Honda Civic FN2 2007
Discussion
Another update for anyone still following along. Car passed 67,000 miles a short while ago. For years the clutch bite has been very low on the pedal, which takes a little getting used to. I just thought it was a quirk of the car, but the last few weeks it's gotten steadily worse and I knew it was time for a new clutch.
So a browse through the web netted a genuine Honda clutch kit for £155 which I thought was pretty good
So after organising a weekend to borrow my uncles 2 post lift, off I went. Some confidence in myself having never changed a clutch before.
Planned to finish work on Friday dinner and get started about 3pm. Handily Dad was along to help out once I got going, who's also never done a clutch before. After a steady work pace, keeping track of things, talking and tea drinking, we had the box in the floor at 6.30pm. Not bad considering we were going steady between us.
First off the air box and tubing has to come off. At this point it would be best to remove the battery too. This clears out all the space above the gearbox and makes things a whole lot easier. You could also remove the ECU to get better access to the gearbox mount too.
Next off is the gear linkage. Just two spilt pins and pull off the bushes, then the linkage mount attached to the gearbox which is only three bolts. I disconnected the three gearbox sensors after that. In gear sensor, speed sensor and oil level sensor? Finally two bolts that hold the clutch slave cylinder to the box.
After that the drive shafts came out but not before draining the gearbox oil. Then I supported the engine from underneath and took off the front subframe for better access. Just a matter now of taking the gearbox mounts off and undo the box from the engine. All went fine,with no problems.
Old clutch out
I've seen worse but it's passed it. The worst part was the pressure plate fingers. Where the throw out bearing pushes, it had worn the fingers to about half thickness. I'm sure they would have given out before the clutch disc.
Flywheel was fine, no bad scoring or strange wear marks. So the new one went straight on and called it a night at this point. Fish and chip tea was in order.
Saturday morning nice and early was the time we got things buttoned up. Just reverse of the removal. Quite enjoyable to do with the right tools and a beastly garage heater
The final job was to adjust the clutch pedal back to factory setting. I'd already adjusted it to move the bite point on the old clutch. A simple job, a philips, 12 & 17mm spanner and long nose pliers.
So after that job the car is pretty fresh again. Since September last year its had:
Honda Air Filter
Honda Oil Filter
Gulf Competition 0w-30 Oil
Honda MTF3 Gearbox Fluid
Honda Pollen Filter
New Front Brake Pads
Brembo DOT4 Brake & Clutch Fluid
I've got a dyno day booked next month, so anything to help get the HP number up! Before then I'd like to replace the original spark plugs, they are nearing the end of life so a cleaner spark might help out with that Along with that, the undertray push in clips have been braking with each removal. So when they arrive, I'm hoping to replace them all this weekend.
The guy I was going with to the dyno blew out the seals on his turbo, so while swapping my clutch he sent a picture of about 3 litres of oil that came out his intake tubing and intercooler. Hopefully will get sorted by then.
Plan in a few months is to have the rust along the window repaired. A job for better weather so I can use the MR2 everyday while it's being sorted. Also fit a set of coilovers to replace the rather tiered looking suspension. I'm unsure of if to get some Miester R's or Yellowspeed coilovers. Any thoughts?
Lastly, join a friend on a track day with his track prepped Clio 182. Should be a good laugh. The original plan was to go on one in April, but the Clio is lacking any wheels right now.
So a browse through the web netted a genuine Honda clutch kit for £155 which I thought was pretty good
So after organising a weekend to borrow my uncles 2 post lift, off I went. Some confidence in myself having never changed a clutch before.
Planned to finish work on Friday dinner and get started about 3pm. Handily Dad was along to help out once I got going, who's also never done a clutch before. After a steady work pace, keeping track of things, talking and tea drinking, we had the box in the floor at 6.30pm. Not bad considering we were going steady between us.
First off the air box and tubing has to come off. At this point it would be best to remove the battery too. This clears out all the space above the gearbox and makes things a whole lot easier. You could also remove the ECU to get better access to the gearbox mount too.
Next off is the gear linkage. Just two spilt pins and pull off the bushes, then the linkage mount attached to the gearbox which is only three bolts. I disconnected the three gearbox sensors after that. In gear sensor, speed sensor and oil level sensor? Finally two bolts that hold the clutch slave cylinder to the box.
After that the drive shafts came out but not before draining the gearbox oil. Then I supported the engine from underneath and took off the front subframe for better access. Just a matter now of taking the gearbox mounts off and undo the box from the engine. All went fine,with no problems.
Old clutch out
I've seen worse but it's passed it. The worst part was the pressure plate fingers. Where the throw out bearing pushes, it had worn the fingers to about half thickness. I'm sure they would have given out before the clutch disc.
Flywheel was fine, no bad scoring or strange wear marks. So the new one went straight on and called it a night at this point. Fish and chip tea was in order.
Saturday morning nice and early was the time we got things buttoned up. Just reverse of the removal. Quite enjoyable to do with the right tools and a beastly garage heater
The final job was to adjust the clutch pedal back to factory setting. I'd already adjusted it to move the bite point on the old clutch. A simple job, a philips, 12 & 17mm spanner and long nose pliers.
