Hello everyone,

I'm new to the import world and new to the site. I just purchased a 2003 Honda Civic Si Hatch. I have never owned a 4cyl anything so I have nothing to compare to. I had been driving a 91 Mustang 5.0 Police Interceptor. I have a couple questions about the car.

1. I-Vtec-----How do I know if it is working? My Neighbor drove the car and said his 1.7 Vtec makes a distinct sound and a kick in the pants feel. Mine does not create this noise and I can't really feel this "big" rush of power up top. His seems to rev about 1000 rpm higher than my 2.0. Is the power curve in the newer I-Vtec much more linear and smooth? Is that why I don't hear a tone difference? How do I test it? I found the Vtec solenoid, but how the heck do you get to it between the firewall and the head?

2. Driving RPM-------I seem to keep this car about 4000 rpm in town while driving normal. My neighbor said try to keep it between 2000 and 3500 between gear shifts for best mileage. I only got 25mpg out of my last tank. Coming from a light car with a V8, I seem to have a heavy foot with the 4cyl. Does this really effect mileage all that much? Should I keep the reves lower? It's so smooth even at 5,000 rpm that I find myself there all the time.

Thanks for the replies in advance!

 

this should be moved to the correct forum in a little. you have a EP3. This is for 2001-2005 NON SI's.

But, I will give you an answer to some of your questions.

1) What years your neighbors civic? It seems like the same one as ours, the D17. Its a SOHC motor with Vtec-E, similar to yours in your k20a3 (your motor code). you will NOT get a distinct sound or "surge" of power out of either. I think your neighbors lying to you or just thinks hes receiving a sudden rush of power at a certain RPM.

2)lower RPMs= less gas. thats why its called the gas pedal. if you press on it more, you use more gas. simple as that.

 

your friend witht the 1.7 is funny because there is no kick in the pants from that motor maybe a kick in the toe but not in the pants, your car sound kick harder but without an intake you wont hear much outta it since honda designed the intake that way. you sould get a lot more gas milage but i know from having a shortbed chevy with a v-8 that going to a honda takes time to save gas cuz you want to feel the power that the v-8 makes. btw your in the wrong forum since you have a si but if you want to stay in this form ill trade you cars lol

 

I'm sorry about the wrong forum. What forum do I need. I only saw Civic 2001-2005. Thank you for the responses anyway.

 

they moved you into the right forum, WELCOME!

unfortunately, there is no thrust advantage in our i-vtec

-its made that way to save gas and be reliable-

want it a little faster? -get ready to pay out the nose!-
mods to do...

1. KPRO - around $1K+ tune (your cars ECU must be sent in- your car will sit for a while)
this adds fuel management for turbo or supercharging, plus around 10 HP

2. Turbo - around $3K-4K for a good one (get a GOOD ONE! less expensive ones seem to blow up!)
this adds 40-50 HP for most (depending on fuel rails, cams, etc...)

-other options-

1. Swap in another engine for $6K (TSX K24 or JDM Type R K20a)
this will net you needed torque, and around 40-50 HP!

2. supercharging for around $3K
not as much added power, but better for daily driving

3. Drive the **** out of it and be happy
this is what most do- throw on a header and a short air ram, and call it a day!


Remember,
-its a Honda, UNMODDED it should last 200,000 miles at least!
Plan accordingly to what you want to do with it!
Good Luck!

 

i didn't mention nitrous - but i'm not into supporting anyone doing that...
i've heard too many horror stories!
-----
ALL MOTOR FTW!
-----

Gas mileage- taken over the last 2 years...

driving like a girl = i can squeeze 30MPG!

driving like i have a pair = 27MPG on average
-----
i have seen people getting over 40mpg after getting kpro and modding it for fuel sipping

 

Nice advice!

 

k20a2 swap for ~$3000 (200hp, 6 speed, loud vtec, better platform for expansion)
k20a swap for ~$5500 (220hp, 6 speed, loud vtec, lsd, good platform)
k24a1 swap for ~$1500 (more torque, hp about the same)
Used supercharger + Kpro ~$2500 (~230whp, sweet whine)
Good turbo, fuel system plus kpro ~$4500 (~275whp+, awesome sound)

Edit: If you hear/feel kick in at all your Vtec solenoid is fine. The a3 doesn't much kick at crossover. If your friend can rev 1000 rpm's higher and has a loud vtec crossover, I'm suspecting he has a k20a2 swap.


Modified by WhiteOnRice at 6:01 PM 6/23/2008