andyb96's '90 Civic Sedan Build Thread
#1
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
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Hey everyone! I'm 19 Years old, live in Idaho. I'm an amateur automotive photographer, right now its just a hobby. I'm pretty new into the Honda scene, this will be my first build. To say the least, it should be a really good learning experience.
Onto the car...
It is a 1990 Honda Civic LX Sedan (ED3)
Here is a quick little explanation of the car and it's condition.
Well, I was looking for a new project and one of my friend's said he knew of an EF for sale.
I went and looked at it and ended up buying it for $600.
Car is in pretty good condition, except for the usual fading of interior/clear coat.
As well has 2 little dents (front fender and rear quarter panel) and also a crack in the rear bumper.
Runs and drives good, besides the occasional smoke.
It has ~193k miles, so I can't complain too much.
On to the pictures! (Only iPhone quality)![Sad](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emsad.gif)
When I first got it...
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/5ffb1176-65fb-4797-9ebd-3a80acfef664.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/b74e3e64-4580-4319-9f38-e23ed4a22c23.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/559979c9-0afb-4bf7-9918-290a4a53bfd3.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/dad1f54c-c435-4f61-8676-42e9facb3b41.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/1b4ab94b-1e84-4e34-8216-670f95896335.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/aba2daf4-e7b5-45f5-a30f-7825c73a219e.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/071728b8-f874-4e46-92cf-83dfd908f909.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/f9181f52-168d-48f7-9903-3f0a313d4b13.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/a063ee8f-31f6-4bf5-87df-fcd2954bdf40.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/85adda95-0b94-418f-9e2f-7fe1ef77f4c3.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/8b8a02b7-c6bd-4c1c-a1ba-8949cf9910f7.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/b645c11c-f63f-4ce0-824a-c98f2bed8c6c.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/e121f212-250b-42fe-a4a9-7457cb9afbc3.jpg)
First car wash, all nice and clean now![Happy](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emsmile.gif)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/00e1a238-2e93-4f16-9a7a-47066a5672c0.jpg)
Then some NRG goodies showed up :D
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/727994a1-265c-48ce-b6e3-4c464b23aa3d.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/af14072d-c03e-4cd1-aec4-51d1e7669f5a.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/3f458f58-be53-48b6-ad36-c1d8d3635a68.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/95ab1430-b0c4-47ba-92f6-06c2fd731ef4.jpg)
Then installed the towhook and ended up using it that night to tow a friend.
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/e2b5f8d0-a328-4200-85ba-2767f6592f69.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/7b2a6fbe-0b24-490b-bb42-c6a16e90311b.jpg)
I got some new (used) headlights, not in perfect shape.
But they are in WAY better condition then the ones I had.
I wasn't able to finish tonight, I will by the end of the week.
Here is a couple pictures of my progress.
Before & After.
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/ffebe047-1f3c-4390-a7de-2c9e9a507810.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/33ecbf0c-11c0-41b9-b1c3-a7f5a8cd5cb4.jpg)
And because racecar... :D
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/bbffc8cc-9c22-4f71-800f-b3e034ba057a.jpg)
I finally put my bumper/lights back on, as well as the new amber lights.
My friend gave me some eBay coilovers just so I would get rid of the 4x4 status..
The ride is horrible, but it works for now.
Also picked up some 15" Rota Slipstreams, which I'll repaint soon, but they are better than the 13" steelies, so I threw them on lol.
![](http://i39.tinypic.com/256csw1.jpg)
And, it will be getting swapped this winter![Happy](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emsmile.gif)
I'll have more info on that later though. lol
Well, got bored today.
So I bought some white plastidip, and went to town on them.
They're still drying, so I'll put them on tomorrow
![](http://i44.tinypic.com/vy71nd.jpg)
![](http://i41.tinypic.com/xql0zq.jpg)
Love my white wheels! lol.
I'm definitely gonna get them powdercoated though..
My plastidip job wasn't the best, but at least it gives me an idea of what it looks like.
