8 replies to this topic

[3GCivic47]

Hey guys I'm new here, name is Dan and I'm pretty much new to everything car related. I'll be the first to admit I don't know anything about cars, fixing cars, car parts, etc... However since I was a little kid always loved them. Never had the time or money until now that I just bought my first car...

 

This 1986 Civic Si that brought me to RPR:

 

 

 

 

 

I have a lot of mixed feelings taking on this project, I'm excited to work on it and ecstatic at the thought of what it could look and feel like, but at the same time I feel like it's going to be a big challenge and it may take the fun out of it. I want to get it mechanically sound and running properly, once that is taken care of new rims and a paint job will be the next step...

 

I don't know much about fixing/modding cars but I want to learn. I have a couple of friends who have Hondas and are acquanted with that world so I won't be completely alone in this. It feels like taking on a mountain at this point, and finding parts/info on the 3G civics is not easy at all. I love the car (always liked the boxed out styling of 80s cars) and have a lot of faith in it so that lead me here to RPR... Figured I don't have much to lose and everything to gain by sharing the beginning of my journey here with this community. Any help, tips or advice will be greatly appreciated! 

 

The car is currently running, everything is stock with 94k miles. It needs a full tune-up, new brakes and suspension. Understandable given that the car is 28 years old. The other thing is a problem with the IAC I believe, something about the car idling too high and then it makes this unhealthy sound. The car turns on just fine and runs smoothly until that idle problem eventually kicks in and you can see the needle on the RPM rise unnecessarily. One of the rear lights was cracked but I already replaced it since these pics were taken. My front wheel on the right also has a slow leak so that is annoying to deal with, a lot of air drained since I've been busy working these past few days. The thought of it kills me... Ordered an air compressor online hopefully that comes in handy. 

 

My car is currently at my friends house because he has the space and is kind enough to let me keep it there and work on it. This also means that I am somewhat dependant on my friend since I need him to access my car and we both have our seperate lives... But for the most part its all good.

 

I am at the stage of getting parts together for the tune up, ordered spark plugs, new wire set, oil filter, oil, valve cover gasket, air filter, and a new battery. Everything should be in by next week hopefully then we can do the tune up and take the wheels off to see exactly what's going on with my brakes. I don't really know what I need, my friend just told me I need new brakes because the current ones are worn out. Who knows what hidden problem lies underneath.. 

 

Now about this suspension. I was pretty much lost on where to look and what to look for and so were my friends because they have later model civics and didn't even recognize the suspension on these older civics.. Anyway I found heeltoeauto and it seemed simple enough on their website. I ordered the KYB Excel-G/GR-2 shock absorber parts. I assume this is the suspension I need?

 http://www.heeltoeau...productid=66663

http://www.heeltoeau...productid=66662

 

Can someone verify that those parts are what my car needs for a basic revitalization of its suspension? Anyway I already ordered them. I saw they had a fancy $1,300 kit by tein but I'm not trying to build a race car. Also ordered some extra parts from that site but I'll get to those another time.

As far as the actual labor goes me and my friends (Mostly my one mechanic friend) will do as much as we can ourselves and if there is something that requires a trip to the shop then that's where I'll have to take it. I'm trying not to blow all my money away but obviously I know that my project isn't cheap. I want to fix everything that needs fixing and have it running its best while keeping the stock engine. 

 

My apologies for the extra long post. This is a cry for help! Jk, any help will be greatly appreciated thanks in advance.

 

 

BTW, I need a new nose panel, been searching everywhere and they are elusive!

 

 

Good luck to me...

Edited by 3GCivic47, 18 July 2014 - 03:09 AM.

[CRXer87hf]

Welcome to RPR, and to cars  You've picked a hobby that has its highs a lows, but you'll never forget the highs, and if you learn to just step away for a while during the lows, you'll be fine.  You also picked the best resource for everything 3G.  3Gs are surprisingly simple, so if you're going to learn cars, it's a good choice to start with.  Good luck!

[Richardcoto452th]

Nice choice, to be honest I didn't know anything about cars until I got my first 86 crx. It broke down on me and I was forced to keep fixing it, also looking for modifications helped me mechanically. I now consider myself a mechanic since I can work on other cars without guidance and do work properly.
Start watching "how to" videos or read forums and information sticks to you and is universal in the car world, it's intimidating at first but your confidence will build up.

[3GCivic47]

Thanks guys, I will keep updating the thread as the project progresses 

[MichaelStar]

Welcome!  I think older cars are great to learn on.  Simpler to work on, and they tend to have more issues than newer cars (due to age) so you get a lot of experience real quick.

 

The Teins are not just for racecars, although if you were racing that is the way to go.  Having an adjustable suspension is nice even on a daily driver.  I can soften up my dampeners with just the twist of a knob.  

 

 

I would suggest replacing bushings as well.  Any and all (start with the shifter kit from Chedda).  They will make a huge improvement and  make the car more enjoyable.

Edited by MichaelStar, 18 July 2014 - 04:21 PM.

[PowerWheels86]

Welcome to RPR, loads of information here, and you'll be glad you started off with an Si, i know i was... it may help to have a look at the wiki along the top bar and service manuals... i know before i got my hands on my own manual i was digging through there... a lot of the suspension parts of pretty easy to figure out and replace... 

 

oh yeah, it also helps to let people know where on the map you're located!! you may have a pepper near you who's willing to help!!

[3GCivic47]

Thanks for the reply guys

 

@MichaelStar 

Good to be here!

 

Already ordered the shifter bushing kit as well as the rear axle internal sway bar linkages and bushings, rear upper shock bushings, and rear axle locking plate. 

 

Question: Do I need one of those adjustable street pan hard bars? Or would anyone recommend I get one? If you have one how hard is the installation?

 

 

@PowerWheels86

I didn't even realize there was a wiki tab! Currently waiting on the specific service manual for my car to come in the mail, I will be looking through the service manuals above in the meantime. 

Also I'm located in NYC, where the roads are disgusting...

[anjin]

Welcome.  I started knowing how to change oil and spark plugs. Seven years later and I take gearboxes apart and replace synchro's and change final drives.  You just have to make sure you know what to do - read the workshop manuals is a good start, and take your time when you do any work. Don't be afraid to try.

[3GCivic47]

^ I appreciate the words of encouragement 

 

These parts need to hurry up and arrive