Notices
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000) EG/EH/EJ/EK/EM1 Discussion

Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-11-2003, 04:54 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
 
HonDad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Knoxville, TN, USA
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda

I have a dilemma, I purchased a 94 Sol (D15B7) for my Son, but I can’t give it up!!!! The Sol is more Fun in commuter Traffic than my punchy Z28!!!!! I’m planning on getting a Honda, but what Honda is the question (Second Sol, Coupe, HB or even a Prelude). I have found it tough to find Comparative information on Honda Vs. Honda (bodies, suspensions, ergonomics, parts availability, and braking systems)?? I LOVE the Lidless Sol, although I’m surprised with the extent of chassis flex with the top-off during cornering.

Q: How about the Civic; Coupe Vs. HB any handling differences??

Q: Would 4th-Gen. Preludes (H22A4) have SIGNIFICANTLY better low-end (0-4K RPM) acceleration compared to a D15??

I would rather read 20 posts from individuals that know what they’re talking about who ride/compare these Cars, than reading 2 classic Engineering articles touting the attributes of a selective dual-profiled Cam system, actuated by hydraulics, triggered by a solenoid which monitors crankshaft RPM, Blah, Blah, Blah. I understand the technical crap, but what is the straight-up Street Fun-Ranking of these various cars???
Old 08-11-2003, 04:58 PM
  #2  
Member
 
NeVeR bLoWn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Zerega, Flatlands, HuntsPoint, Ny, USA
Posts: 1,224
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (HonDad)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HonDad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have a dilemma, I purchased a 94 Sol (D15B7) for my Son, but I can’t give it up!!!! The Sol is more Fun in commuter Traffic than my punchy Z28!!!!! I’m planning on getting a Honda, but what Honda is the question (Second Sol, Coupe, HB or even a Prelude). I have found it tough to find Comparative information on Honda Vs. Honda (bodies, suspensions, ergonomics, parts availability, and braking systems)?? I LOVE the Lidless Sol, although I’m surprised with the extent of chassis flex with the top-off during cornering.

Q: How about the Civic; Coupe Vs. HB any handling differences??

Q: Would 4th-Gen. Preludes (H22A4) have SIGNIFICANTLY better low-end (0-4K RPM) acceleration compared to a D15??

I would rather read 20 posts from individuals that know what they’re talking about who ride/compare these Cars, than reading 2 classic Engineering articles touting the attributes of a selective dual-profiled Cam system, actuated by hydraulics, triggered by a solenoid which monitors crankshaft RPM, Blah, Blah, Blah. I understand the technical crap, but what is the straight-up Street Fun-Ranking of these various cars???
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Would u be keeping the motor stock or doing a swap? and also would the suspension stay stock or would u be upgrading?
Old 08-11-2003, 05:03 PM
  #3  
Member
 
Smith Wise's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Eastside ATL, GA
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (HonDad)

If you've driven the Sol, and are impressed with the top-less qualities, and cornering, the only upgrade I would tell you is an s2000, solely on those two qualities.

If I were you, I'd get a Del Sol, Si model of course. You should be satisfied.
Old 08-11-2003, 05:07 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
 
stevecockrill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Longmont, CO, USA
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (Jswpstdoff)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jswpstdoff &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If I were you, I'd get a Del Sol, Si model of course. You should be satisfied.</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, unless you're going with a B series swap. The Si and VTEC models (SOHC VTEC and DOHC VTEC respectively) share all the "creature comforts" and mechanical goodies (4 wheel discs, etc) the S model (SOHC non-VTEC) lacks. I would strongly recommend a ride in a B16 powered del Sol compared to a D16 del Sol and see the difference for yourself - its night and day.

My recommendation - go with a later model (95+) del Sol VTEC (DOHC VTEC). You can always up the ante later with modifications, but that will give you a nice solid performer out of the box.

Please IM or post again if you have more questions.

Steve
Old 08-11-2003, 05:16 PM
  #5  
Member
 
Smith Wise's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Eastside ATL, GA
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (stevecockrill)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stevecockrill &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">No, unless you're going with a B series swap.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I told him to get the Si model, what are you talking about?!?!
Old 08-11-2003, 05:19 PM
  #6  
Junior Member
 
stevecockrill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Longmont, CO, USA
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (Jswpstdoff)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jswpstdoff &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I told him to get the Si model, what are you talking about?!?!</TD></TR></TABLE>

The Si model has the D16Z6 or D16Y8 engines, SOHC VTEC, 125-127hp. The B16A2 and B16A3 DOHC VTEC engines have 160hp.

Steve
Old 08-11-2003, 05:31 PM
  #7  
Member
 
swatdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: the deep deep south, USA
Posts: 1,241
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

i would recommend getting a '99 or '00 Civic SI.

-much stronger than the sol, night and day (Dual overhead cams instead of the SOl's single)
-More seats
-Almost the same gas milage
-Good Commuter

BUT, SI's are stolen like crazy! There's always the paranoia of owning any honda with the B-series engine (SI's and integras).
-
Old 08-11-2003, 05:33 PM
  #8  
Member
 
Smith Wise's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Eastside ATL, GA
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (stevecockrill)

Del Sol Si's don't come with a b16??

