evergruven

I will be selling my 98 Civic EX coupe and was looking into buying an ITR, but my current financial situation won't allow such an expenditure, with such high insurance and all, therefore I've pretty much decided to buy a 6G hatch and maybe go the CTR replica route, def race it out(engine swap, full suspension, JDM goodies, etc.), that way when I'm beating ITRs on the track I won't feel as bad about not buying one. anyway, I've done some research and tried a few searches with limited success. basically, I'm having trouble deciding exactly which hatch I want. first of all, do I want a 96-98 or 99-00? what did Honda upgrade (or de-grade as the case may be) from 98 to 99? I know the interior is slightly different and they added a rear wiper, etc...but anyway, is there anything so different that I should really care? CX or DX? DX is slightly heavier, but the difference seems to be negligible. DX has more options, low fuel warning light, rear roofline is extended/colored, etc...one thing though, the CX doesn't come in black. a CW hatchie would be sweet, but I don't want to pay a wad for paint and I won't accept a poor-quality paintjob, therefore it seems to be DX as black is the only color I'm interested in(how could I not be after seeing SIINSI's sick hatch). I noticed the shade of black changes from 98 to 99...any significant difference between the two? so after seemingly answering my own question, it looks like the real question is 96-98 or 99-00? any advice/sugggestions are greatly appreciated...thanks again guys!

Spade

96-98 or 99-00 depends on the looks that you like. basically it is all cosmetic and the layout of the dash cluster, cup holders and stuff.
I have both a 97 and a 00 (coupes) and I like the 00 interior better. the body seems a little different too.....more sleek.

evergruven

hmm...thanks Spade, I'll keep that in mind. I live in WA where it rains 6 days a week...attn: hatch owners, how is visibility through the back in the rain? would that rear wiper come in handy, ya think(this is hardly going to make or break my car decision, just curious)? thanks again.

fowler!

If I were you though, I'd get a 99-00. Nothing beats having a next to new car. Good stuff, eh?

But then you have to deal with Smog stuff once the motor goes in. I know Spade ain't having that...or you could be like me and not worry about it

<----who will end up getting it in the butt when smog time come around

Spade

BS. One day a swapping the old sucker back in, smogging and then another day trowing the 18C back in. Who cares right

I do. Basically from what i hear from the smog officals, they check the block for stamps of year and vins. Hell, build a 95 GSR in a 00 block But, I want the torque of a 20. Still don't know how smog officals feel about a CRVTEC.

fowler!

I know someone who has smogged a CRVTEC...I don't know how he did it...but it was legit.

I'll probably end up paying the $200 to get it smogged

Spade

If you see him again get his email from me an article on smogging a LS/VTEC or CRVTEC in Cali would be very benifical to a lot of people.

evergruven

I wouldn't pass smog with any swap? I was thinking ITR. I live in WA, but the hatch could be smogged in NJ if that matters. thanks.

VoltageLS

Just some quick information that you guys may/maynot know of. The 96-98 Hatches have a hatch release lever right next to the gas door lever. The 99-00 hatches DO NOT. It may not seem like that big of a deal, but from what i've heard it's a real inconvience! Also, the DX model and it's rear wiper really help me--when it gets cold outside and I have my car parked at work, frost gets on the outside of the hatch glass, the wiper makes it easier for me to see without having to get a rag and take it to the back. All up to personal preferences from there, good luck!