Diamonds Are A Girl's Best FriendI just wanted to write in and tell you that your magazine really impresses me. Not only that, but it really changed my perspective on Hondas. I got into the import scene in '99 with my S13 in high school, knowing nothing at all of "JDM" or SR20s. After selling that in '01, I picked up my '97 Eclipse GS-T in '02, which I still have today.
As you can see, I've never owned a Honda. Most of my friends had Toyotas, Subarus, and Mazdas, so you can say I've never had any real exposure to a nice Honda. The most I've ever seen were all the clich ricers. After the first time I browsed through your magazine on the stands, I continued to buy all of the recent ones. I love how you're such tech junkies, just like any DSM guy. I also give tons of credit to the people who figured out all your swaps and hybrid motors too. Very impressive! The knowledge you guys have is great. Honda owners = ingenuity. Last, mad props on being do-it-yourselfers! DSMers and Honda guys should unite! Anyway, much love.Reggie Nichols
Sincerely, one of the biggest compliments we've ever gotten. Thanks, and respect. - BH
DSMers should all get Hondas, and we'll all go beat up on Supra and Evo guys. Stupid Supra guys. - DB
EG ACI have a '95 Civic DX with a B16A2 motor swap. I love the motor, but since I live in Virginia, I'm going to need some heat this winter. Will the AC compressor from the stock motor work with the B16? Will the B16 compressor work with the DX's existing setup?Travis PerkinsCharlottesville, Va.
Unlike the setup in your house, the heater and air conditioning system in your car are two separate entities. The only thing they have in common are the vents from which the cool/hot air enters the cabin. That being said, as long as you connected the coolant lines to your stock heater core when you did the swap, you'll have heat. Air conditioning is a whole different ballgame.
Your stock compressor will work if you use a CRV bracket; then you can run mainly stock lines and everything will be great. The more common approach is to use B-series parts. You'll need a del Sol VTEC's bracket, a compressor from any B-series (except B20s), and DC2 Integra hard lines. Putting air back in the car after a swap is not hard, but finding the parts for a reasonable price is. Most of us just roll down our windows - Dr Barrios
HeadacheI was wondering if you could tell me whether the timing should be advanced or retarded when a head is milled. The reason I ask is because one person will say advance and another person will say to retard the timing. I need a better answer than that.Daniel FallsNiagra Falls, NY
If the head has only been milled to create a flat mating surface, you probably won't run into any problems. However, if the head has been milled to gain compression, your cam timing will be retarded in the process. The best way to deal with the situation is using adjustable cam gears.
Put the crank to TDC and the cams at 0 and 0. Adjust the valves. Once the valve adjustment has been done, move the cam gears approximately 1 degree advanced for each .012-inch that has been milled off the head. If the head has been milled heavily, you'll also want to perform a clay test on the motor to prevent the valves from hitting the pistons. - DB
A Spring ThingI am a long-time fan of Honda Tuning magazine. I have had a subscription to the magazine for the past few years, and I have been reading the mag since way back in the dual point fuel injection days. Let me tell you, I am Honda all the way.
Well, let me get to my question. I have a '91 Acura Integra LS, is it possible to install the '99 Civic EX lowering springs that I got from my cousin onto my car? They're Eibachs, so hopefully I can use them.Tanner OrtegaAbilene, Texas
The Civic springs will physically fit on your Integra's struts, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is the best of ideas. Integra springs are almost always rated higher than those of a Civic.
That being said, if/when you put these EK springs on your DA, they'll end up feeling a bit softer than the springs specific to your DA would. For a daily commuter, this isn't going to be a big deal. If you're looking for added performance from the springs instead of just a lowered stance, you'll be better off going with application specific springs. Either way, you should think about getting some upgraded struts to balance out the new springs and make your ride feel better and last longer. - DB