93_EH3

First, a quick lesson... The piece highlighted below is officially called a TUBE, SIDE BRANCH. (Diagram is actually of the '94-'01 Integra non-VTEC rubber intake tube). My guess is that it helps muffle sound?



The USDM 92-95 Civic EX/Si rubber intake tube does not have one, but is significantly narrower in diameter than the intake tube found on the European model 1.6 ESi (also equipped with the 1.6L SOHC VTEC). See pics below. However, the EDM intake tube has one of these TUBE, SIDE BRANCH pieces attached to it. So my question is, which one flows better? I bought a used ESi rubber intake tube for 15.98 GBP (roughly $32 USD) shipped off UK's version of ebay. But I'm just looking to gather some well-founded input from people who know what they're talking about Thanks in advance.



USDM version...

93_EH3

Bump for help...?

blk92_d16

Guessing you're trying to maintain a OEM look? cuz we all know a sri with a velocity stack is best for flow...

93_EH3

Yes, I'll all about the factory airbox and rubber intake arm I've had the AEM CAI (orig version with aluminum airhorn), ICEMAN CAI, R.S. Akimoto short ram, and Password:JDM CF Power Chamber. Stock intake set-up (or mostly-stock) doesn't attract attention for a 2 mile square radius like all of the above LOL. So just trying to get some input as to whether or not the ESi intake tube will flow better and produce slightly better power over my existing Si rubber intake tube - in spite of the fact that the ESi tube has this additional "chamber" attached to it.

NOFX

Here's the actual diagram for the '92 ESi.



If it makes a difference, I'd imagine it's minimal. My '98 EX coupe has something similar too.

93_EH3

Wow, thanks for the diagram - that's cool. Would you mind sharing a link where I can see diagrams for European model Civics or even Japanese for that matter? Back to the subject at-hand, you're saying the extra "tube" added to the larger diameter rubber intake arm would probably make a minimal difference or going from my Si intake tube to the ESi intake tube would make minimal difference? Just clarifying. Thanks.

NOFX

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 93_EH3 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Wow, thanks for the diagram - that's cool. Would you mind sharing a link where I can see diagrams for European model Civics or even Japanese for that matter? Back to the subject at-hand, you're saying the extra "tube" added to the larger diameter rubber intake arm would probably make a minimal difference or going from my Si intake tube to the ESi intake tube would make minimal difference? Just clarifying. Thanks.</TD></TR></TABLE>
That image is from a program on my computer. The Japanese one is corrupt though, so I can't get images.

As far as I'm aware, it's just a sort of resonator or something. I really don't think it's going to matter if it's on there or not. I'd like to see someone confirm what it does.

93_EH3

So turns out that European Civic air cleaner diagram is the same thing as the 93-97 USDM Del Sol air cleaner diagram. In fact, the Civic 1.6 ESi air flow tube is the same thing as the one designated for the USDM Del Sol VTEC w/ABS. Here's the diagram of the Del Sol - as found on Majestic Honda Parts' website



Bottom line, you can run the 93-97 USDM Del Sol VTEC rubber intake tube instead of your OEM 92-95 Civic EX / Si rubber intake tube. You don't need to order one from the UK 1.6 ESi like I did and have to wait 3+ weeks for shipping. DOH

Here's a shot of the Del Sol's engine bay...same intake tube as the ESi

-me

If you really want an answer take both tubes down to an engine shop (one that does high performance head work, porting, polishing, etc). If they're worth anything they have a "FLOW BENCH" to test air flow on cylinder heads they have modified. It wouldn't take much rigging to attach your intake tubes to it and get a real answer with hard numbers for comparison on how much better one is over the other.