'95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
06-21-2007, 07:56 AM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
"mjc13<REMOVETHIS> @verizon.net>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote
>> The very first thing I would do is remove and inspect the
>> PCV valve, then either discard it or clean with
>> carburetor/PCV cleaner. It's a cheap part whose
>> malfunction can drastically affect fuel mileage. If it's
>> filthy and/or full of waxy buildup, you may have found
>> the main cause of the poor mileage.
>
> Thanks. I'll do that today, if I can get the part. Do I
> have
> to go OEM or can I get one at an auto parts store?
I would buy one OEM. It should run under $25 at the dealer.
Or buy one online for around $17 total using the resources
at http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id9.html. If you
have to wait for the delivery of the online order, then
meanwhile just clean the old PCV valve, maybe in advance
doing the check on it described at the online service manual
site mentioned in my other recent post to you, to see if the
old PCV valve seems to be working, more or less. Chilton's
may also give this test.
The test will not tell if the PCV valve is working
optimally, but it will indicate, more or less, if the valve
has failed completely.
I replaced the original PCV valve on my 91 Civic in 1993
after about 140k miles (not knowing any better prior to this
date). It was chock full of waxy buildup. Fuel mileage shot
up.
By the way, ignition parts such as plugs, wires, distributor
cap, coil, and igniter should be OEM, too. They pay for
themselves in my experience, via longer life.
>> The very first thing I would do is remove and inspect the
>> PCV valve, then either discard it or clean with
>> carburetor/PCV cleaner. It's a cheap part whose
>> malfunction can drastically affect fuel mileage. If it's
>> filthy and/or full of waxy buildup, you may have found
>> the main cause of the poor mileage.
>
> Thanks. I'll do that today, if I can get the part. Do I
> have
> to go OEM or can I get one at an auto parts store?
I would buy one OEM. It should run under $25 at the dealer.
Or buy one online for around $17 total using the resources
at http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id9.html. If you
have to wait for the delivery of the online order, then
meanwhile just clean the old PCV valve, maybe in advance
doing the check on it described at the online service manual
site mentioned in my other recent post to you, to see if the
old PCV valve seems to be working, more or less. Chilton's
may also give this test.
The test will not tell if the PCV valve is working
optimally, but it will indicate, more or less, if the valve
has failed completely.
I replaced the original PCV valve on my 91 Civic in 1993
after about 140k miles (not knowing any better prior to this
date). It was chock full of waxy buildup. Fuel mileage shot
up.
By the way, ignition parts such as plugs, wires, distributor
cap, coil, and igniter should be OEM, too. They pay for
themselves in my experience, via longer life.
06-21-2007, 03:28 PM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
Elle wrote:
> "mjc13<REMOVETHIS> @verizon.net>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote
>
>>>The very first thing I would do is remove and inspect the
>>>PCV valve, then either discard it or clean with
>>>carburetor/PCV cleaner. It's a cheap part whose
>>>malfunction can drastically affect fuel mileage. If it's
>>>filthy and/or full of waxy buildup, you may have found
>>>the main cause of the poor mileage.
>>
>> Thanks. I'll do that today, if I can get the part. Do I
>>have
>>to go OEM or can I get one at an auto parts store?
>
>
> I would buy one OEM. It should run under $25 at the dealer.
> Or buy one online for around $17 total using the resources
> at http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id9.html. If you
> have to wait for the delivery of the online order, then
> meanwhile just clean the old PCV valve, maybe in advance
> doing the check on it described at the online service manual
> site mentioned in my other recent post to you, to see if the
> old PCV valve seems to be working, more or less. Chilton's
> may also give this test.
>
> The test will not tell if the PCV valve is working
> optimally, but it will indicate, more or less, if the valve
> has failed completely.
>
> I replaced the original PCV valve on my 91 Civic in 1993
> after about 140k miles (not knowing any better prior to this
> date). It was chock full of waxy buildup. Fuel mileage shot
> up.
>
> By the way, ignition parts such as plugs, wires, distributor
> cap, coil, and igniter should be OEM, too. They pay for
> themselves in my experience, via longer life.
>
>
I know about OEM ignition parts. I was hoping I could use a generic
PCV valve, as they are pretty simple devices, and shouldn't have close
tolerances. I will see if it's working.