So after that job the car is pretty fresh again. Since September last year its had:
Honda Air Filter
Honda Oil Filter
Gulf Competition 0w-30 Oil
Honda MTF3 Gearbox Fluid
Honda Pollen Filter
New Front Brake Pads
Brembo DOT4 Brake & Clutch Fluid
I've got a dyno day booked next month, so anything to help get the HP number up! Before then I'd like to replace the original spark plugs, they are nearing the end of life so a cleaner spark might help out with that
Along with that, the undertray push in clips have been braking with each removal. So when they arrive, I'm hoping to replace them all this weekend.The guy I was going with to the dyno blew out the seals on his turbo, so while swapping my clutch he sent a picture of about 3 litres of oil that came out his intake tubing and intercooler. Hopefully will get sorted by then.
Plan in a few months is to have the rust along the window repaired. A job for better weather so I can use the MR2 everyday while it's being sorted. Also fit a set of coilovers to replace the rather tiered looking suspension. I'm unsure of if to get some Miester R's or Yellowspeed coilovers. Any thoughts?
Lastly, join a friend on a track day with his track prepped Clio 182. Should be a good laugh. The original plan was to go on one in April, but the Clio is lacking any wheels right now.
I haven't got any advice on the suspension unfortunately but have enjoyed reading the thread. I've got a Championship White FN2 turning up either the end of this week or beginning of next week that I've just bought from auction and really looking forward to enjoying it. I've had three EP3's previously so will be nice to compare the two properly. Hope you continue to enjoy yours.
jsims1 said:
I haven't got any advice on the suspension unfortunately but have enjoyed reading the thread. I've got a Championship White FN2 turning up either the end of this week or beginning of next week that I've just bought from auction and really looking forward to enjoying it. I've had three EP3's previously so will be nice to compare the two properly. Hope you continue to enjoy yours.
You'll find they're easier to live with every day. Probably lacking some excitement vs the older EP. Enjoy!So the weekend has arrived and I've got a few bits and pieces for the old Honda.
During all the snow we had the other week, I lost the little plastic cover that goes over the drivers side wiper arm spindle. It's been loose for a while now and it seems to be something that happens to them all. In the end it turned up in the driveway after all the snow had melted, inevitably run over by my own self
Typically searching through the web I couldn't find a replacement from any of the usual sources. In the end I found one in Hungary, which was still cheaper than any I found in the UK.
Here is the packet for anyone needing the part number for one of these. I could have got one from Honda I'm sure if I asked.
I dropped by the parts supplier after work too and got some of those dam expensive spark plugs. just as well as my new thin wall spark plug sockets turned up too.
That's about it for now, until the dyno next month. This weekend if it doesn't decide to snow again, I'll get the plugs changed. The MR2 taking up all the garage space which is having its water pump changed. I should update that thread really hmmm.
Hey there internet experts. Not as much an update, as much as I've got questions for the more experienced people here.
As a friend has started to get his track car near completion. I decided to join him in my own car. Anybody got any tips that would be of help for a first timer?
I'm pretty savvy with the tools, so I'll be taking a few and some extra engine oil. I run it on 0w-30 Gulf Competition, but with extra track day heat, would it be worth swapping that for at least a 0w-40 oil?
I'm aware the K series can have oil starve issues, so my only solution for that is to keep it on the max level as much as possible.
I still haven't put those plugs in doh!
As a friend has started to get his track car near completion. I decided to join him in my own car. Anybody got any tips that would be of help for a first timer?
I'm pretty savvy with the tools, so I'll be taking a few and some extra engine oil. I run it on 0w-30 Gulf Competition, but with extra track day heat, would it be worth swapping that for at least a 0w-40 oil?
I'm aware the K series can have oil starve issues, so my only solution for that is to keep it on the max level as much as possible.
I still haven't put those plugs in doh!
Sillyhatday said:
Hey there internet experts. Not as much an update, as much as I've got questions for the more experienced people here.
As a friend has started to get his track car near completion. I decided to join him in my own car. Anybody got any tips that would be of help for a first timer?
I'm pretty savvy with the tools, so I'll be taking a few and some extra engine oil. I run it on 0w-30 Gulf Competition, but with extra track day heat, would it be worth swapping that for at least a 0w-40 oil?
I'm aware the K series can have oil starve issues, so my only solution for that is to keep it on the max level as much as possible.
I still haven't put those plugs in doh!
Regular oil. Keep it topped up.As a friend has started to get his track car near completion. I decided to join him in my own car. Anybody got any tips that would be of help for a first timer?
I'm pretty savvy with the tools, so I'll be taking a few and some extra engine oil. I run it on 0w-30 Gulf Competition, but with extra track day heat, would it be worth swapping that for at least a 0w-40 oil?
I'm aware the K series can have oil starve issues, so my only solution for that is to keep it on the max level as much as possible.
I still haven't put those plugs in doh!
Use your mirrors
Tuition if available
Drop you tyre pressures to allow for the rise when the tyres get hot on track
chrismc1977 said:
Regular oil. Keep it topped up.
Use your mirrors
Tuition if available
Drop you tyre pressures to allow for the rise when the tyres get hot on track
Cheers, I'd not thought about dropping tyre pressures. I'd also not considered tuition, so I'll have a look into it.Use your mirrors
Tuition if available
Drop you tyre pressures to allow for the rise when the tyres get hot on track
So, Saturday was free for a change. Everyone I know is sick of this awful weather, even myself, so said balls to it and decided to go to some tinkering. One of the things that got done was the new plugs in the Civic. Which only showered me off once, when it was time for a brew anyway.
