This is my first post, but I've read this forum for a while, and I've found a ton of info here. So first off, thanks for that. A few months back I bought a 1992 4-door Civic EX for $200 from my girlfriend's family after they bought her a 2002 Civic EX. The car's body is so-so with a few dents and scratches, but the engine (148k miles) is decent. The transmission is automatic, which sucks, but beggars can't be choosers. The reason for my post is that I've run into some issues, and I could use some advice.

First, I checked for CEL codes and there were none (a solid CEL, no blinks after using a jumper wire and following the instructions found in this forum).

1. I took the car through inspection and it failed for emissions a month or so back-> high NOx output. I'm pretty sure the catalytic converter needs to be changed, as there is no EGR system on this car. I'm looking at a Catco Cat (#4716) for about $102, which I think is a good deal. Could the O2 sensor also be a problem? Or would this have shown up in the CEL blink codes? Is there anything else that should be changed in relation to emissions failure?

2. I know the car needs the timing belt changed. My g/f's dad (a Ford mechanic) tried to change it a long time ago, but ran into problems getting a bolt off, probably the crankshaft bolt, from what I've read on here. Should I try to replace it myself or should I take it to a Honda dealer or an auto shop? How much would this cost? And should I buy a high quality timing belt and take that to the shop with me for them to use?

3. On the way to work yesterday I heard what sounded like an exhaust leak which got increasingly loud. So when I got home today, I noticed that the exhaust pipe broke right after the resonator due to rust. There are other rust spots on the exhaust, so I assume I should get a new catback exhaust. I would like an exhaust that improves performance (2 1/4" or 2 1/2" throughout), but I don't want to spend much more than $300 or $400. I also don't want a high-pitched "ricey" sound or an exhaust that's going to get me pulled over. Just an exhaust that will improve performance and last. I'm probably going to do the work myself to save some $ so direct-fit is important. Any suggestions? Where can I buy this system inexpensively online? Also, I prefer the oval mufflers... not the ones that look like a Pringles can. That's just a personal preference.

4. I need to replace my air filter as well. I'm looking for an increase in performance if possible, but that's not vital. I'm considering a CAI, but I don't know if the benefit is worth the cost. I'm thinking about the K&N CAI. If not that, maybe a K&N drop in. Or should I just go with an OEM paper filter?

I have some more questions, but this post has gone on long enough. Thanks in advance for your help.


Modified by gawain at 4:14 AM 1/8/2005

 

Good deal for $200.

1. If there are no codes, then why buy a new cat? I think you need to tune up the engine, i.e. oil change, filter changes, fluid replacement, etc.

2. Timing belt service can cost quite a bit. I say buy the belt yourself as well as a chiltons and save yourself the money. Your dad should be able to help you out.

3. Get 2.25" custom piping from a local muffler shop plus a good aftermarket muffler of your choice. One preferably with a straight through design with a perforated core. the piping size will give you a slight increase in top end without any real significant loss in the low end. This will give your engine the ability to breathe later on with more mods.

4. For the mean time, check the classifieds for a used CAI to save money. If not i say your best bet is a K&N drop in filter.

 

1. first off, you shouldn't take your car to emission w/out doing some clean up such as: sea foam (or engine flush, oil change, injector cleaning fluid, etc). Yes, o2 sensor can be the problem for runing little richer then usual, in this case it won't show any CEL. Yes the cat can be the problem too for lack of filtering effiency. Catco + others highflow claim to pass emission, but take my words and dont believe them.

2. If you dont know how to change timing belt dont do it. Shop charges you around 100+? Honda timing belt , i dont trust any other after market . you can take ur car to honda dealer but they will charge you more than other shops, but you can blame them if anythign gone bads

3. exhaust leak is prolly the cause for emission failure. Go buy a cheap muffler 80$ and a magnoflow car sound 40$ or catco catconverter + mandreal bending from muffler shop for 140-180 (2.0" - 2.25") they will do installation and material for you for 140-180 + resonator16" for 50$ (optional, but recommend). Im sure u will get good sound and quite. Total around 400 or little over

4. Cai will increas the chance of failing emission, so buy it after smog test. Just buy a short ram from ebay for cheap and get a good filter like KN that you stated. A pipe intake is a pipe intake.

god dann you ask alot man

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by teknoracing &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Good deal for $200.

1. If there are no codes, then why buy a new cat? I think you need to tune up the engine, i.e. oil change, filter changes, fluid replacement, etc.

2. Timing belt service can cost quite a bit. I say buy the belt yourself as well as a chiltons and save yourself the money. Your dad should be able to help you out.

3. Get 2.25" custom piping from a local muffler shop plus a good aftermarket muffler of your choice. One preferably with a straight through design with a perforated core. the piping size will give you a slight increase in top end without any real significant loss in the low end. This will give your engine the ability to breathe later on with more mods.

4. For the mean time, check the classifieds for a used CAI to save money. If not i say your best bet is a K&N drop in filter.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, I believe the car is due for a fuel filter, spark plug and maybe a distributor cap/rotor change as well as a coolant flush and maybe new wires. Could these be responsible for high NOx? Would a failed cat/O2 sensor always cause the CEL to come on? I just got the the Helms manual for the car and in the Emissions Troubleshooting Guide, the Catalytic Converter is listed as the #1 cause for failure of emissions. Thanks again.