I've got a '99 Si with a B16a2. I love it, its my first Vtech, but it has a few problems that I would like to correct. The major issue is that it burns a little oil and the valve train has a chatter that makes me worry. I have adjusted the valve lash which didn't help the valvetrain noise much. And I only see smoke under heavy throttle.
Im getting sick of handing some goon in a jetta his a$$ and then having him wave his hand in front of his nose like my car stinks after I let him catch up. I tell 'em thats the smell of burnt kruat.
But seriously it burns about a quart every 1200 miles. From what Ive read on here it sounds like Im due for some head work. (my freinds have been tellin me that for years, and Ive only owned this car for 13 monthes! lol)
Heres my list of ??'s
1) I know I should comp. test it before assuming the oil is getting by the valves, but i have heard of a leak down test too. HOW DO I LEAKDOWN TEST THE MOTOR?
2) I have never removed a head from any motor, but I have worked on most other things on many different vehicles. Im not a complete idiot, just green. WHAT IS THE DIFFICULTY LEVEL IN REMOVING THE HEAD AND REPLACING IT? ve got a service manual that walks you thru the process step by step, it dosen't see too bad.
3) ARE THERE ANY PERFORMANCE UPGRADES I COULD DO SINCE I HAVE IT OUT? Nothing too crazy (expensive).
4) I live in Minnesota, so Vtech season is almost over. Ive got all winter to work on it. That said, DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A GOOD SHOP IN THE AREA TO GET THE HEAD WORKED ON? Or am I better off finding a new head?
I appreciate ANY advise. THank you!

 

Wow. I hope I can shed some light before you get destroyed for misspelling VTEC.
1. Search for leakdown test, either on here or google it, tons of info out there.
2. If you have the manual, just follow its instructions. Easy as that.
3. You CAN do an upgraded valvetrain while it's off, but you said you don't want to spend money on it, so there's really no need.
4. Couldn't answer that for you.

Oh advice? Stop street racing, goon.

 

I musta been looking at my phone, its made by Vtech. My car is a Vtec. Simple mistake.
As far as street racing, if I didn't wanna beat the guy next to me I wouldn't be driving a Honda. Ive had other fast cars but none that stood up to my style like a Honda.
Im guessing my car has been raced quite a bit, but I like to think it has found a happier home with me.
Anyother advise?

 

Advice for a 99 Si? Security system(kill switch(es), alarm). Yes, VTEC is fun, but the day she isn't there will be the day you say to yourself "I should have". I know you live in Minnesota, but thieves are everywhere, and that car is on the "I'm a lowlife thief and I want that car but I don't want to get my life in order to get it myself so I'm gonna steal one" list.

Oh, and...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by hatchling37 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Stop street racing, goon.</TD></TR></TABLE>
...unless you want the bacon squad to take your car instead of the thieves.

 

I had a security system installed the first week I bought it. Im not stoopid. lol
What does that have to do with my ?'s....?
By the way, Im not some punk kid driving around in a car daddy bought me. Im a punk 30 year old and daddy ain't around. Im not a hardcore street racer either. My car is a daily driver in the summer.