Honda Civic FN2 2007
Discussion
I thought after a few threads on here about these popping up, mine deserved one too. It has just been my daily drive for the last 4 years and a bit. There’s nothing special going on with it to be fair, but when you step back for a moment, and think where you’ve been with it, you realise how much these mix of metals share your travels.
I got the car in 2013. It was the second one I looked at. I was actually looking for an EP3 but all the ones I seemed to look at in my price range seemed to be dogs. I threw the towel in and went looking at FN2s.
This one had some tacky bits on the car which was off putting, but the condition was exceptional underneath a few stickers. It had five previous owners in 6 years, with no service history and a crappy pod filter on it (turns out it was a quality brand, more later). So I bought it.
On the plus side, it was pretty much the top spec for the production year with 29000 miles and 19” wheels. It’s GT model with the air con and such, along with rear parking sensors, in built satnav (which I think is actually really good, that said I’ve not used an up to date satnav) and Bluetooth phone system. A luxury for me
Some negatives being that someone had stuck type r stickers all over the outside. It looked moronic. Stickers on the back window, wing mirrors and factory decals on the sides. The worst being the fake Type R badge glued to the dashboard.
First job I did was to remove the pod filter and replace it for a factory air box. I found a guy breaking a car and bought all the air box assembly from them. Only after I got the pod filter off I noticed it was HKS brand, just badly installed and wrapped in gaffer tape. It looked a mess, sorry no pictures. The pod was sold on ebay and after it all, I made money.
Got the car serviced and as there was no history figured I’ve nothing to lose doing it all myself. A simple oil and filter change was all it needed on that mileage. That’s when I noticed the cheap ass front tyres. So off I went to price up a decent set and realised why these bands of crap were here in the first place. 225/35R19 tyres aren’t cheap. £160 each, ouch. Figured they would stay until they were trashed (which I never did get the chance to wear them out).
So the time after was spent getting to grips, with what was a lot of power for me. The poor ditch finders wailing at any sign of a corner, never mind power and corners. They were honestly the worst tyres I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. To the point that at every chance, I was abusing them.
Had a long weekend trip to Scotland snowboarding. Mate needed some good practice before heading abroad. Mate isn’t into cars and he was worried about the bucket seats being too much to relax in. After 350miles getting there, we only needed one stop as we needed the loo. Otherwise we agreed that 7 hours straight would have been easy. That is the limit on mileage per tank, got a solid 38mpg cruising at 70-75. We made the same trip again a year later in his Octavia and we stopped nearly every hour due to back pain. Horrible hard seats.
Glencoe, Scotland
I always drove to my mates place on a weekend. He was only a mile and a half away. I’m not sure why I didn’t drive, might have gone on the push bike.
We get woken up early the next day, to loud banging on the door. Dads there telling me we’ve been broken into, this and that’s been stolen. Along with your car. Police found it in the village pub car park abandoned, with the wheels smashed up. The key is missing and it’s been impounded.
Cut it short. Few weeks later, money spent, new wheels and tyres, car back, damage inspection and a happier me. Here’s the wheels. I drove it home on a spare set of 17” wheels. Acceleration was epic! In hindsight, the rubbish tyres is probably the reason I got it back. If the car had grip the b
ds would have made it round the corner and drove off into the night 
Just drove it for a while. Had another service. Installed some better speakers and a small amp setup. The stereo was awful in standard form. I had some weird troubles with it all and left it half arsed and a small mess.
Got some EBC discs and pads after needing to change the original discs. Only one side came off easily. The driver’s side was totally rusted onto the hub. It took longer getting that off than doing the rest of the job. The slotted discs looked good on the car and the red stuff pads were spot on.
Original discs
Here they are a few months later
Covered in hot spots and warped to st bags. Total junk. Fitted Blue Print parts for ease and after hard abuse and three years. They are still on the car. Only now thinking about getting some new upgraded pads.
Drove it some more.
Clipped mirrors with some dickwad who couldn't wait behind a parked car
New (expensive) mirror going on. Strange thing is my buddy had one of these and a year after this someone did his driver mirror while I was in the car!
Got a Tegiwa catback exhaust. Superb quality product. Highly recommend
Piece of cake to fit, and a perfect fit I may add. Not like the one on my MR2… This exhaust converts it to a single exit, instead of a dual tip. I think it means better airflow as you can see straight through both silencers.
Theres a bunch more to post, but I wanted to get a thread started as I figured some may find it interesting. Post more when I get time.
The car as it stands now
Honda by Dan Simpson, on Flickr
EDITED to get rid of the broken photofket links. Setup with Imgur now, which is tones better to use in ever aspect.
