there are always exceptions.

 

Whether you sell it, trade it in, or keep it is entirely your decision. None of us will be driving the vehicle, or taking care of it, so therefore our opinions should not make a difference.

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7. What is the difference between a 4-1 and 4-2-1 header? Which is best?

 

See: http://www.hondaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=4117

 

 

8. How do I reset my ECU? How do I read codes from my ECU?

 

- To reset your ECU, simply pop your hood, disconnect your battery terminals for a short period of time (recommendations range from 30 seconds to 5 minutes), then replace the terminals.

 

To read the trouble codes on your ECU, uncover your ECU (should be located by lifing the carpeting on the passenger's side. the ecu may be on the right, or in the center below the carpeting), and count the red flashes.

 

 

9. What does my ECU trouble code mean?

 

See:

http://www.hondacivicforum.com/m_45386/tm.htm

http://tech.hybridgarage.com/tech/codes.html

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The following threads have been added (and unpinned for clean-up):

 

- ECU/Motor List - http://www.hondaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=10449

- Engine Code List - http://www.hondaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=5857