> "mjc13<REMOVETHIS> @verizon.net>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote
>
>>>The very first thing I would do is remove and inspect the
>>>PCV valve, then either discard it or clean with
>>>carburetor/PCV cleaner. It's a cheap part whose
>>>malfunction can drastically affect fuel mileage. If it's
>>>filthy and/or full of waxy buildup, you may have found
>>>the main cause of the poor mileage.
>>
>> Thanks. I'll do that today, if I can get the part. Do I
>>have
>>to go OEM or can I get one at an auto parts store?
>
>
> I would buy one OEM. It should run under $25 at the dealer.
> Or buy one online for around $17 total using the resources
> at http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id9.html. If you
> have to wait for the delivery of the online order, then
> meanwhile just clean the old PCV valve, maybe in advance
> doing the check on it described at the online service manual
> site mentioned in my other recent post to you, to see if the
> old PCV valve seems to be working, more or less. Chilton's
> may also give this test.
>
> The test will not tell if the PCV valve is working
> optimally, but it will indicate, more or less, if the valve
> has failed completely.
>
> I replaced the original PCV valve on my 91 Civic in 1993
> after about 140k miles (not knowing any better prior to this
> date). It was chock full of waxy buildup. Fuel mileage shot
> up.
>
> By the way, ignition parts such as plugs, wires, distributor
> cap, coil, and igniter should be OEM, too. They pay for
> themselves in my experience, via longer life.
>
>
I know about OEM ignition parts. I was hoping I could use a generic
PCV valve, as they are pretty simple devices, and shouldn't have close
tolerances. I will see if it's working.
06-21-2007, 03:28 PM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
Elle wrote:
> "mjc13<REMOVETHIS> @verizon.net>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote
>
>>>The very first thing I would do is remove and inspect the
>>>PCV valve, then either discard it or clean with
>>>carburetor/PCV cleaner. It's a cheap part whose
>>>malfunction can drastically affect fuel mileage. If it's
>>>filthy and/or full of waxy buildup, you may have found
>>>the main cause of the poor mileage.
>>
>> Thanks. I'll do that today, if I can get the part. Do I
>>have
>>to go OEM or can I get one at an auto parts store?
>
>
> I would buy one OEM. It should run under $25 at the dealer.
> Or buy one online for around $17 total using the resources
> at http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id9.html. If you
> have to wait for the delivery of the online order, then
> meanwhile just clean the old PCV valve, maybe in advance
> doing the check on it described at the online service manual
> site mentioned in my other recent post to you, to see if the
> old PCV valve seems to be working, more or less. Chilton's
> may also give this test.
>
> The test will not tell if the PCV valve is working
> optimally, but it will indicate, more or less, if the valve
> has failed completely.
>
> I replaced the original PCV valve on my 91 Civic in 1993
> after about 140k miles (not knowing any better prior to this
> date). It was chock full of waxy buildup. Fuel mileage shot
> up.
>
> By the way, ignition parts such as plugs, wires, distributor
> cap, coil, and igniter should be OEM, too. They pay for
> themselves in my experience, via longer life.
>
>
I know about OEM ignition parts. I was hoping I could use a generic
PCV valve, as they are pretty simple devices, and shouldn't have close
tolerances. I will see if it's working.
> "mjc13<REMOVETHIS> @verizon.net>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote
>
>>>The very first thing I would do is remove and inspect the
>>>PCV valve, then either discard it or clean with
>>>carburetor/PCV cleaner. It's a cheap part whose
>>>malfunction can drastically affect fuel mileage. If it's
>>>filthy and/or full of waxy buildup, you may have found
>>>the main cause of the poor mileage.
>>
>> Thanks. I'll do that today, if I can get the part. Do I
>>have
>>to go OEM or can I get one at an auto parts store?
>
>
> I would buy one OEM. It should run under $25 at the dealer.
> Or buy one online for around $17 total using the resources
> at http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id9.html. If you
> have to wait for the delivery of the online order, then
> meanwhile just clean the old PCV valve, maybe in advance
> doing the check on it described at the online service manual
> site mentioned in my other recent post to you, to see if the
> old PCV valve seems to be working, more or less. Chilton's
> may also give this test.
>
> The test will not tell if the PCV valve is working
> optimally, but it will indicate, more or less, if the valve
> has failed completely.
