I'm looking for a cheap commuter. I have found a 1992 Hatchback VX that I'm interested in.

How can I tell if it has the original VX engine? Please assume that I know nothing about Hondas. I have been driving PU trucks mostly.

Thanks.

 

this reminds me of the time i bought my first vx. It's a great little car that gets awesome gas mileage. you can look for the engine stamp on the front of the block that says d15z1.

its unlikely that someone is going to try to cheat you by saying its a vx, vx's aren't exactly top of the line, and are known for their somewhat stark interiors and lack of optional equipment.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by instrument &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">this reminds me of the time i bought my first vx. It's a great little car that gets awesome gas mileage. you can look for the engine stamp on the front of the block that says d15z1.

its unlikely that someone is going to try to cheat you by saying its a vx, vx's aren't exactly top of the line, and are known for their somewhat stark interiors and lack of optional equipment.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

also on the valve cover should say vtec-e. yep vx's are known to be top of the line, but can sure as hell save you hella gas..lols yeah d15z1 is a clear indicator of the vx engine. good luck on your buy.

 

Reviving this in 2021! Just bought what is supposed to be a stock vx, but I am concerned the head isnt from a vx.
Is there any way to tell internally?
I know the valve cover should probably be stamped with "vtec-e", right? This one isnt and its throwing a CEL code 48 LAF (lean air fuel mixture).
Thanks in advance if anyone still gets on here....😄.

 

Vtec-e valve covers were only 94 and 95. Earlier valve covers were smooth.

Failed LAF is common, no one wants to replace the $300 sensor. Send pictures we can help identify.

A VX head will have both vtec solenoid and egr valve.

 

The best method to tell is take off the valve cover, if the rocker arms have rollers, it's a vtec-e head. The block as already stated will be stamped D15Z1.

The EGR is a part of the intake manifold and if that is swapped out, it may be missing but still be the right head. The throttle body is also a pretty small mouth throttle body. I think 1.5 inch instead of 2.5? I'll have to go down and remeasure for a more difinitive answer as to TB size. Tomorrow I will get you the head casting stamp. I have 2 VX engines in my garage I can pull info from.

Will update sometime tomorrow.

Oh, and the California VX doesn't have the lean burn so may not have quite the same features. Definitely does not have the 5 wire O2 sensor in the exhaust manifold.

 

Here are some pics I took yesterday after I discovered the valve cover bolts were stripped and one broken.

 

Here is a photo with the valve cover that's currently on it. Not sure if it's all stock, or just the valve cover was swapped, or whole head.

 

That is a VX head no doubt.

Looks legit, correct intake and exhaust manifold. Appears to have the 49 state 5 wire LAF.

Toss the NTK LAF at it part number 24300 and send it.

Very nice that it has the optional AC. Valve train is pretty clean, someone was doing maintenance.

 

That's great, was worried I'd never find a vx head if it was swapped.

So lucky with the AC and it actually has cruise control which seems to somewhat work.

I was thinking it actually might be running lean as the o2 wires look pretty clean and new. Was thinking maybe someone replaced it trying to fix the problem but that didnt do it. It did have quite a bit or carbon on it once I pulled it.

 

The ONLY LAF that is known to work correctly on the VX is the NTK 24300. Every other aftermarket LAF will cause a code 48.

 

Gotcha. Not sure what brand the current one is.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

Just an FYI (which I think you should know being a member since 2008), you should create your own thread instead of necro bumping a thread as old as you are a member.

Thread closed now that it's complete. If you have more questions, please feel free to start a thread with your specific car details.

Cheers.