The issue with changing the plugs in the FN2 is that the scuttle panel is in the way. The plastic trim at the bottom of the window just pops off after removing a few small push in clips. Under that is an aluminium plate that is used to keep the weather out, it drains water away and out the bottom of the car. The tray comes off with a bunch of 10mm bolts. You just need a long socket extension. to get to some of them. Only now can you get access to the top of the engine.
Behind the tray was quite clean and rust free. One of the drain holes were clogged with wet debris, which I fished out and washed away. It could be a problem area for rust in some cars. Everywhere was dry apart from the debris area.
The plugs were in good condition, but certainly ready to be changed. New ones in, it feels like it has improved low end torque. I only drove it today after forgetting that I'd even done this, wondering why it was driving differently. Must be a cleaner burn with a better spark I guess,
While I was here, the cam cover got a clean up.
After
Pictures don't do it any justice. I didn't do a great job anyway as once I got started, the paint started flaking off. I had already begun in certain areas, so it was no surprise. I think I'll get on with setting valves clearances fairly soon, so the cam cover can be refinished while it's off.
Obligatory picture.
Today was spent out at Cadwell Park watching some amateur racing. Travelling in the silver convertible convoy
I should update the Boxster thread, see if it can gain some traction in interest.
Well an exciting day for me. Some of you like a little story, a prequel to the main event if you will. I will deliver.
To most of you a day out to the dyno is probably not exciting as your not too interested or it's a regular occurrence. I've always wondered what sort of power my little old daily drive Civic is making 11 years and 68000 miles on. The only service item left to do is the valve clearances, which will be getting done this summer. That would probably have bagged an extra few HP, of which i'll leave until the end, so as to make you all read to the end. You know how this works.
So picked up my mate this morning and headed over to our meeting point. We stopped at a little cafe in Ludford called Viking Way Coffee House. Comes straight up in google maps, so if your over that way stop by. They do a great breakfast sandwich. It's a strange place as inside it's like walking into someones house. We sat in the conservatory
As we parked up around the back, a young lad pushed and freshly repainted Hilman Imp out of a unit across the way. There was some old 2CVs nearby so had a look over them first.
The kid had put a lot of work into the thing, lots of welding and original engine still in. 800cc or something. Lovely thing.
The other guy, whos idea this was, joined us for a sandwich and we headed off to PP Tuning in Louth. A great bunch of guys, seem really knowledgeable.
After driving over the Lincolnshire Wolds you could say the car was nicely warmed up by the time we got there So as mate no2 blew his turbo up twice now! Only I was doing a dyno run. He wouldn't take his T5 camper on being it is his only working car ATM. We pushing him hard too.
Upon arrival I immediately was draw to a CRX tucked in the corner. I'm a sucker for an interesting Honda. It was the proper SiR model too!
I offered the owner of the garage money for it today. It was rough, but importantly was complete. Anything missing was thrown inside with some spares. It hasn't been taxed since 2006. He wouldn't sell it. Honestly I had nowhere to put it anyway. You don't ask you don't get!
Straight in into the dyno it went. Listening to your own car doing a 5th gear pull to 125mph is strange yet amazing. Video, yes I sound about 12 and look about 12, I'm closer to 30 than 20. I was delighted to get asked for ID at a bar last week
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQlf7_SLhxM
She made 200.3HP. I guessed 195HP at the flywheel. So its in great health
I haven't resized this so you can see it.
Now Honda say these made 198HP out the box. On dynos new, they are known to make between 205 - 210HP. So its gained 2hp or lost 5hp. I don't care its only a number. Sounds great and a brilliant drive over the Wolds. The dyno tech commented how good of an example this engine was. A super smooth well looked after K20, which was nice to here as he must see this stuff all the time. An excuse for a day out and check your cars health.
A guy turned up in this
I'll add more about it later. Time for drinks in this unusual British sun
To most of you a day out to the dyno is probably not exciting as your not too interested or it's a regular occurrence. I've always wondered what sort of power my little old daily drive Civic is making 11 years and 68000 miles on. The only service item left to do is the valve clearances, which will be getting done this summer. That would probably have bagged an extra few HP, of which i'll leave until the end, so as to make you all read to the end. You know how this works.
So picked up my mate this morning and headed over to our meeting point. We stopped at a little cafe in Ludford called Viking Way Coffee House. Comes straight up in google maps, so if your over that way stop by. They do a great breakfast sandwich. It's a strange place as inside it's like walking into someones house. We sat in the conservatory
As we parked up around the back, a young lad pushed and freshly repainted Hilman Imp out of a unit across the way. There was some old 2CVs nearby so had a look over them first.
The kid had put a lot of work into the thing, lots of welding and original engine still in. 800cc or something. Lovely thing.
The other guy, whos idea this was, joined us for a sandwich and we headed off to PP Tuning in Louth. A great bunch of guys, seem really knowledgeable.
After driving over the Lincolnshire Wolds you could say the car was nicely warmed up by the time we got there
So as mate no2 blew his turbo up twice now! Only I was doing a dyno run. He wouldn't take his T5 camper on being it is his only working car ATM. We pushing him hard too.Upon arrival I immediately was draw to a CRX tucked in the corner. I'm a sucker for an interesting Honda. It was the proper SiR model too!
