Acura 1.6 EL Tech Thread
#1
Crazy Honda Guy
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Acura 1.6 EL Tech Thread
I did some searching around the forums and noticed nobody has really done a full coverage of detail on the Canadian 1.6 EL. The car does share a number of similarities to the JDM spec Domani people often talk about and do front end conversions with.
This thread will be a work in progress, so i will be adding to it as i get time, i'm not doing the whole car in one shot.
I think this will help people see some of the other differences that the car car with, inside and out!! The 1.6 EL model was only made from 1997-2000 for the Canadian market, based off of the Japan spec model. It was basically a 4 door sedan model of the Civic, well addressed with premium options.
The came in 3 models, base, sport and premium. All models got power options such as windows, locks, cruise, p/s, center armrest, power heated mirrors, a/c and a special one off amber gauge cluster that included a tach. They all were powered with the sohc vtec 1.6l engine, same as found in the usdm civic ex. Suspension was a premium with basically the same setup as the usdm EM1 sharing 25% stiffer springs/stuts, a larger front sway bar, and regular rear sway bar. It had the larger front brakes, same as the usdm ex and Si models, but ABS was standard. Stock wheels were 15" steelies with hub caps and a decent low profile tire for an oem size of 195/55R15.
Options on the Premium models would add a leather interior upgrade with heated seats, rear disk brakes, sunroof, maplight, mag wheels, rear wing spoiler, lip kit, gold emblem pkg and exhaust tips.
This thread will be a work in progress, so i will be adding to it as i get time, i'm not doing the whole car in one shot.
I think this will help people see some of the other differences that the car car with, inside and out!! The 1.6 EL model was only made from 1997-2000 for the Canadian market, based off of the Japan spec model. It was basically a 4 door sedan model of the Civic, well addressed with premium options.
The came in 3 models, base, sport and premium. All models got power options such as windows, locks, cruise, p/s, center armrest, power heated mirrors, a/c and a special one off amber gauge cluster that included a tach. They all were powered with the sohc vtec 1.6l engine, same as found in the usdm civic ex. Suspension was a premium with basically the same setup as the usdm EM1 sharing 25% stiffer springs/stuts, a larger front sway bar, and regular rear sway bar. It had the larger front brakes, same as the usdm ex and Si models, but ABS was standard. Stock wheels were 15" steelies with hub caps and a decent low profile tire for an oem size of 195/55R15.
Options on the Premium models would add a leather interior upgrade with heated seats, rear disk brakes, sunroof, maplight, mag wheels, rear wing spoiler, lip kit, gold emblem pkg and exhaust tips.
Last edited by Deetz; 04-15-2010 at 08:06 PM.
#2
Crazy Honda Guy
Thread Starter
Re: Acura 1.6 EL Tech Thread
The sport and premium models came with a black leather wrapped steering wheel, much like the dark gray one found in the 99-00 Civic Si. The steering column covers were also black in color. Here's a pic of the Civic Si wheel along side the EL wheel and cover
#3
Crazy Honda Guy
Thread Starter
Re: Acura 1.6 EL Tech Thread
All years and models came with this upper center console and heater control. It's funny the even the 99-00 models has the manual sliders for the heat control. An amber clock was standard, as was keyless entry and a factory oem security system.
#5
Crazy Honda Guy
Thread Starter
Re: Acura 1.6 EL Tech Thread
The rear end had a different trunk lid and unique tail lights in classic white/red
Here's direct front end shot
Here's direct front end shot
#6
Crazy Honda Guy
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Re: Acura 1.6 EL Tech Thread
Even the lighter tan colored interior got the black steering wheel.
The black leather was most common on the premium models, they had nice headrests too
The black leather was most common on the premium models, they had nice headrests too
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#10
Crazy Honda Guy
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Re: Acura 1.6 EL Tech Thread
this is quite nice, is everything interchangeable between usdm ek and the canadian 1.6 el? how about some shots under the hood?
#13
Crazy Honda Guy
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#18
Crazy Honda Guy
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Re: Acura 1.6 EL Tech Thread
They are 4 door model only! The doors are the same as any civic sedan, but they do have very nice door panels, both for the cloth and leather edition models. I'll get some pics up in the next day or so.
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Re: Acura 1.6 EL Tech Thread
and just to add, the trunk is also the same as on 4dr civics, for those who want the entire red/ white taillight combo. ( outer taillights are direct swap to 4 dr civics 96-00 without needing the trunk lid)
#22
Oh look, I can change this
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Re: Acura 1.6 EL Tech Thread
^^ I've currently got a console for sale. And I just halved the starting price. Link: http://hondamarketplace.com/showthread.php?t=2776580
Wish I'd seen this thread earlier. I just spotted TWO COMPLETE ELs at a wreckers. Both near-completely intact. One had the FULL LEATHER interior. I'll take requests and seriously consider going back if there's enough interest.
PM me if you're looking for more info (as some have done already).
Wish I'd seen this thread earlier. I just spotted TWO COMPLETE ELs at a wreckers. Both near-completely intact. One had the FULL LEATHER interior. I'll take requests and seriously consider going back if there's enough interest.
PM me if you're looking for more info (as some have done already).
Last edited by deschlong; 05-21-2010 at 08:36 PM.
#23
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Re: Acura 1.6 EL Tech Thread
Damn, if I ever manage to build a sohc, those are the first valve cover I would go for. Seeeems way better than just a VTEC.
Never liked our EK's converted to EL, but in the last few years, I think they found a way to grow on me.
Cluster is a + also.
Damn US, we never get anything good.
Never liked our EK's converted to EL, but in the last few years, I think they found a way to grow on me.
Cluster is a + also.
Damn US, we never get anything good.
#24
Crazy Honda Guy
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Re: Acura 1.6 EL Tech Thread
This isn't a sale thread, but anybody serious about EL parts can pm for info.
I will have some better valve cover pics tomorrow
I will have some better valve cover pics tomorrow
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Re: Acura 1.6 EL Tech Thread
What needs to be done to bring a car from Canada to the U.S.? love the look, did a little digging to find out that a lot o the parts are pricey and out of the country.