I reccommended that he get a Del Sol with a b16 ..............................................

what's with the disagreement with my reccomendation??
Old 08-11-2003, 05:36 PM
  #9  
Junior Member
 
stevecockrill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Longmont, CO, USA
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (Jswpstdoff)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jswpstdoff &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Del Sol Si's don't come with a b16??

I reccommended that he get a Del Sol with a b16 ..............................................

what's with the disagreement with my reccomendation??</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, del Sol Si's have the SOHC VTEC D16Z6 or D16Y8 depending on year. I agree with your recommendation to get the del Sol with a B series engine, unless he plans on a swapping in a B series motor.

Sorry for the confusion - I wasn't disagreeing, just correcting a common mistake

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> would recommend getting a '99 or '00 Civic SI.
-much stronger than the sol, night and day (Dual overhead cams instead of the SOl's single)
-More seats
-Almost the same gas milage
-Good Commuter

BUT, SI's are stolen like crazy! There's always the paranoia of owning any honda with the B-series engine (SI's and integras).
</TD></TR></TABLE>

No, no, no. As posted now numerous times, the del Sol has the B16 engine that powers the 99-00 Civic Si.

Steve
Old 08-11-2003, 05:37 PM
  #10  
Member
 
Smith Wise's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Eastside ATL, GA
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (stevecockrill)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by stevecockrill &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">My recommendation - go with a later model (95+) del Sol VTEC (DOHC VTEC). You can always up the ante later with modifications, but that will give you a nice solid performer out of the box.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Sounds kind of like my reccomendation, I guess I should have added "late-model Del Sols"

2 reccomendations for a late-model Del Sol
Old 08-11-2003, 05:39 PM
  #11  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Happyman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (Jswpstdoff)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jswpstdoff &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Del Sol Si's don't come with a b16??

I reccommended that he get a Del Sol with a b16 ..............................................

what's with the disagreement with my reccomendation??</TD></TR></TABLE>

Lol, don't worry, everyone confuses it. Atleast you knew a del Sol came with the B16 before the Civic did! USDM of course. But anyway, for the father, get a del Sol. Si and VTEC are the same otherwise for the motor. And depending on what you like, the 93-95 model comes with fog lights in the bumper while the 96 and 97 model did not. It depends on what you prefer but I myself like it without fogs. As for interchangeable parts. Almost all parts on a del sol will interchange with a 92-95 Civic. As well as some parts will interchange with a 94+ integra. It's all personal preference. However, going from a Z28(5.7) to a 1.6 litre will not do it for you in my opinion. Of course . But you already have the Z so might as well get something more fun to drive and have the Z as a weekend warrior. If you need anymore help let me know.

Edit: Also, about the chasis flex. That is a major problem but hey, what do you want? Nice clean cornering or a targa top? Targa top :drool: lol. You can always stiffen it up with a roll bar. Also, I don't think the VTEC is good to get. You could easily pick up an Si and swap a B16 in it for cheaper than what it will cost you for the VTEC itself imo. I picked up my Si for 6000 with 46k on it. It's a 97. The del Sol VTECs are priced higher simply because there weren't very many made. I dare you to find a 96-97.
Old 08-11-2003, 05:42 PM
  #12  
Junior Member
 
hondapwr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Harrisburg, PA, USA
Posts: 539
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (HonDad)

ANY engine has more punch than a D15. I think what you need is a CRX-Si with a sunroof and an H22 swap *drool*

If you think the car is fun because it's light, than anything bigger than a 96+ hatch will be too porky.

Maybe a 93 Hatch with sunroof and a B18B swap.

It would help if you told us the price range you're looking for!
Old 08-11-2003, 06:15 PM
  #13  
Thread Starter
 
HonDad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Knoxville, TN, USA
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (Happyman)

I have been looking for MONTHS for a Decent VTEC-Sol (B16A3) None around!!! I find Sol-S (D15B7) and 4th-Gen Preludes (F22A, H22A). I did find a 94 HB-Si (D16Z6) w/ 95Kmiles but the dude wanted almost $6K for it, which is tooo much for an SOHC car in HillBilly-Ville (Should be $3,6K-4.5K ref. NADA-Kelly). I could not tell/feel much acceleration nor torque difference between my D15B7-Sol and the D16Z6-HB (Confused!) I do have a little skewed prospective of dv/dt (Z-Grin)

I’m more interested in the Pros and Cons of the Various Chassis (Coupes Vs. HBs Vs. Preludes).