I got the car in 2013. It was the second one I looked at. I was actually looking for an EP3 but all the ones I seemed to look at in my price range seemed to be dogs. I threw the towel in and went looking at FN2s.
This one had some tacky bits on the car which was off putting, but the condition was exceptional underneath a few stickers. It had five previous owners in 6 years, with no service history and a crappy pod filter on it (turns out it was a quality brand, more later). So I bought it.
On the plus side, it was pretty much the top spec for the production year with 29000 miles and 19” wheels. It’s GT model with the air con and such, along with rear parking sensors, in built satnav (which I think is actually really good, that said I’ve not used an up to date satnav) and Bluetooth phone system. A luxury for me
Some negatives being that someone had stuck type r stickers all over the outside. It looked moronic. Stickers on the back window, wing mirrors and factory decals on the sides. The worst being the fake Type R badge glued to the dashboard.
First job I did was to remove the pod filter and replace it for a factory air box. I found a guy breaking a car and bought all the air box assembly from them. Only after I got the pod filter off I noticed it was HKS brand, just badly installed and wrapped in gaffer tape. It looked a mess, sorry no pictures. The pod was sold on ebay and after it all, I made money.
Got the car serviced and as there was no history figured I’ve nothing to lose doing it all myself. A simple oil and filter change was all it needed on that mileage. That’s when I noticed the cheap ass front tyres. So off I went to price up a decent set and realised why these bands of crap were here in the first place. 225/35R19 tyres aren’t cheap. £160 each, ouch. Figured they would stay until they were trashed (which I never did get the chance to wear them out).
So the time after was spent getting to grips, with what was a lot of power for me. The poor ditch finders wailing at any sign of a corner, never mind power and corners. They were honestly the worst tyres I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. To the point that at every chance, I was abusing them.
Had a long weekend trip to Scotland snowboarding. Mate needed some good practice before heading abroad. Mate isn’t into cars and he was worried about the bucket seats being too much to relax in. After 350miles getting there, we only needed one stop as we needed the loo. Otherwise we agreed that 7 hours straight would have been easy. That is the limit on mileage per tank, got a solid 38mpg cruising at 70-75. We made the same trip again a year later in his Octavia and we stopped nearly every hour due to back pain. Horrible hard seats.
Glencoe, Scotland
I always drove to my mates place on a weekend. He was only a mile and a half away. I’m not sure why I didn’t drive, might have gone on the push bike.
We get woken up early the next day, to loud banging on the door. Dads there telling me we’ve been broken into, this and that’s been stolen. Along with your car. Police found it in the village pub car park abandoned, with the wheels smashed up. The key is missing and it’s been impounded.
Cut it short. Few weeks later, money spent, new wheels and tyres, car back, damage inspection and a happier me. Here’s the wheels. I drove it home on a spare set of 17” wheels. Acceleration was epic! In hindsight, the rubbish tyres is probably the reason I got it back. If the car had grip the b
ds would have made it round the corner and drove off into the night Just drove it for a while. Had another service. Installed some better speakers and a small amp setup. The stereo was awful in standard form. I had some weird troubles with it all and left it half arsed and a small mess.
Got some EBC discs and pads after needing to change the original discs. Only one side came off easily. The driver’s side was totally rusted onto the hub. It took longer getting that off than doing the rest of the job. The slotted discs looked good on the car and the red stuff pads were spot on.
Original discs
Here they are a few months later
Covered in hot spots and warped to s
t bags. Total junk. Fitted Blue Print parts for ease and after hard abuse and three years. They are still on the car. Only now thinking about getting some new upgraded pads.Drove it some more.
Clipped mirrors with some dickwad who couldn't wait behind a parked car
New (expensive) mirror going on. Strange thing is my buddy had one of these and a year after this someone did his driver mirror while I was in the car!
Got a Tegiwa catback exhaust. Superb quality product. Highly recommend
Piece of cake to fit, and a perfect fit I may add. Not like the one on my MR2… This exhaust converts it to a single exit, instead of a dual tip. I think it means better airflow as you can see straight through both silencers.
Theres a bunch more to post, but I wanted to get a thread started as I figured some may find it interesting. Post more when I get time.
The car as it stands now
Honda by Dan Simpson, on FlickrEDITED to get rid of the broken photof
ket links. Setup with Imgur now, which is tones better to use in ever aspect.Edited by Sillyhatday on Friday 30th June 13:20
Edited by Sillyhatday on Friday 30th June 13:23
Edited by Sillyhatday on Saturday 1st July 09:31
Got off work a bit earlier today. Fixed all the broken links from photobucket. Just got my MR2 thread to sort out later on.