I offered the owner of the garage money for it today. It was rough, but importantly was complete. Anything missing was thrown inside with some spares. It hasn't been taxed since 2006. He wouldn't sell it. Honestly I had nowhere to put it anyway. You don't ask you don't get!
Straight in into the dyno it went. Listening to your own car doing a 5th gear pull to 125mph is strange yet amazing. Video, yes I sound about 12 and look about 12, I'm closer to 30 than 20. I was delighted to get asked for ID at a bar last week
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQlf7_SLhxM
She made 200.3HP. I guessed 195HP at the flywheel. So its in great health
I haven't resized this so you can see it.
Now Honda say these made 198HP out the box. On dynos new, they are known to make between 205 - 210HP. So its gained 2hp or lost 5hp. I don't care its only a number. Sounds great and a brilliant drive over the Wolds. The dyno tech commented how good of an example this engine was. A super smooth well looked after K20, which was nice to here as he must see this stuff all the time. An excuse for a day out and check your cars health.
A guy turned up in this
I'll add more about it later. Time for drinks in this unusual British sun
Edited by Sillyhatday on Saturday 21st April 19:59
Edited by Sillyhatday on Sunday 22 April 19:25
Great thread. Had my 07 bronze fn2 for nearly 18 months now and i love it, they really are great little cars.
What tyres have you got on yours? I have budgets which were put on brand new so not seen the point in changing but maybe looking at the ps4s for the future.
In terms of mods I've done the following
Brembo 4 pot brake kit
Led headlight upgrade
Milltek non res exhaust
Skunk 2 gear nob
K&N air filter
What tyres have you got on yours? I have budgets which were put on brand new so not seen the point in changing but maybe looking at the ps4s for the future.
In terms of mods I've done the following
Brembo 4 pot brake kit
Led headlight upgrade
Milltek non res exhaust
Skunk 2 gear nob
K&N air filter
Commander2874 said:
Great thread. Had my 07 bronze fn2 for nearly 18 months now and i love it, they really are great little cars.
What tyres have you got on yours? I have budgets which were put on brand new so not seen the point in changing but maybe looking at the ps4s for the future.
In terms of mods I've done the following
Brembo 4 pot brake kit
Led headlight upgrade
Milltek non res exhaust
Skunk 2 gear nob
K&N air filter
Solid cars. With it being my first quick car, I thought anything with big torque would ruin the experience of it. Far from it, if you need torque work that great engine harder, they love it.What tyres have you got on yours? I have budgets which were put on brand new so not seen the point in changing but maybe looking at the ps4s for the future.
In terms of mods I've done the following
Brembo 4 pot brake kit
Led headlight upgrade
Milltek non res exhaust
Skunk 2 gear nob
K&N air filter
I've got Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres. I'm fairly sure they came as standard factory fitment. There's probably better tyres out there, but they're fairly cheap and good enough for me.
I've been wanting a different shift knob. There's not much to grab hold of as they come.
antacid said:
Looks stunning in black.
I've just sold an FN2 that I had in as stock but then ended up using as a daily - quite underrated and benefit from a few tweaks. Such a great all rounder, was sad to see it go!
Thanks man, appreciate it.I've just sold an FN2 that I had in as stock but then ended up using as a daily - quite underrated and benefit from a few tweaks. Such a great all rounder, was sad to see it go!
So the other day, I made a list of things to do to all my cars. The list was longest for the Honda, which is supposed to be the most tidy reliable daily drive. For years I've been meaning to get the roof repaired before the rust forming kills it. So I figured if I got a new weather seal it would get things moving in that regard.
Run out to pick one up and ended up with a massive box.
So I had a guy I've used in the past that has packed up spraying, but said he'd do my roof for me. Only now hes sold up and buying the parts place I always use as they are also moving. So he will have a new workshop but who knows when. So there's a guy who does this kind of work across from a mate unit who builds motorhomes from vans and stuff. When I get chance I'll go and ask about having it done.
Here's the part number for the revised window seal I picked up
Been a while since I've even been on here, nevermind posted anything. So if anyone was interested in this thread, a lot has been done to the ageing K series machine.
Following on from before, the cam cover needed refurbishing. Well it didn't, but I cant help myself and it was worth doing to learn how to set valve clearances.
To get a fresh start on the finish, I sandblasted the cover. Now in the past I have learn't not to allow any of the particles to get stuck inside the air oil separator for the breather. A long time cleaning I was on the MR2 4AGE cam covers!
So I copied the method I used on the 4AGE sump. Fasten and silicone it to a board!!
Long wood screws through the cam cover fixing holes with a slither of sealant on the old gasket. With some big washers and bolts, the dipstick, oil filler and spark plug holes sealed up nicely. The breather got some hosepipe with a bolt stuffed in the end of it.
I don't have a picture of it fastened down, but you can just imagine.
So to refinish the thing, I got some VHT wrinkle paint in red. Would luck have it, one of our painters at work had done a homework job for someone with the exact same paint, so got a bonus can!
So after 'borrowing' some degreaser, the paint was applied. I'll be honest, I had to do all this again. The silicone sealer must have given of some vapour or something and fish eye was my literal nightmare. So this was the second attempt with so much degrease, it's not good for mother earth. It looks horrifying, too bright and shiny. Just give the paint some time. I've used the black version before and the results were less unnerving.