Current mods… as of 12/6/13
Interior:
NRG Short Hub
NRG Neochrome Gen 2.8 Quick Release
NRG Black Suede Steering Wheel w/ Blue Stitching
Wink Mirror
Exterior:
Amber Corner Lights
Amber Turn Signals
NRG Neochrome Towhook
Wheels/Suspension:
15" Rota Slip Streams
Ground Controil Coils
Koni Yellow Shocks
NRG Extended Lug Nuts
Some goals for the car are...
Getting it on better suspension (Ordered Koni/GC Setup, just haven't the chance to install it)
Swapping it (B18C1 with B16 head) and possibly boosting it.
Basically just cleaning the car up and making it look good.
Depending how long I keep the car, I want to possibly repaint and redo the interior.
I'll update this as often as I can.
If you guys have any questions/suggestions about my goals or the car, feel free to ask.
Thanks for looking!
Onto the car...
It is a 1990 Honda Civic LX Sedan (ED3)
Here is a quick little explanation of the car and it's condition.
Well, I was looking for a new project and one of my friend's said he knew of an EF for sale.
I went and looked at it and ended up buying it for $600.
Car is in pretty good condition, except for the usual fading of interior/clear coat.
As well has 2 little dents (front fender and rear quarter panel) and also a crack in the rear bumper.
Runs and drives good, besides the occasional smoke.
It has ~193k miles, so I can't complain too much.
On to the pictures! (Only iPhone quality)
![Sad](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emsad.gif)
When I first got it...
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/5ffb1176-65fb-4797-9ebd-3a80acfef664.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/b74e3e64-4580-4319-9f38-e23ed4a22c23.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/559979c9-0afb-4bf7-9918-290a4a53bfd3.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/dad1f54c-c435-4f61-8676-42e9facb3b41.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/1b4ab94b-1e84-4e34-8216-670f95896335.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/aba2daf4-e7b5-45f5-a30f-7825c73a219e.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/071728b8-f874-4e46-92cf-83dfd908f909.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/f9181f52-168d-48f7-9903-3f0a313d4b13.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/a063ee8f-31f6-4bf5-87df-fcd2954bdf40.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/85adda95-0b94-418f-9e2f-7fe1ef77f4c3.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/8b8a02b7-c6bd-4c1c-a1ba-8949cf9910f7.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/b645c11c-f63f-4ce0-824a-c98f2bed8c6c.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/e121f212-250b-42fe-a4a9-7457cb9afbc3.jpg)
First car wash, all nice and clean now
![Happy](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emsmile.gif)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/00e1a238-2e93-4f16-9a7a-47066a5672c0.jpg)
Then some NRG goodies showed up :D
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/727994a1-265c-48ce-b6e3-4c464b23aa3d.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/af14072d-c03e-4cd1-aec4-51d1e7669f5a.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/3f458f58-be53-48b6-ad36-c1d8d3635a68.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/95ab1430-b0c4-47ba-92f6-06c2fd731ef4.jpg)
Then installed the towhook and ended up using it that night to tow a friend.
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/e2b5f8d0-a328-4200-85ba-2767f6592f69.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/7b2a6fbe-0b24-490b-bb42-c6a16e90311b.jpg)
I got some new (used) headlights, not in perfect shape.
But they are in WAY better condition then the ones I had.
I wasn't able to finish tonight, I will by the end of the week.
Here is a couple pictures of my progress.
Before & After.
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/ffebe047-1f3c-4390-a7de-2c9e9a507810.jpg)
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/33ecbf0c-11c0-41b9-b1c3-a7f5a8cd5cb4.jpg)
And because racecar... :D
![](http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz80/andyb96/bbffc8cc-9c22-4f71-800f-b3e034ba057a.jpg)
I finally put my bumper/lights back on, as well as the new amber lights.
My friend gave me some eBay coilovers just so I would get rid of the 4x4 status..
The ride is horrible, but it works for now.
Also picked up some 15" Rota Slipstreams, which I'll repaint soon, but they are better than the 13" steelies, so I threw them on lol.
![](http://i39.tinypic.com/256csw1.jpg)
And, it will be getting swapped this winter
![Happy](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emsmile.gif)
I'll have more info on that later though. lol
Well, got bored today.
So I bought some white plastidip, and went to town on them.