This may be rude for a "newbie", but here is my Engine Code Ref.
A20A1- USDM Accord carb 86-89
A20A2 - foreign Accord carb 86-89
A20A3 - USDM EFI Accord 86-89
A20A4 - foreign version of the A20A3
D14A3- 1.4l SOHC non-VTEC 96-00 Civic (euro model)
D15B - 1.5L SOHC 6th gen Civic hatches and LX
D15B7 - 16 valve 5th Gen Dx engine
D15B8 - 8 valve 5th gen Cx engine.
D15Z- 1.5L SOHC VTEC-E 6th gen Civic HX
D16A1- 1.6L DOHC 1st gen Integra
D16Z6- 1.6L SOHC VTEC 92-95 Civic EX, 93-97 del Sol Si, 92-95 Civic Si
D16Y8- 1.6L SOHC VTEC 96-00 Civic EX, 96~00 Acura 1.6EL (CADM)
D16Y7- 1.6L non-VTEC 96-00 Civic DX
D16A8/A9 (ZC)- DOHC non-VTEC Japan-spec CRX
B16A1- 1.6 liter DOHC VTEC japan-spec CRX
B16A2-1.6 liter DOHC VTEC engine in 99-00 Civic Si
B16A3 - 1.6 liter DOHC VTEC engine in Del Sol
B16A4- 1.6 liter DOHC VTEC (170hp) Asian market
B16B- 1.6L DOHC VTEC 98-00 Civic Type-R
B17A - 1.7 liter DOHC engine in U.S. 92-93 GSR
B18 - 1.8 liter DOHC engine in 90-91 Integras
B18A - 1.8 liter DOHC engine in 92-93 LS and GS
B18B - 1.8 liter DOHC engine in 94-00 LS and GS
B18C1 - 1.8 liter DOHC VTEC engine in 94-00 GSR
B18C5 - 1.8 liter DOHC VTEC engine in U.S. Integra Type R
B18C Spec-R - 1.8L DOHC VTEC engine in JDM Integra Type R
B20A- 2.0L DOHC 3Gen Prelude
B20b = 1997-1998 CRV (giraffe manifold lol)
B20z = 1999-2000 CRV (shorter manifold, has a chamber)
F20B- 2.0L DOHC VTEC 92+ Accord SiR
F20C- 2.0L DOHC VTEC '00+ S2000
F21B- 2.1L DOHC 3G Prelude
F22A- 2.2L SOHC 90-97 Accord/CL, 92-96 Prelude S
H22A- 2.2L DOHC VTEC 92-96 Prelude
H22A4- 2.2L DOHC VTEC 97+ Prelude
H23A- 2.3L DOHC 92-96 Prelude Si
C30A- 3.0L SOHC V6 91-95 Legend
C30B- 3.0L DOHC VTEC 91-96 NSX
C32- 3.2L DOHC VTEC 97-00 NSX
J30A1 - 3.0L SOHC VTEC 97+ Accord V6
J32A1- 3.2L SOHC VTEC 98+ 3.2TL/00+ 3.2CL
J32A2- 3.2L SOHC VTEC 00+ 3.2CL Type-S/02+ 3.2TL Type-S
K20A - 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 02+ RSX base
K20A3- 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 02+ Civic Si
K20C - 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC 02+ RSX Type-S
Old 08-11-2003, 06:39 PM
  #14  
Member
 
Looose_R's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: not, tiiight
Posts: 1,974
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (HonDad)

92-95 is hte favorite, cx and vx are the lightest, easy bolt in swaps, and can be had for under 2k
Old 08-11-2003, 06:49 PM
  #15  
Honda-Tech Member
 
rodrez.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: King Tubbys studio, CA
Posts: 15,936
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (Jswpstdoff)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jswpstdoff &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Sounds kind of like my reccomendation, I guess I should have added "late-model Del Sols"

2 reccomendations for a late-model Del Sol </TD></TR></TABLE>

As stated above, the "Del Sol Si" model was equipped with a SOHC motor regardless of the year. The "Del Sol Vtec" is the model equipped with the DOHC VTEC (B16) motor.


QUOTE: I could not tell/feel much acceleration nor torque difference between my D15B7-Sol and the D16Z6-HB (Confused!) I do have a little skewed prospective of dv/dt (Z-Grin)

Just out of curiosity, have you experienced a Civic or Del Sol powered by a DOHC VTEC motor, whether factory or custom? If not, doing so may change your perspective completely.
Old 08-11-2003, 06:59 PM
  #16  
 
TrickHonda98's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: If you make me mad, Ill Fling Poo at you
Posts: 732
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda (HonDad)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HonDad &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Q: How about the Civic; Coupe Vs. HB any handling differences??
</TD></TR></TABLE>

well, I used to have my '92 Hb until i blew it and my '95 civic coupe, the difference between the '92-'95 civics aren't really big. but heres the stats on handling:

My old 92:flexy chasis
turns really well
had more oversteer
current '95
flexy chasis
turns fast but turning radius is bigger than 92
had more understeer since it's longer.
heavier than the hatch. drives great.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JDMBBL93
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
2
12-15-2006 06:56 PM
707_ViCiOuS
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
3
03-25-2004 08:07 PM



Quick Reply: Newbie, Sole his Son's Sol, Now Needs Advice on Dad a Honda



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 08:14 AM.