This is the look once dry
The actual finish is as bright as it looks in the photos. It is brighter than the factory finish, but doesn't look like it is or out of place. Yeah there are runs in the spark plug valley but who sees that when it's together? Not even me, so I can live with it.
The main cover seal was replaced, the spark plug tube seals were replaced, along with the fastener seal with the metal bits on top. I've no idea what these are called. I got them from Tegiwa directly, the bonus is some free Haribo in the delivery and some stickers to go on my laptop, if I had one I used regularly.
So before it goes back on, the cam followers need adjusting. I bought the proper tool for the job to make things easier. I actually don't remember where I got it from, I'm sure it was with the Tegiwa order as it was the cheapest place to get it from.
Before I put it back on, the cam followers were adjusted to the minimum tolerance. Well nearly.
Heres what things looked like as soon as the the cover was taken away from the head. Clean...
For me this shows what regular quality oil changes are good for. Nowhere is there any black gunk. Everything looks as good as it could be for 68000 miles. Cams only mildly scuffed from the follower bearing. Couldn't be happier.
Feeler guages out, I set everything to the smallest tolerance. I say smallest as I set everything to 0.01mm above the smallest. I figured this would allow for any error when setting things. Too tight or loose would mean it's still within tolerance as I was being super careful. Of the 16 valves, 14 needed adjusting back into tolerance, with one more needing pulling back from the limit to the minimum. None were too tight, only too loose if you were.
Once done, the cover blobbed back on.
Very pleased, I've never done anything like this before. It's been running quieter and better than ever before. So much so, dads volunteered me to do his this weekend...
This engine in my eyes is a masterpiece of engineering. 100hp per litre redlining at 8300rpm. Supercar V12s are tuned as well, only with four times more cylinders and the same increase of capacity. This car is staying with me, along with the MR2!
Then this arrived;
Following on from before, the cam cover needed refurbishing. Well it didn't, but I cant help myself and it was worth doing to learn how to set valve clearances.
To get a fresh start on the finish, I sandblasted the cover. Now in the past I have learn't not to allow any of the particles to get stuck inside the air oil separator for the breather. A long time cleaning I was on the MR2 4AGE cam covers!
So I copied the method I used on the 4AGE sump. Fasten and silicone it to a board!!
Long wood screws through the cam cover fixing holes with a slither of sealant on the old gasket. With some big washers and bolts, the dipstick, oil filler and spark plug holes sealed up nicely. The breather got some hosepipe with a bolt stuffed in the end of it.
I don't have a picture of it fastened down, but you can just imagine.
So to refinish the thing, I got some VHT wrinkle paint in red. Would luck have it, one of our painters at work had done a homework job for someone with the exact same paint, so got a bonus can!
So after 'borrowing' some degreaser, the paint was applied. I'll be honest, I had to do all this again. The silicone sealer must have given of some vapour or something and fish eye was my literal nightmare. So this was the second attempt with so much degrease, it's not good for mother earth. It looks horrifying, too bright and shiny. Just give the paint some time. I've used the black version before and the results were less unnerving.
This is the look once dry
The actual finish is as bright as it looks in the photos. It is brighter than the factory finish, but doesn't look like it is or out of place. Yeah there are runs in the spark plug valley but who sees that when it's together? Not even me, so I can live with it.
The main cover seal was replaced, the spark plug tube seals were replaced, along with the fastener seal with the metal bits on top. I've no idea what these are called. I got them from Tegiwa directly, the bonus is some free Haribo in the delivery and some stickers to go on my laptop, if I had one I used regularly.
So before it goes back on, the cam followers need adjusting. I bought the proper tool for the job to make things easier. I actually don't remember where I got it from, I'm sure it was with the Tegiwa order as it was the cheapest place to get it from.
Before I put it back on, the cam followers were adjusted to the minimum tolerance. Well nearly.
Heres what things looked like as soon as the the cover was taken away from the head. Clean...
For me this shows what regular quality oil changes are good for. Nowhere is there any black gunk. Everything looks as good as it could be for 68000 miles. Cams only mildly scuffed from the follower bearing. Couldn't be happier.
Feeler guages out, I set everything to the smallest tolerance. I say smallest as I set everything to 0.01mm above the smallest. I figured this would allow for any error when setting things. Too tight or loose would mean it's still within tolerance as I was being super careful. Of the 16 valves, 14 needed adjusting back into tolerance, with one more needing pulling back from the limit to the minimum. None were too tight, only too loose if you were.
Once done, the cover blobbed back on.
Very pleased, I've never done anything like this before. It's been running quieter and better than ever before. So much so, dads volunteered me to do his this weekend...
This engine in my eyes is a masterpiece of engineering. 100hp per litre redlining at 8300rpm. Supercar V12s are tuned as well, only with four times more cylinders and the same increase of capacity. This car is staying with me, along with the MR2!
Then this arrived;
Edited by Sillyhatday on Friday 3rd August 20:58
Butter Face said:
Nice work, rocker cover looks ace. I really need to do my valve clearances soon!
ZetaCRD+? Nice!
A man of knowledge. yep, your on the money, I've more to post, hopefully get it in one more. Maybe two.ZetaCRD+? Nice!