>
> I replaced the original PCV valve on my 91 Civic in 1993
> after about 140k miles (not knowing any better prior to this
> date). It was chock full of waxy buildup. Fuel mileage shot
> up.
>
> By the way, ignition parts such as plugs, wires, distributor
> cap, coil, and igniter should be OEM, too. They pay for
> themselves in my experience, via longer life.
>
>
I know about OEM ignition parts. I was hoping I could use a generic
PCV valve, as they are pretty simple devices, and shouldn't have close
tolerances. I will see if it's working.
06-21-2007, 03:28 PM
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
Elle wrote:
> "mjc13<REMOVETHIS> @verizon.net>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote
>
>>>The very first thing I would do is remove and inspect the
>>>PCV valve, then either discard it or clean with
>>>carburetor/PCV cleaner. It's a cheap part whose
>>>malfunction can drastically affect fuel mileage. If it's
>>>filthy and/or full of waxy buildup, you may have found
>>>the main cause of the poor mileage.
>>
>> Thanks. I'll do that today, if I can get the part. Do I
>>have
>>to go OEM or can I get one at an auto parts store?
>
>
> I would buy one OEM. It should run under $25 at the dealer.
> Or buy one online for around $17 total using the resources
> at http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id9.html. If you
> have to wait for the delivery of the online order, then
> meanwhile just clean the old PCV valve, maybe in advance
> doing the check on it described at the online service manual
> site mentioned in my other recent post to you, to see if the
> old PCV valve seems to be working, more or less. Chilton's
> may also give this test.
>
> The test will not tell if the PCV valve is working
> optimally, but it will indicate, more or less, if the valve
> has failed completely.
>
> I replaced the original PCV valve on my 91 Civic in 1993
> after about 140k miles (not knowing any better prior to this
> date). It was chock full of waxy buildup. Fuel mileage shot
> up.
>
> By the way, ignition parts such as plugs, wires, distributor
> cap, coil, and igniter should be OEM, too. They pay for
> themselves in my experience, via longer life.
>
>
I know about OEM ignition parts. I was hoping I could use a generic
PCV valve, as they are pretty simple devices, and shouldn't have close
tolerances. I will see if it's working.
> "mjc13<REMOVETHIS> @verizon.net>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS> wrote
>
>>>The very first thing I would do is remove and inspect the
>>>PCV valve, then either discard it or clean with
>>>carburetor/PCV cleaner. It's a cheap part whose
>>>malfunction can drastically affect fuel mileage. If it's
>>>filthy and/or full of waxy buildup, you may have found
>>>the main cause of the poor mileage.
>>
>> Thanks. I'll do that today, if I can get the part. Do I
>>have
>>to go OEM or can I get one at an auto parts store?
>
>
> I would buy one OEM. It should run under $25 at the dealer.
> Or buy one online for around $17 total using the resources
> at http://home.earthlink.net/~honda.lioness/id9.html. If you
> have to wait for the delivery of the online order, then
> meanwhile just clean the old PCV valve, maybe in advance
> doing the check on it described at the online service manual
> site mentioned in my other recent post to you, to see if the
> old PCV valve seems to be working, more or less. Chilton's
> may also give this test.
>
> The test will not tell if the PCV valve is working
> optimally, but it will indicate, more or less, if the valve
> has failed completely.
>
> I replaced the original PCV valve on my 91 Civic in 1993
> after about 140k miles (not knowing any better prior to this
> date). It was chock full of waxy buildup. Fuel mileage shot
> up.
>
> By the way, ignition parts such as plugs, wires, distributor
> cap, coil, and igniter should be OEM, too. They pay for
> themselves in my experience, via longer life.
>
>
I know about OEM ignition parts. I was hoping I could use a generic
PCV valve, as they are pretty simple devices, and shouldn't have close
tolerances. I will see if it's working.
06-21-2007, 06:04 PM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
I would also do a compression test when you change out you spark
plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
moves.
plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
moves.
06-21-2007, 06:04 PM
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
I would also do a compression test when you change out you spark
plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
moves.
plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
moves.
06-21-2007, 06:04 PM
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
I would also do a compression test when you change out you spark
plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
moves.
plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
moves.
06-21-2007, 11:46 PM
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
william1977@gmail.com wrote:
> I would also do a compression test when you change out you spark
> plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
> I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
> car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
> moves.
