Civic LX 97 not-so-stellar-performance

Hi,

I got this Civic LX 97 a few weeks ago. I checked the engine
compression, it is OK, all cylinders 158-161psi.
I also have a 2001 Civic LX that my wife drives now. Both cars are
manual transmission.

Here is what I notices:

Acceleration: the 97 accelerates noticeably slower than the 01

Power/torque: When I climb a hill, I have to downshift 97 one more gear
compared to 01: let's say I use 3rd gear on 01, I have to use 2nd gear
on 97, to climb the same hill at the same speed.

Ping: I am not sure if that is a pinging sound or not, but I do hear a
different engine sound every once in a while when I drive the 97. I
could be wrong here though

Gas mileage: I get 27 mpg city compared to 30-32 on the 01.

So, what can I do? my next step would be to replace the sparkplugs, run
a fuel injector cleaner (Techron? I heard good things about this stuff)
and see what happens. Oh, I am also going to replace the air intake
filter.

Any other things to check?
Thanks

 

do you think the fact that the 01's got a 1.7l engine vs. the 97's 1.6l
has got anything to do with it? how about the better control
electronics for the newer [different engine model] affecting the
injection & therefore fuel economy? you also miss little details like
the mileage...

seriously, if you want to make sure the 97's as good as it can be, you
need to go right back to basics. make sure the ignition & injection
systems are good and adjusted right, make sure the valves are adjusted
right, make sure you don't have any binding brakes, use good tires &
inflate them properly... spend time working through all the service
items. take the time to know the vehicle for what it is, not what it isn't.

 

Right... I always thought a smaller engine is more efficient than a big
one. so the 97 (1.6L) vs. 01 (1.7L) is not that big of a difference.
But you are right, the electronics is probably very different. Also,
the 01 has 59k miles, but never had anything replaces (except tires).
According to the manual, spark plugs/timing belt/coolant/etc. are all
due after 100k miles.

On the other hand, the 97 has double the mileage (114k) and the manual
says to get new spark plugs every 30k. I don't know when the previous
owner replaced the spark plugs, and it will be due soon anyway, so I am
goona go ahead and replace them. The timing belt was done at 89k.
Brakes are also due soon.

What about the PCV valve? I found a couple or older posts inditating
that a bad PCV valve could drop the gas mileage by 10%. Is this
something a non-experienced guy like me could do?

thanks

 

I realized I should probably spell check before I hit "send"... sorry.

 

it probably doens't have one - it's a stick, not an automatic. check a
shop manual to be sure.

 

----------------------

Techron should help, do the plugs, check the timing, change the PCV.
Listen under hood for vacuum leaks, and perform the 'lamp Check' in the
manual to be sure you're not missing any indicators (idiot lights)

'Curly'

 

?

According to the online parts stores Majestic and San Leandro Honda, both
the automatic and manual 97 LX's have PCV valves.

Unless you're totally non-handy, it should not be hard to replace. Buy a new
grommet for it (for a few more bucks), too.

See an illustration of where it is via
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/PartsSearch.jsp . It's
under "breather chamber" and goes for about $13 (not counting
shipping/handling) online. Probably around $20 at your local dealer.

When is the last time the 97 had new ignition wires? Distributor rotor? Fuel
filter?

I would do the air filter, plugs, and Chevron Techron, too.

Lastly, top off and purge of air the cooling system, per the manual's
directions. Air in the cooling system will result in certain engine control
components operating at the wrong temperature, and regulating the engine
incorrectly.

 

you're right - i was thinking egr valve for some reason.

 

I test drove a 2002 civic coupe, it was noticeably slower than my 98 civic lx.
I think it has to do with LEV vs ULEV standards.

If your 97 is that sucked out, its time for a tune up, cap rotor plugs plug
wires fuel filter pcv valve air filter etc etc and do a timing adjustment!
Get honda parts, they are the best, and the price is not even that bad,
except the PCV valve, its $20 from the dealer and $3 from canadian tire, but
the canadian tire one is a piece of shit that doesn't even fit properly into
the rubber grommet. So once again, go with Honda parts!

Your 97 should then easily kick the ass of the 01. -GRIN-

t

 

The LX is the low-end 4 door. The EX and HX would accelerate better and
corner better. The HX has whacky gears so you'd still have to downshift
by one more gear, but the cruising RPMs would be comparable.

 

huh? i don't get it. I know that in the US, the EX was a VTEC (although
often not labelled as so, it had the D16Y8 motor, vs the D16Y7 in the non
vtec) so there may be some truth to what you say. However, the difference
between my canadian LX and all the other sedan models is just in electronics.

But the suspension and steering parts are identical between all models, so
how does the EX and HX handle better?

t

 

Honda trim levels have been known to be different in Canada and the U.S. for
a long time. My '93 Accord is a Canadian LX, which is actually the base
model. In the U.S., the base model was the DX, with LX being the reasonably
well equipped mid-level.

 

I think I pointed that out in my post. EX Gen 6 civics in the US is VTEC,
not in Canada. LX is top trim in the US, and bottom in Canada.

My point was that the suspension and steering parts are common, regardless of
trim level, whereas the previous poster said that the higher trim levels
'handle and corner better'.

t

 

According to my US sales brochure, the 1997 LX and DX have the same
non-VTEC engine and both lack a front stabilizer.

I don't think it's only a Canada versus US thing. Honda doesn't seem
very consistent with their trim level features.

 

in the u.s., the ex has a front sway bar and the shocks are valved
slightly differently. it may have slightly larger front brake disks too
- can't remember.