They're still drying, so I'll put them on tomorrow
![](http://i44.tinypic.com/vy71nd.jpg)
![](http://i41.tinypic.com/xql0zq.jpg)
Love my white wheels! lol.
I'm definitely gonna get them powdercoated though..
My plastidip job wasn't the best, but at least it gives me an idea of what it looks like.
Current mods… as of 12/6/13
Interior:
NRG Short Hub
NRG Neochrome Gen 2.8 Quick Release
NRG Black Suede Steering Wheel w/ Blue Stitching
Wink Mirror
Exterior:
Amber Corner Lights
Amber Turn Signals
NRG Neochrome Towhook
Wheels/Suspension:
15" Rota Slip Streams
Ground Controil Coils
Koni Yellow Shocks
NRG Extended Lug Nuts
Some goals for the car are...
Getting it on better suspension (Ordered Koni/GC Setup, just haven't the chance to install it)
Swapping it (B18C1 with B16 head) and possibly boosting it.
Basically just cleaning the car up and making it look good.
Depending how long I keep the car, I want to possibly repaint and redo the interior.
I'll update this as often as I can.
If you guys have any questions/suggestions about my goals or the car, feel free to ask.
Thanks for looking!
Last edited by andyb96; 12-06-2013 at 03:19 PM.
#2
Honda-Tech Member
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In one of your dashboard pictures, it would appear that your temperature gauge is indicating full hot. Is the gauge broken?
#5
Honda-Tech Member
![Default](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
first purchase is a tow hook and a wheel... kids these days make odd choices.
at least my first purchase were really bad tokico blues with neuspeed race springs..
guess we both wasted our monies
at least my first purchase were really bad tokico blues with neuspeed race springs..
guess we both wasted our monies
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#11
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
![Default](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thought it was the temp sensor at first, replaced it, still does it.
Just a broken gauge, it's never over heated.
I do plan on swapping it this winter, I'm almost done getting everything thats needed to B swap it.
Maybe I should consider some. lol
Yea, it is. I just replaced them with the GC/Koni setup last night.
Suspension/wheels completely change the car.. lol
Thanks. I think I prefer the white wheels over the black.
A couple updates…
I just moved into my own house a couple months ago.
And a couple weeks ago the garage had just finished getting built..
My Dart and Civic, my roommates STI.
![](http://i43.tinypic.com/28us5m1.jpg)
My car almost fits under the back of my truck.. lol
![Happy](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emsmile.gif)
And my truck isn't lifted, just bigger tires.
![](http://i39.tinypic.com/idgp3r.jpg)
I've been looking for a hood bra for a couple weeks, and couldn't find one.
But while I was in Vegas for IFO, I thought I'd see if I could find any parts for my car.
And sure enough, found this hood bra on Craigslist, bought it the night before I left.
![](http://i42.tinypic.com/de9zxt.jpg)
Friend's hatch, about the only 2 decent looking EFs in my local area lol.
![](http://i42.tinypic.com/vwzhq8.jpg)
Last night I finally decided to put my new suspension on. (Koni Shocks, Ground Control coils, Ebay top hats, also NRG lug nuts)
It's about the same height, I could go lower..
But since I might be taking it on a little road trip this weekend, figured I might as well keep it at a decent height.
![](http://i41.tinypic.com/ycwia.jpg)
![](http://i40.tinypic.com/ndkd4l.jpg)
Not a great picture, but here is the end result.
![](http://i39.tinypic.com/x1i0r5.jpg)
#14
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
![Default](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Haha, they're not mine. I borrowed them from a friend.
Thanks!
And I think it's an aftermarket one, I'm honestly not sure.
And I think it's an aftermarket one, I'm honestly not sure.
#16
Honda-Tech Member
![Default](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
not bad, shoulda got a momo steering wheel seeing as you've got the money for it, and nrg steering wheels are junk.
#18
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
![Default](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thanks! Should be a lot more once January comes around
Ehh, I'm happy with the NRG so far..
Honestly, a lot of my money goes to my other 2 vehicles.
If I keep the car long enough, I'd love to have all high quality parts.
But right now, I just don't see it happening.
