Yeah so.. i bought this car off a dude who did all sorts of exterior mods but no engine bay stuff. A lot of the labels under the hood are gone, so is the rear lettering ( just a 'H' logo ).

It has an aftermarket paintjob and custom wheels. It's a manual with power steering, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a sunroof.. my smog test indicates the engine is a d16y7. I've researched all over the internet and it looks like only the EX had a sunroof. It also seems to have a honda ground effects package ( splash guards and such ).

What gives? Do i just have a really tricked out DX? I really want to start buying parts for this beastie but i'm concerned about things like buying a DX parts ( particularly intake and pulleys ) and losing my cruise control or power steering. What the hell do i have?

Any input would be appreciated.
-neptro

 

What does your VIN say? Something like 1HG*** What does the *** say in your VIN? Find it and enter that 3 digit 'code' into google or the search engine here and you'll be sure to find out what model it is.

For example, JHMED9 is a CRX Si, 1HGEJ2 is a 92-95 Civic DX coupe (if I remember correctly..). Most Hondas are pretty good about saying which model it is going by this.

 

it sounds like its a 1996-1998 (ek) EX with a downgraded motor if its the d16y7. The correct motor that should be in there would be a d16y8. You should buy parts for the DX motor, if you were to buy parts for it, but things like an intake wouldn't really be any diffrent if you bought it for an "EX" instead of a "DX"

 

The intake manifold has a vertical plenum instead of the better flowing horizontal plenum.

 

It's definetely a 1999 Civic. the VIN says it's an EJ8.
If i had a true EX, i'd see vtec on my valve cover, yeah??
What the crap.
Anyways.. where's this VIN decoder thing anyways?

 

IT wouldnt say VTEC on the valve cover.
and an EJ8 is an EX witch should have a y8 motor.
But in your case it has a y7, Non-vtec.
and again like above, the intake manifolds between y7 and y8 are different

 

if it was a true EX you would have a sunroof...simple as that.

 

The Helm Manual shows that the 2nd digit to the right of your "Chassis Code" will be your Vehicle Grade (Trim Level Designation)... Look for either a "4" or "5" in this place (to denote "EX" or "EX+ABS", respectively).

Write down ALL VINs/Serial #s you can find...
Dashboard VIN: http://img204.imageshack.us/im...5.jpg
Under-The-Hood VIN: http://img207.imageshack.us/im...5.jpg
Engine & Tranny Codes: http://img207.imageshack.us/im...6.jpg
Vee-TACH Soul Annoyed: http://img204.imageshack.us/im...2.jpg

In any case, If you have an all-power-optioned car, then it's likely an EX. I have no idea what the dumfuk at the smog station was thinking...

Check your Engine Code, Check that the Vee-TACH's Soul is Annoyed, Check your U-T-H VINs... Let us know!!! Hope it helps...
JasonGhostz

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by strtciv93 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if it was a true EX you would have a sunroof...simple as that. </TD></TR></TABLE> Yup

And EX's don't say "V-tec" on the valve cover, only Si's , GSR's do.

 

the d16z6 that came in the 95 civic ex coupe has the V-TEC stamped on the block

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ke98248 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the d16z6 that came in the 95 civic ex coupe has the V-TEC stamped on the block</TD></TR></TABLE>

lol.....

 

Just go to the CARFAX home page and type in your VIN. Mystery solved.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ke98248 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the d16z6 that came in the 95 civic ex coupe has the V-TEC stamped on the block</TD></TR></TABLE>

lol, no it didnt......

 

Engine VIN is the same as the vehicle and the motor says D16Y8.
Both the buyer and the smog shop said i had a DX. I knew something was funny! Seemed like the rotors were a little bigger than stock.. heh.

THANKS A LOT Jason. You saved my dumb *** from buying DX parts. I seriously owe you one.. or two.

 

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

lol, no it didnt......</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes it did, I've seen it first-hand on a '95 ex coupe

 

My friends told me to go buy a coupe because it came with VTEC. My friends dad motor says VTEC on it. It's a EJ2.