I'd really like to supercharge one of these! May only happen once it's not a daily driver. just past 69,200 miles. I'd rather drive a s
t box and drive this once in a while.I need to catch up on your thread!!!
Edited by Sillyhatday on Friday 3rd August 20:59
EDIT: Jesus wept I'm pissed
Edited by Sillyhatday on Friday 3rd August 21:00
So I was expecting the suspension to turn up while I was at work. I don't mind missing a package as it's easy to fetch, but this is UK Mail. Organisation isn't their thing. It's impossible to get your package once you miss it. If you don't miss it, then there's no complaints
So I took the afternoon off work when I received a text for a delivery slot. The package arrived an hour before it's slot. No complaints here, better than an hour before.
For months, probably bordering a year on, I've been deciding between Meister R or Yellow speed coilovers. To me after nearly 70000miles the suspension is long past its best. Age also I'd say plays apart, so a refresh is warranted. Particularly on a car that was supposed to handle well.
The car is used for travelling to work. I've other cars for enjoying the sake of driving. That said, a few track days are in order and I might well use it for a trip out to some nice roads. So upgrade it is!
First thing I noticed when I jacked it up, there's a bolt head missing. Nice, there's an exhaust leak.
I didn't have any of the right parts to repair it. So it got a small new bolt through it until I could order a new gasket from Tegiwa and grab some bolts from work.
Within 45 minutes of jacking the car up it was getting lowered onto the ground. The rear end was stupidly easy. I started at the back as it has never been apart before and figured it would be a pain in the arse. Nope, a walk in the park. Once the lower bolts on the dampers were taken out, the whole rear assembly basically falls to peaces. I didn't let that happen, as I had a jack under the rear swing arm so as not to just let it fall.
Makes the rest of it look like scrap. The wheel arches were dirty, but not as much as you'd think so. It's mostly factory underseal. I went back in a few days later to blast everything clean.
Looks much better than the crusty original suspension that came out.
I just installed the coilovers and left the settings as they were out the box. All I did was check that the settings were the same and that everything was tight.
Now its never been a bad handling car. The front end has never given much confidence. Even when not understeering, it feels like it is through the feedback through the wheel. I guess it's just the way the FN2 is setup. My EP2 never felt like it. Then again, I'm a better driver than I was back then.
The main difference with the new setup, even without setting it up, it feels more planted. The feel through the steering is confidence.
The way it fell down is in the slower corners or a quick left right change. A 2nd gear corner it would easily spin the inside wheel. It no longer tries to do that. Well not so easily as before. I always thought this car needed a LSD, but after this I'm not so sure for the road. I would easily say for track work you would need one.
In faster corners, the car always took it in its stride, safely say that nothing has changed in that respect. Just feels more stable than before.
I also got myself a new gear knob while I was at it. I'm not normally into this type of modification, but the original was looking tiered. I never liked the original anyway. This one is a little taller so you've something to grab onto!
Well I already wrote this post before until the website and my internet went crazy one after each other. So sorry if it is all disjointed, it pissed me off!!!
Here's how it stands now after some more tinkering.I'll update that in a few days.
Need to get out and take some proper photos. Work has been mental so not had chance.
So I took the afternoon off work when I received a text for a delivery slot. The package arrived an hour before it's slot. No complaints here, better than an hour before.
For months, probably bordering a year on, I've been deciding between Meister R or Yellow speed coilovers. To me after nearly 70000miles the suspension is long past its best. Age also I'd say plays apart, so a refresh is warranted. Particularly on a car that was supposed to handle well.
The car is used for travelling to work. I've other cars for enjoying the sake of driving. That said, a few track days are in order and I might well use it for a trip out to some nice roads. So upgrade it is!
First thing I noticed when I jacked it up, there's a bolt head missing. Nice, there's an exhaust leak.
I didn't have any of the right parts to repair it. So it got a small new bolt through it until I could order a new gasket from Tegiwa and grab some bolts from work.
Within 45 minutes of jacking the car up it was getting lowered onto the ground. The rear end was stupidly easy. I started at the back as it has never been apart before and figured it would be a pain in the arse. Nope, a walk in the park. Once the lower bolts on the dampers were taken out, the whole rear assembly basically falls to peaces. I didn't let that happen, as I had a jack under the rear swing arm so as not to just let it fall.
Makes the rest of it look like scrap. The wheel arches were dirty, but not as much as you'd think so. It's mostly factory underseal. I went back in a few days later to blast everything clean.
Looks much better than the crusty original suspension that came out.
I just installed the coilovers and left the settings as they were out the box. All I did was check that the settings were the same and that everything was tight.
Now its never been a bad handling car. The front end has never given much confidence. Even when not understeering, it feels like it is through the feedback through the wheel. I guess it's just the way the FN2 is setup. My EP2 never felt like it. Then again, I'm a better driver than I was back then.
The main difference with the new setup, even without setting it up, it feels more planted. The feel through the steering is confidence.
The way it fell down is in the slower corners or a quick left right change. A 2nd gear corner it would easily spin the inside wheel. It no longer tries to do that. Well not so easily as before. I always thought this car needed a LSD, but after this I'm not so sure for the road. I would easily say for track work you would need one.
In faster corners, the car always took it in its stride, safely say that nothing has changed in that respect. Just feels more stable than before.