Thank you! White looks good with everything haha.
Honestly, a lot of my money goes to my other 2 vehicles.
If I keep the car long enough, I'd love to have all high quality parts.
But right now, I just don't see it happening.
Thank you! White looks good with everything haha.
#19
Honda-Tech Member
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#22
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
![Default](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thank you! haha
You're not the first to ask.. First off, I've grown up in a family that has had nothing but Dodge.
I've had a Cummins for ~4 years and started modding it the last 2, resulting in ~500hp.
Driving a 500hp truck everyday is fun, but it's not realistic, averaging ~13mpg.
Saying that, I wanted a daily driver, something new, that also would get good gas mileage.
And that it does, with my driving I average ~30mpg around town. In just over 17 months I've put 31k miles on it.
If I would've had all those miles on my truck, it would cost twice as much to drive around.
I haven't left the Dart stock though; I have wheels, coil overs, and some performance bolt ons.
I get a lot of negative comments on buying it, but I feel like it was the right purchase at the time.
Looks good, it's boosted, somewhat fast for being a 1.4L, and gets good MPG; what more could I ask for.
Here's a picture of it…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90761912@N07/10304523886/http://www.flickr.com/photos/90761912@N07/10304523886/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/90761912@N07/, on Flickr
I think it was a good find as well, thank you!
I've had a Cummins for ~4 years and started modding it the last 2, resulting in ~500hp.
Driving a 500hp truck everyday is fun, but it's not realistic, averaging ~13mpg.
Saying that, I wanted a daily driver, something new, that also would get good gas mileage.
And that it does, with my driving I average ~30mpg around town. In just over 17 months I've put 31k miles on it.
If I would've had all those miles on my truck, it would cost twice as much to drive around.
I haven't left the Dart stock though; I have wheels, coil overs, and some performance bolt ons.
I get a lot of negative comments on buying it, but I feel like it was the right purchase at the time.
Looks good, it's boosted, somewhat fast for being a 1.4L, and gets good MPG; what more could I ask for.
Here's a picture of it…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/90761912@N07/10304523886/http://www.flickr.com/photos/90761912@N07/10304523886/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/90761912@N07/, on Flickr
I think it was a good find as well, thank you!
#24
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
![Default](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thank you!
I have Injen cold air intake, 3" single exit exhaust, and intercooler piping; MPx Short Shifter; and Sprint Booster (throttle enhancer).
There are a few other companies that make intakes, exhaust and intercooler piping.
As well, MPx has a ported throttle body and a lightweight under-drive crankshaft pulley, I just haven't decided if I want them yet.
There is one company that just released a tune, but I'm not wanting that quite yet.. feel like it could be too risky.
I have Injen cold air intake, 3" single exit exhaust, and intercooler piping; MPx Short Shifter; and Sprint Booster (throttle enhancer).
There are a few other companies that make intakes, exhaust and intercooler piping.
As well, MPx has a ported throttle body and a lightweight under-drive crankshaft pulley, I just haven't decided if I want them yet.
There is one company that just released a tune, but I'm not wanting that quite yet.. feel like it could be too risky.
#25
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iTrader: (3)
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Not insulting you or anything, just asking.
But I know a lot of people with cummings that just plug in the reflash ECU things and put down a lot of horsepower that way. Did you actually do anything else or just get a bulldog thing? I also never knew the dart was a 1.4! What?! That's weird to me. Even the Honda you have now is a 1.5.
I'll never knock someone for getting a car that pleases them. I don't like dodge myself, but it's cool. You've got an EF
How is the paint? Some rubbing compound would probably do it some good if it looks faded. That and a good waxing.
But I know a lot of people with cummings that just plug in the reflash ECU things and put down a lot of horsepower that way. Did you actually do anything else or just get a bulldog thing? I also never knew the dart was a 1.4! What?! That's weird to me. Even the Honda you have now is a 1.5.
I'll never knock someone for getting a car that pleases them. I don't like dodge myself, but it's cool. You've got an EF
![Emthup](https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emthup.gif)
How is the paint? Some rubbing compound would probably do it some good if it looks faded. That and a good waxing.