This may seem like a dumb question but I want to try and clear something up. I've had my '98 Civic EX for about a year now with only one previous owner. Went to replace my air filter and the non-VTEC filter didn't fit and the VTEC filter did but my car doesn't have any VTEC markings. And all the records I got with the car didn't show anything about replacing the air filter system. What do y'all think? Does the air filter system have anything to do with my engine type?

 

Air intakes on these cars/engines are very cheap and common to modify.

A photo may help.

 

Seems odd that it's a 98 EX and wouldn't have VTEC.. **shrug**
You SURE it's not a Y8 engine?

Look for this on the back of the head, next to distributor. VTEC solenoid..

 

I don't think the factory put a "VTEC" sticker on those cars, just "EX".

The only way to tell if you have a VTEC engine is like Txdragon said, look for the solenoid. If you are not the only owner of the car, realize that parts may have been swapped between different versions. It is very easy to do.

There are two kinds of stock intakes. The DX and LX have the air filter box on top of the engine and the EX and HX have it off to the side.

 

Thanks for helping out guys. I'm still pretty new to Hondas, so I have much to learn. I'll check for that when I get the chance