>
>
Low compression should be accompanied by other symptoms, like
smoking. I'm not seeing any. And the gearing is definitely too high: I
can easily compare tachometer readings with my Civic Si. I hope that the
compression is ok, but if I change the plugs myself, I'll test it.
> I would also do a compression test when you change out you spark
> plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
> I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
> car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
> moves.
>
>
Low compression should be accompanied by other symptoms, like
smoking. I'm not seeing any. And the gearing is definitely too high: I
can easily compare tachometer readings with my Civic Si. I hope that the
compression is ok, but if I change the plugs myself, I'll test it.
06-21-2007, 11:46 PM
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
william1977@gmail.com wrote:
> I would also do a compression test when you change out you spark
> plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
> I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
> car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
> moves.
>
>
Low compression should be accompanied by other symptoms, like
smoking. I'm not seeing any. And the gearing is definitely too high: I
can easily compare tachometer readings with my Civic Si. I hope that the
compression is ok, but if I change the plugs myself, I'll test it.
> I would also do a compression test when you change out you spark
> plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
> I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
> car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
> moves.
>
>
Low compression should be accompanied by other symptoms, like
smoking. I'm not seeing any. And the gearing is definitely too high: I
can easily compare tachometer readings with my Civic Si. I hope that the
compression is ok, but if I change the plugs myself, I'll test it.
06-21-2007, 11:46 PM
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
william1977@gmail.com wrote:
> I would also do a compression test when you change out you spark
> plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
> I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
> car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
> moves.
>
>
Low compression should be accompanied by other symptoms, like
smoking. I'm not seeing any. And the gearing is definitely too high: I
can easily compare tachometer readings with my Civic Si. I hope that the
compression is ok, but if I change the plugs myself, I'll test it.
> I would also do a compression test when you change out you spark
> plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
> I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
> car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
> moves.
>
>
Low compression should be accompanied by other symptoms, like
smoking. I'm not seeing any. And the gearing is definitely too high: I
can easily compare tachometer readings with my Civic Si. I hope that the
compression is ok, but if I change the plugs myself, I'll test it.
06-22-2007, 10:39 AM
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 03:24:19 GMT, "mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"
<"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote:
> I just put my newly acquired '95 EX sedan on the road today, and
>took it on a fairly long trip, mostly on long back roads. My previous
>car (still for sale) is an '86 Civic Si. I am struck by how little low
>and mid-range power this 125HP sedan has, compared with my 91HP
>hatchback. It seems to be as much gearing as power curve, although both
>deserve criticism: the engine makes little low end power at all, and
>each of the gears feels like the next higher one on the '86. What was
>Honda thinking? If it was fuel economy, I've got news for them: the '86
>not only has more power in normal driving - it also gets much better
>fuel economy. I figure this EX is running about even with our '95 Camry
>wagon in fuel economy: mid to high twenties, overall. And it should be
>noted that the EX is a 5 speed, while the wagon is an automatic.
>
> I'm really hoping the air filter is plugged, but even if it is, that
>won't change the silly gearing...
I think you've got all the factors there, the 125hp rating is only on
the cam, otherwise, especially at low RPM, the EX is tuned more to
economy and low pollution, compared to an Si. Back in the day, the
tradition of Euro sports cars was tiny engines with high revs and
short gearing so that even your 56hp VW bug was fast off the line.
Modern Honda engines just couldn't be more different. Lugging the
engine at low RPM is optimal for pollution and almost for mileage and
the computer prevents knocking, so there ya go!
J.
<"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote:
> I just put my newly acquired '95 EX sedan on the road today, and
>took it on a fairly long trip, mostly on long back roads. My previous
>car (still for sale) is an '86 Civic Si. I am struck by how little low
>and mid-range power this 125HP sedan has, compared with my 91HP
>hatchback. It seems to be as much gearing as power curve, although both
>deserve criticism: the engine makes little low end power at all, and
>each of the gears feels like the next higher one on the '86. What was
>Honda thinking? If it was fuel economy, I've got news for them: the '86
>not only has more power in normal driving - it also gets much better
>fuel economy. I figure this EX is running about even with our '95 Camry
>wagon in fuel economy: mid to high twenties, overall. And it should be
>noted that the EX is a 5 speed, while the wagon is an automatic.