 

ke, he said stamped on the BLOCK
not the VALVE COVER
i've never seen VTEC stamped on an engine block, i'd like to see your proof bud.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Neptronix &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Engine VIN is the same as the vehicle and the motor says D16Y8.</TD></TR></TABLE>

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Neptronix &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Both the buyer and the smog shop said i had a DX. I knew something was funny! Seemed like the rotors were a little bigger than stock.. heh.</TD></TR></TABLE>MAN! What'd you pay for your "sleeper" EX??? YOU PAID DX PRICES FOR AN EX!!!! BWAHAHAHAHAHA TO THE SELLER!!! TO YOU!!!111oneONE

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Neptronix &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">THANKS A LOT Jason. You saved my dumb *** from buying DX parts. I seriously owe you one.. or two. </TD></TR></TABLE>NP, man... You were smart and motivated enough to come here and figure out what you had. Next step is a Kill Switch and a Helm Manual... THEN you'll be on your way!!

You can repay me by giving me the parts you don't use!!
Great pickup, man!! Enjoy your 128hp "DX"!!!
JasonGhostz

 

he already said EJ8 yes you have an ex done

 

I paid $1250.
Before your eyes pop out of your sockets, here's how it came:

1. cd player ripped out of system by tweaker and various dash panels were in the trunk.
2. interior was a pig sty.
3. 'hit in the weak spot for MASSIVE damage' in rear. Trunk didn't close, quarter panel was messed up, frame was bent, left rear wheel had some camber issues ;p
4. No spare tire / interior carpeting / etc in trunk as it had 'erupted' inside
5. Electrical shorts all over due to retarded amp removal + trunk light sensor wires crossed.

I'm $1500 into it so far.. all i need is a bumper cover.. found the right body dudes to whip it into shape so it's sound now. In the end i'll have paid $3000 for this car. Under the hood it's *perfect* and just had the manual trans. redone.

Still deal of the month?
Anyways.. again, thanks.

 

Pics?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Agent_EM1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And EX's don't say "V-tec" on the valve cover, only Si's , GSR's do.</TD></TR></TABLE>

It's VTEC, tool

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ke98248 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the d16z6 that came in the 95 civic ex coupe has the V-TEC stamped on the block</TD></TR></TABLE>

No it sure doesn't and refer to above reply for proper spelling of VTEC.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Archidictus &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> It's VTEC, tool

No it sure doesn't and refer to above reply for proper spelling of VTEC.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Before others rush to defend the spelling, it should be noted that Honda itself has indeed used both the standard and hyphenated spelling, though the one most commonly encountered is clearly "VTEC".

Regardless, I'm not sure why the discussion has progressed as far as it has, when simply researching the VIN would definitively resolve what trim level the car began life as.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Neptronix &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Still deal of the month?
Anyways.. again, thanks. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Not the deal of the month, but a decent deal. You could save a lot if you did the body work yourself.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Padawan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Regardless, I'm not sure why the discussion has progressed as far as it has, when simply researching the VIN would definitively resolve what trim level the car began life as. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I liked the "began life as" touch.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Padawan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">simply researching the VIN would definitively resolve what trim level the car began life as. </TD></TR></TABLE>I completely understand... But the OP still had doubts as to what he had (even after finding "EJ8", and 12 posts worth of suggestions), not in the least due to the fact that both the Seller and Smog Station had misidentified it. Additionally, it didn't seem like the OP knew where to look for ALL of the VINs, other than perhaps the Veh. Reg and/or Dash VIN, but my perceptions can be off...

I was just hoping to help confirm what he had, so that he could have the certainty to proceed with his project. One reason why I was still curious... What if the Dash VIN didn't match the Firewall VIN and/or the Engine VIN? What if the Engine Code *DID* read "Y7"? I just wanted to cover contingencies, and that's why I suggested noting all of them, and doing a Net/Carfax/Police search for trouble.

I suppose I was just over-embellishing the joy the OP might've felt after confirming he bought an EX from a guy who thought it was a DX. After hearing the condition, I guess it's still a good deal, but not the ultra...

The bottom line: H-T helped him find what he needed to find. I'm happy to be part of the group that did so!!

Please don't kill me...
JasonGhostz