I've never been in a different version of this civic other than the 2.2 diesel and I was quite impressed by its turn of pace. There wasn't a huge amount of tidy ones (from what I looked at) four years ago. Can't imagine there's many tidy one left after ten years, not without paying a premium.
Impressive how well the wheels took a ride straight over a kerb, between the church wall and a big signpost. All without hitting anything and causing minimal damage. The kerb itself was quite a high one. 10 Inches high or something. Nothing got bent or broken, only knocked out the toe on one wheel, noticed after it scrubbed off my tyre. If you look at the photos, they never cracked, only bent. Testament to quality engineering,
The wheels are Rota GR6 in bronze. I've had many comments about how well they suit it. I'm starting to believe it now after hearing it a lot. Wonder how well these would stand going over a kerb...
You may have seen that last picture before, it's been used to highjack other peoples threads on here
The speaker setup I'll go into detail later with some pictures. It's done properly now. I was going for a nice sized system as I quite like my music, being in two bands at the moment and listening a lot at home. In it right now is an Audison audio processor, Genesis Profile 2 amp and CDT component speakers.
Horse-drawn carrage
I've not heard that one before. I completely agree, I spent nearly three years convincing myself they looked alright, but always thinking they're far too big for the car. Seeing those old pictures of it with those wheels on after looking at it without, really emphasises it.
After having it stolen and piling money into replacing those 19"s with new ones from Honda, at £400 a peace
. I was blind to just wanting it back. I've bonded with it like no other car. I remember well, the image of it sat in some gravel compound. Its chin on the floor looking sad, due to the destroyed wheels and flat tyres. All around the car covered in finger printing dust, from the Police looking for evidence. Still evidence inside it along with a bunch of family belongings that we thought was stolen. It was filthy. I'd no idea if anything was broken underneath. Strange what cars do to you.
More to come.
I've never been in a different version of this civic other than the 2.2 diesel and I was quite impressed by its turn of pace. There wasn't a huge amount of tidy ones (from what I looked at) four years ago. Can't imagine there's many tidy one left after ten years, not without paying a premium.
Impressive how well the wheels took a ride straight over a kerb, between the church wall and a big signpost. All without hitting anything and causing minimal damage. The kerb itself was quite a high one. 10 Inches high or something. Nothing got bent or broken, only knocked out the toe on one wheel, noticed after it scrubbed off my tyre. If you look at the photos, they never cracked, only bent. Testament to quality engineering,
The wheels are Rota GR6 in bronze. I've had many comments about how well they suit it. I'm starting to believe it now after hearing it a lot. Wonder how well these would stand going over a kerb...
You may have seen that last picture before, it's been used to highjack other peoples threads on here
The speaker setup I'll go into detail later with some pictures. It's done properly now. I was going for a nice sized system as I quite like my music, being in two bands at the moment and listening a lot at home. In it right now is an Audison audio processor, Genesis Profile 2 amp and CDT component speakers.
Horse-drawn carrage
I've not heard that one before. I completely agree, I spent nearly three years convincing myself they looked alright, but always thinking they're far too big for the car. Seeing those old pictures of it with those wheels on after looking at it without, really emphasises it.After having it stolen and piling money into replacing those 19"s with new ones from Honda, at £400 a peace
. I was blind to just wanting it back. I've bonded with it like no other car. I remember well, the image of it sat in some gravel compound. Its chin on the floor looking sad, due to the destroyed wheels and flat tyres. All around the car covered in finger printing dust, from the Police looking for evidence. Still evidence inside it along with a bunch of family belongings that we thought was stolen. It was filthy. I'd no idea if anything was broken underneath. Strange what cars do to you.More to come.
Edited by Sillyhatday on Friday 30th June 13:58
You can't beat swinging the needle to 8000rpm. Love an engine that pulls hard all the way to fuel cut 
In response to the supprise at 38mpg. I've never seen that again. That was 2 hours sat at 50mph and 4 hours at 70~mph. Last I checked its a regular 25-27mpg. Don't really fuss about it anymore.
A relative passed away and I got left a small amount of money. Bought myself a private plate, something I always said I’d never do.
Wheels. The fact that £160 a tyre was getting really tiresome (pun intended) and that after a few years the look of them got to me. They always looked too big for the car. Fine on the right car, this is just a hatchback. So got a set of Rota GR6 wheels an inch smaller at 18”. I got quality Bridgestones for all four wheels for less than two tyres on the original wheels.
Feel free to tell me all the horror stories of Rota wheels. I’ve had them on a few years with no issues at all.
(bonus points for guessing the Green Day album on the Haribo)
Rota GR6 by Dan Simpson, on Flickr
A few more close ups of the exhaust system. The build quality of it was beyond what I expected for the money. Seemed a shame to put it on and let it become weathered.