>
> I'm really hoping the air filter is plugged, but even if it is, that
>won't change the silly gearing...
I think you've got all the factors there, the 125hp rating is only on
the cam, otherwise, especially at low RPM, the EX is tuned more to
economy and low pollution, compared to an Si. Back in the day, the
tradition of Euro sports cars was tiny engines with high revs and
short gearing so that even your 56hp VW bug was fast off the line.
Modern Honda engines just couldn't be more different. Lugging the
engine at low RPM is optimal for pollution and almost for mileage and
the computer prevents knocking, so there ya go!
J.
06-22-2007, 10:39 AM
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 03:24:19 GMT, "mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"
<"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote:
> I just put my newly acquired '95 EX sedan on the road today, and
>took it on a fairly long trip, mostly on long back roads. My previous
>car (still for sale) is an '86 Civic Si. I am struck by how little low
>and mid-range power this 125HP sedan has, compared with my 91HP
>hatchback. It seems to be as much gearing as power curve, although both
>deserve criticism: the engine makes little low end power at all, and
>each of the gears feels like the next higher one on the '86. What was
>Honda thinking? If it was fuel economy, I've got news for them: the '86
>not only has more power in normal driving - it also gets much better
>fuel economy. I figure this EX is running about even with our '95 Camry
>wagon in fuel economy: mid to high twenties, overall. And it should be
>noted that the EX is a 5 speed, while the wagon is an automatic.
>
> I'm really hoping the air filter is plugged, but even if it is, that
>won't change the silly gearing...
I think you've got all the factors there, the 125hp rating is only on
the cam, otherwise, especially at low RPM, the EX is tuned more to
economy and low pollution, compared to an Si. Back in the day, the
tradition of Euro sports cars was tiny engines with high revs and
short gearing so that even your 56hp VW bug was fast off the line.
Modern Honda engines just couldn't be more different. Lugging the
engine at low RPM is optimal for pollution and almost for mileage and
the computer prevents knocking, so there ya go!
J.
<"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote:
> I just put my newly acquired '95 EX sedan on the road today, and
>took it on a fairly long trip, mostly on long back roads. My previous
>car (still for sale) is an '86 Civic Si. I am struck by how little low
>and mid-range power this 125HP sedan has, compared with my 91HP
>hatchback. It seems to be as much gearing as power curve, although both
>deserve criticism: the engine makes little low end power at all, and
>each of the gears feels like the next higher one on the '86. What was
>Honda thinking? If it was fuel economy, I've got news for them: the '86
>not only has more power in normal driving - it also gets much better
>fuel economy. I figure this EX is running about even with our '95 Camry
>wagon in fuel economy: mid to high twenties, overall. And it should be
>noted that the EX is a 5 speed, while the wagon is an automatic.
>
> I'm really hoping the air filter is plugged, but even if it is, that
>won't change the silly gearing...
I think you've got all the factors there, the 125hp rating is only on
the cam, otherwise, especially at low RPM, the EX is tuned more to
economy and low pollution, compared to an Si. Back in the day, the
tradition of Euro sports cars was tiny engines with high revs and
short gearing so that even your 56hp VW bug was fast off the line.
Modern Honda engines just couldn't be more different. Lugging the
engine at low RPM is optimal for pollution and almost for mileage and
the computer prevents knocking, so there ya go!
J.
06-22-2007, 10:39 AM
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
On Thu, 21 Jun 2007 03:24:19 GMT, "mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"
<"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote:
> I just put my newly acquired '95 EX sedan on the road today, and
>took it on a fairly long trip, mostly on long back roads. My previous
>car (still for sale) is an '86 Civic Si. I am struck by how little low
>and mid-range power this 125HP sedan has, compared with my 91HP
>hatchback. It seems to be as much gearing as power curve, although both
>deserve criticism: the engine makes little low end power at all, and
>each of the gears feels like the next higher one on the '86. What was
>Honda thinking? If it was fuel economy, I've got news for them: the '86
>not only has more power in normal driving - it also gets much better
>fuel economy. I figure this EX is running about even with our '95 Camry
>wagon in fuel economy: mid to high twenties, overall. And it should be
>noted that the EX is a 5 speed, while the wagon is an automatic.
>
> I'm really hoping the air filter is plugged, but even if it is, that
>won't change the silly gearing...
