Hi everyone Denise here! About a week ago I picked up a black 2003 EX Love it! (so far) I was a long somewhat lonely search for a 5speed.. not to mention the "oh hon.. you DO know it's a manual?" ARRRG just what I wanted YES! ( hate automatics)



It has a few small dents. but over all quite good condition

Kind of like the seats!

The shop had it a week. Someone did struts and no alignment, locked rotor from setting. Got her back and everything works. even the Cruise control. Steering wheel is centered and she tracks well! FWD nearly steers itself if I'm not mistaken.


I'm older 71 (but better?) Retired from the family HVAC business. I plan to make this baby my last and best set of wheels.. (30+ years of Pontiac Fiero restorations and Ford rangers most recently. )
Gong to start learning all about this FWD mini beast! It makes ounds I'm not used to but I guess are unique to the Vtech FWD manual.

I do know.. I'm not used to higher rpm engines.

Have a great winterspring weekend.. it is just

 

Well either this forum is dead or y'all don't like old ladies lol,.

I really love the car! . But a few things confuse me a little.
Like the high RPM in 5th gear, nearly 3,500 rpm at 70-75 mph? 15 inch wheels with short sidewall tires but they are the size specified for the car, it doesn't need tires yet but I do think I'll go to the maximum diameter possible to get a little bit lower RPMs on the highways.

No dimmer on the dash lights,okay that's automatic,

The radio is really a dumass setup with the stupid lock out code!

It seems to run as smooth as a Detroit v6 or 8 very very smooth plenty a power a(least for me)

No fog lights... Yet!
I was really disappointed with the wheel alignment all four wheels were whacked out, he did get them within spec according to what he told me,. The mini beast handles really well now, but he's encouraging me to get the camber kit for the rear, and I guess the new camber bolts for the front,
M
my son and I spent 30 plus years restoring and driving Pontiac fieros so I'm very familiar with hydraulic clutches, this one actually works!

Bluetooth unit on its way in about a week!
On another thread, I'm wondering about conflict with an aftermarket radio and the existing keyless entry thingy.


​​​​​​


​​

 

Welcome to Honda-Tech, The intro section doesn't see a lot of attention.

Once you have a few posts and 5 days under your belt you will be able to post in more places. I'm not sure how active the 7th gen is. But I do know Honda nerfed the motor so "enthusiasts" don't like the stock motor and they swap it out for something with more room to play with. I've heard it's pretty much the expensive K-series that works the easiest for this chassis. My neighbor has a 2 door 2002.

Also, I believe there was a product change in 04 and 05 so when looking at bumpers and such, know you will need to stick to 01-03.

In the 01-05 section there is a FAQ sticky at the top of the section. It has a lot of good info about your car including what has been done, what works and what does not.

Once again, welcome to Honda-Tech and I hope you find this place as helpful as I have over the years. Cheers.

 

Thank you Tom cat! I did receive the message that I can post freely to the forums,. Not really interested in engine swaps and all that racing information. I will say the 2.0 of the same vintage year has my interest
This little beast has all I need I'm just quite amazed with the quality. And I'm a little bit angry at myself that I've never owned a Honda before, I've always liked them!

 

My neighbor recently bought a beat up 2003 Coupe so I have had to do some quick crash course learning. I believe you are right regarding the immobilizer. I don't know if switching to an after market stereo is going to be an issue but I do know the immobilizer is built into the ECU from my understanding.

The FAQ in the 01-05 section covers a lot more than just engine swaps. It's where I found out about the body production changes in 04 and 05 so the whole front end needs to be changed on 01-03 if you want the 04-05 look, hood, fenders bumper lights and all.

Suspension is in there, electrical etc etc. You might find it has tid bits of help all throughout it.

Personally, I'm a 5th gen guy, the EG hatch is (EH2 here in Canada). I have 2 of them and might be picking up a 3rd down the road. If you had a 92-95 I'd be a lot more informative for you but unfortunately that's the only one I have any significant knowledge about.

Best of luck in your quest and welcome.

 

Thank you! I like this car the way it is I may eventually get fog lights possibly a spoiler that's about it I'm definitely going to get larger diameter tires.

I've I've watched a bunch of videos on radio installs and nobody has mentioned the seven generations having problems with the keyless entry in the radio replacements,
She got her first bath today!

 

These are what my son restored & loved, sold my last one about 3 years ago, she was a Carlisle 1st of show winner 5 years in a row in the early 2000-2005,

 

I think I know why I'm so happy with this little car! It has a 127 HP vtec with the 5 speed!




I don't know if this is the right location or if it's the right number that I would be looking at for future reference

 

Hi Denise, it has 127 HP because the 7th generation cars were heavier, Honda had to put a larger displacement motor in to get the same or slightly better performance as previous generations.

The engine stamp is on a square to the left of the exhaust manifold. right by where the transmission mates to the block. It should be a D17A2 if I recall correctly.

 

Weight is okay with me! I took my first road trip yesterday I really love the car, and it's been a long time since I've made that statement.