I also got myself a new gear knob while I was at it. I'm not normally into this type of modification, but the original was looking tiered. I never liked the original anyway. This one is a little taller so you've something to grab onto!
Well I already wrote this post before until the website and my internet went crazy one after each other. So sorry if it is all disjointed, it pissed me off!!!
Here's how it stands now after some more tinkering.I'll update that in a few days.
Need to get out and take some proper photos. Work has been mental so not had chance.
williamw1987 said:
That's looking great, dude! How are you finding the coilovers? I've got an EP3 and am quite tempted by a set at some time too... along with the Tegiwa cat back and intake.
Coilovers have been perfect. I read a few storeys of people having trouble with them. Knocking noises and such. No issues at all here for me. I wouldn't listen to them.Perfect for daily driving. It's a hard ride anyway, so this is just as hard really.
Tegiwa catback is great for daily driving too. There are louder ones out there. Under 70mph on a steady cruise, you can't even hear it. Until you put your foot in it and it just makes a nice noise. I've had many great comments about how well it sounds. Along the lines of, it's a great tone but not loud, just perfect. Louder would ruin it somewhat.
Think Tegiwa has redesigned it since I got it.
A lot has happened since the previous update. Exciting things, and expensive things.
I got one of those headlight polishing kits from Halfrauds, some sort of Autoglym one. I actually got it for the Porsche and promptly took it to the Honda right afterwards.
Sceptical of its effectiveness, I ended up nicely surprised. The results more dramatic on the Honda.
They are not as good as new, but I never expected that. Then again they are better than they ever have been since I have owned the car.
The kit I used was good. Just good. In my opinion, you would be better off buying plenty of wet and dry paper yourself and just having the special polish in the kit with its special polishing pad. The sanding equipment that comes with it does the job but the sanding pads only last all of 30 seconds. They also work much better when wet, not dry as the instructions say. Non the less, pleased with the job.
Three weeks back now my mate told me, quite informatively, that he was free on the coming weekend for once. The star system must have aligned or something as I was free too. Makes a change from either working or already having plans. So that night a track day was booked.
The next day was followed with us both flapping like some Grannys at a coffee morning. Neither of us had done a track day before, and both limited on track experience. The following tail of one of great fun and a steep learning experience. One to be repeated again.
Being complete novices, we spent ages writing lists of things that we would most definitely need. Until we began to worry that we would turn up like a race team with cart loads of gear. And generally look daft. I backtracked on the idea of two spare wheels, figuring Blyton park is only 10 miles from home for me. We ended up taking all manner of fluids and basic tools with us. In which we found out we used nearly every single one of them.
I knew the K20 would be hungry for oil so I took plenty of extra, along with brake fluid. We acquired 6 unwanted jerry cans before going, only needing new seals in the lids. So we split £100 of petrol between us, any left over I would use anyway. Which was wise as I used 30l of the stuff and had 20l left which I've used since. I picked up a spare aux belt and some cheap £20 brake pads to replace my cheap £20 brake pads. Bad idea all around really...
The night before, I obviously did all the basic checks to make sure the car was fit for purpose. Tyres all good, has oil in it, etc. I took the rear seats out which is easily 50kg, took out all the emergency kit I wouldn't need like the tool kit, jack and out of date tyre seal stuff that never works. Floor mats left at home, all the junk in the centre arm rest and some boot trim.
Day started off well. we met up at our favourite roadside grease shed, fuelled up on bacon, cheese and tea and away we were.
Mate has a tweaked Discovery making about 190hp from its diesel lump. Less than 100k miles and minimal rust. Very tidy example of one. On the back is his Clio 172 found for £200 with no MOT. Works fine as it was never going to see a public road again. No interior, only door cards and a dash. Full roll cage and cheap but quality bucket seat. The work done was the standard dephaser problem and new track rated brakes all around. It was rocking three different tyre brands and ultimately resulted in a lot of understeer and a decent spin too!
The reality was that we were both not fully ready car wise to be doing it. Impromptu track day at its best.
A mate turned up in his Clio 197. He got a bunch of trackside pictures with his phone. Rubbish but free!
At the track. The whole event well organised, kept safe and fun. Only one or two people out on track who don't have any manners for less experienced drivers. Such as myself keeping a check on mirrors and moving out of the way as soon as possible. Tailgating is still an issue on the race track it seems. Understandable in race conditions, but it wasn't a race.
As you keen eyed out there might notice. I have lost a wheel centre cap while out on track. They aren't fond of high brake temperatures. They all melted and dont stay in anymore. As it happens, it may have happened due to being told by the audience, my brakes were literally on fire. Orange iron dust flying off my discs and under braking, licks of flame from the calipers. The brakes were toasted by 11.30am. Turns out Delphi pads aren't race pads after all. I'm so glad I made the decision to bring spare pads or that would have been my day over. As the replacements were as bad as the ones coming out, I had to take it much steadier on the brakes all afternoon. I was only doing 10 minute sessions and a cool down lap all day. Anyway.
I had brought everything needed for a brake swap. Except the piston return tool! I had to send someone off to fetch it from home. No big deal, get things apart, had some dinner and chatted about how rubbish we both are at this.
Before starting the day I swapped my nearly new front tyres to the back to save wearing them so much and the older, harder rear tyres to the front, in hopes of scrubbing them off and replacing them.