I think you've got all the factors there, the 125hp rating is only on
the cam, otherwise, especially at low RPM, the EX is tuned more to
economy and low pollution, compared to an Si. Back in the day, the
tradition of Euro sports cars was tiny engines with high revs and
short gearing so that even your 56hp VW bug was fast off the line.
Modern Honda engines just couldn't be more different. Lugging the
engine at low RPM is optimal for pollution and almost for mileage and
the computer prevents knocking, so there ya go!
J.
<"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote:
> I just put my newly acquired '95 EX sedan on the road today, and
>took it on a fairly long trip, mostly on long back roads. My previous
>car (still for sale) is an '86 Civic Si. I am struck by how little low
>and mid-range power this 125HP sedan has, compared with my 91HP
>hatchback. It seems to be as much gearing as power curve, although both
>deserve criticism: the engine makes little low end power at all, and
>each of the gears feels like the next higher one on the '86. What was
>Honda thinking? If it was fuel economy, I've got news for them: the '86
>not only has more power in normal driving - it also gets much better
>fuel economy. I figure this EX is running about even with our '95 Camry
>wagon in fuel economy: mid to high twenties, overall. And it should be
>noted that the EX is a 5 speed, while the wagon is an automatic.
>
> I'm really hoping the air filter is plugged, but even if it is, that
>won't change the silly gearing...
I think you've got all the factors there, the 125hp rating is only on
the cam, otherwise, especially at low RPM, the EX is tuned more to
economy and low pollution, compared to an Si. Back in the day, the
tradition of Euro sports cars was tiny engines with high revs and
short gearing so that even your 56hp VW bug was fast off the line.
Modern Honda engines just couldn't be more different. Lugging the
engine at low RPM is optimal for pollution and almost for mileage and
the computer prevents knocking, so there ya go!
J.
06-22-2007, 11:46 AM
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote in
news:OCHei.12520$M%4.5471@trndny08:
> william1977@gmail.com wrote:
>> I would also do a compression test when you change out you spark
>> plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
>> I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
>> car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
>> moves.
>>
>>
>
> Low compression should be accompanied by other symptoms, like
> smoking. I'm not seeing any. And the gearing is definitely too high: I
> can easily compare tachometer readings with my Civic Si. I hope that the
> compression is ok, but if I change the plugs myself, I'll test it.
>
stock wheels/tires or custom with a larger rolling diameter?
--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net
news:OCHei.12520$M%4.5471@trndny08:
> william1977@gmail.com wrote:
>> I would also do a compression test when you change out you spark
>> plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
>> I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
>> car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
>> moves.
>>
>>
>
> Low compression should be accompanied by other symptoms, like
> smoking. I'm not seeing any. And the gearing is definitely too high: I
> can easily compare tachometer readings with my Civic Si. I hope that the
> compression is ok, but if I change the plugs myself, I'll test it.
>
stock wheels/tires or custom with a larger rolling diameter?
--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net
06-22-2007, 11:46 AM
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: '95 Civic EX: Slug or Sick?
"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>" <"mjc13<REMOVETHIS>"@verizon.net> wrote in
news:OCHei.12520$M%4.5471@trndny08:
> william1977@gmail.com wrote:
>> I would also do a compression test when you change out you spark
>> plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
>> I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
>> car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
>> moves.
>>
>>
>
> Low compression should be accompanied by other symptoms, like
> smoking. I'm not seeing any. And the gearing is definitely too high: I
> can easily compare tachometer readings with my Civic Si. I hope that the
> compression is ok, but if I change the plugs myself, I'll test it.
>
stock wheels/tires or custom with a larger rolling diameter?
--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net
news:OCHei.12520$M%4.5471@trndny08:
> william1977@gmail.com wrote:
>> I would also do a compression test when you change out you spark
>> plugs. If you have lo compression that will decrease power a mileage.
>> I just got a 95 EX and besides a short ram intake it is stock and my
>> car scoots right along, It's not as quick as my 90 Integra but it
>> moves.
>>
>>
>
> Low compression should be accompanied by other symptoms, like
> smoking. I'm not seeing any. And the gearing is definitely too high: I
> can easily compare tachometer readings with my Civic Si. I hope that the
> compression is ok, but if I change the plugs myself, I'll test it.
>
stock wheels/tires or custom with a larger rolling diameter?
--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
kua.net