Front
Even the rear tyres were all melty!
That's nothing versus the front brakes!!!
Yes a layer of iron had stuck to the pad faces. You could peel it off with your fingers!
Then there was the nearside caliper...
The outer piston seal had completely melted. It wasn't even really hanging on. The afternoon session had to be taken much slower. Time taken to improve my driving techniques and focus on learning the track. The new pads never bedded in properly and were totally glazed by the days end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmkIyuhFjOE Here's a short video of my second track session stuck behind a BMW. My driving smoothed out greatly during the day. A complete novice as I say, a huge education on driving.
More to come tomorrow...
I got one of those headlight polishing kits from Halfrauds, some sort of Autoglym one. I actually got it for the Porsche and promptly took it to the Honda right afterwards.
Sceptical of its effectiveness, I ended up nicely surprised. The results more dramatic on the Honda.
They are not as good as new, but I never expected that. Then again they are better than they ever have been since I have owned the car.
The kit I used was good. Just good. In my opinion, you would be better off buying plenty of wet and dry paper yourself and just having the special polish in the kit with its special polishing pad. The sanding equipment that comes with it does the job but the sanding pads only last all of 30 seconds. They also work much better when wet, not dry as the instructions say. Non the less, pleased with the job.
Three weeks back now my mate told me, quite informatively, that he was free on the coming weekend for once. The star system must have aligned or something as I was free too. Makes a change from either working or already having plans. So that night a track day was booked.
The next day was followed with us both flapping like some Grannys at a coffee morning. Neither of us had done a track day before, and both limited on track experience. The following tail of one of great fun and a steep learning experience. One to be repeated again.
Being complete novices, we spent ages writing lists of things that we would most definitely need. Until we began to worry that we would turn up like a race team with cart loads of gear. And generally look daft. I backtracked on the idea of two spare wheels, figuring Blyton park is only 10 miles from home for me. We ended up taking all manner of fluids and basic tools with us. In which we found out we used nearly every single one of them.
I knew the K20 would be hungry for oil so I took plenty of extra, along with brake fluid. We acquired 6 unwanted jerry cans before going, only needing new seals in the lids. So we split £100 of petrol between us, any left over I would use anyway. Which was wise as I used 30l of the stuff and had 20l left which I've used since. I picked up a spare aux belt and some cheap £20 brake pads to replace my cheap £20 brake pads. Bad idea all around really...
The night before, I obviously did all the basic checks to make sure the car was fit for purpose. Tyres all good, has oil in it, etc. I took the rear seats out which is easily 50kg, took out all the emergency kit I wouldn't need like the tool kit, jack and out of date tyre seal stuff that never works. Floor mats left at home, all the junk in the centre arm rest and some boot trim.
Day started off well. we met up at our favourite roadside grease shed, fuelled up on bacon, cheese and tea and away we were.
Mate has a tweaked Discovery making about 190hp from its diesel lump. Less than 100k miles and minimal rust. Very tidy example of one. On the back is his Clio 172 found for £200 with no MOT. Works fine as it was never going to see a public road again. No interior, only door cards and a dash. Full roll cage and cheap but quality bucket seat. The work done was the standard dephaser problem and new track rated brakes all around. It was rocking three different tyre brands and ultimately resulted in a lot of understeer and a decent spin too!
The reality was that we were both not fully ready car wise to be doing it. Impromptu track day at its best.
A mate turned up in his Clio 197. He got a bunch of trackside pictures with his phone. Rubbish but free!
At the track. The whole event well organised, kept safe and fun. Only one or two people out on track who don't have any manners for less experienced drivers. Such as myself keeping a check on mirrors and moving out of the way as soon as possible. Tailgating is still an issue on the race track it seems. Understandable in race conditions, but it wasn't a race.
As you keen eyed out there might notice. I have lost a wheel centre cap while out on track. They aren't fond of high brake temperatures. They all melted and dont stay in anymore. As it happens, it may have happened due to being told by the audience, my brakes were literally on fire. Orange iron dust flying off my discs and under braking, licks of flame from the calipers. The brakes were toasted by 11.30am. Turns out Delphi pads aren't race pads after all. I'm so glad I made the decision to bring spare pads or that would have been my day over. As the replacements were as bad as the ones coming out, I had to take it much steadier on the brakes all afternoon. I was only doing 10 minute sessions and a cool down lap all day. Anyway.
I had brought everything needed for a brake swap. Except the piston return tool! I had to send someone off to fetch it from home. No big deal, get things apart, had some dinner and chatted about how rubbish we both are at this.
Before starting the day I swapped my nearly new front tyres to the back to save wearing them so much and the older, harder rear tyres to the front, in hopes of scrubbing them off and replacing them.
Front
Even the rear tyres were all melty!
That's nothing versus the front brakes!!!
Yes a layer of iron had stuck to the pad faces. You could peel it off with your fingers!
Then there was the nearside caliper...
The outer piston seal had completely melted. It wasn't even really hanging on. The afternoon session had to be taken much slower. Time taken to improve my driving techniques and focus on learning the track. The new pads never bedded in properly and were totally glazed by the days end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmkIyuhFjOE Here's a short video of my second track session stuck behind a BMW. My driving smoothed out greatly during the day. A complete novice as I say, a huge education on driving.
More to come tomorrow...
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