Just a few of the welds joining the pipe to the flanges.
The only complaint that I have for it is that, at the time of ordering, nothing made it clear what you were getting with the system. So I just waited for it to arrive. It was short of two stainless bolts and the spring bolts for the backbox joint. No big deal as they sold them separately on their website. The whole thing bolted on like an OEM product. No modifications or tricks to getting it to fit.
As to how it sounds, as one has asked. Tegiwa advertised it to be perfect for a daily driver. I agree with that statement. It doesn’t drone much, only mildly at 80mph as you’re doing 3800rpm, which is where it starts coming on song. So you can’t really fault it for that. 2500-3000rpm it is a bit droney if you’re accelerating, which again seems a characteristic of the engine from the OEM setup. Otherwise sounds standard to me, until you get past 5000rpm :devil:
https://youtu.be/0xejbMmsKE4 <<Video. Sorry PH won't allow embedded video links
(more points for spotting the poor rev matched heel toe)
The standard stereo system is awful. There’s no way you could say otherwise. Truly awful. The stock speakers are similar to the ones in the older EP models. Paper cones and a ten pence diameter magnet on the back. Zero bass response and distortion as you gesture at the volume knob.
I had intended on using the Audison processor to take the signal from the stereo in the dash and convert it for use in aftermarket amps, it can also take a line input from a phone and can control the unit from a special controller. I got a sub in to test and routed my cabling for the door speakers. Three amps in total. Tweeters, mids and sub. I spent hours tracing faults as the sub wasn’t doing anything! I figured it out in the end, that Honda has a sub bass filter on their stereos below 80hz. The sub was cut off at 63hz. I was so mad. The only way I could use it properly was with its aux input. In the end I didn’t want to mount the controller on the dash, or run an aux cable from the boot to the dash area. In a rage I ripped half of it out and left it like that for weeks.
Once I’d calmed down, I decided I should grow up and ditch the huge subwoofer. I sold it and the amp for it. The tweeter amp was picking up alternator whine and I didn’t feel like fitting filter capacitors into the charging circuit, to sort it out. So that went too.
So the passive crossovers went back in. Leaving this. Which I have only recently tidied up.
Future plan is to box over the amps so I can safely use the remainder of the storage space under the flap in the boot floor.
Ramona comes on the adventures. Fan of Scott Pilgrim much
I'll grow up one day.
Of course, the PH smiley
More to come
In response to the supprise at 38mpg. I've never seen that again. That was 2 hours sat at 50mph and 4 hours at 70~mph. Last I checked its a regular 25-27mpg. Don't really fuss about it anymore.
A relative passed away and I got left a small amount of money. Bought myself a private plate, something I always said I’d never do.
Wheels. The fact that £160 a tyre was getting really tiresome (pun intended) and that after a few years the look of them got to me. They always looked too big for the car. Fine on the right car, this is just a hatchback. So got a set of Rota GR6 wheels an inch smaller at 18”. I got quality Bridgestones for all four wheels for less than two tyres on the original wheels.
Feel free to tell me all the horror stories of Rota wheels. I’ve had them on a few years with no issues at all.
(bonus points for guessing the Green Day album on the Haribo)
Rota GR6 by Dan Simpson, on FlickrA few more close ups of the exhaust system. The build quality of it was beyond what I expected for the money. Seemed a shame to put it on and let it become weathered.
Just a few of the welds joining the pipe to the flanges.
The only complaint that I have for it is that, at the time of ordering, nothing made it clear what you were getting with the system. So I just waited for it to arrive. It was short of two stainless bolts and the spring bolts for the backbox joint. No big deal as they sold them separately on their website. The whole thing bolted on like an OEM product. No modifications or tricks to getting it to fit.
As to how it sounds, as one has asked. Tegiwa advertised it to be perfect for a daily driver. I agree with that statement. It doesn’t drone much, only mildly at 80mph as you’re doing 3800rpm, which is where it starts coming on song. So you can’t really fault it for that. 2500-3000rpm it is a bit droney if you’re accelerating, which again seems a characteristic of the engine from the OEM setup. Otherwise sounds standard to me, until you get past 5000rpm :devil:
https://youtu.be/0xejbMmsKE4 <<Video. Sorry PH won't allow embedded video links
(more points for spotting the poor rev matched heel toe)The standard stereo system is awful. There’s no way you could say otherwise. Truly awful. The stock speakers are similar to the ones in the older EP models. Paper cones and a ten pence diameter magnet on the back. Zero bass response and distortion as you gesture at the volume knob.
I had intended on using the Audison processor to take the signal from the stereo in the dash and convert it for use in aftermarket amps, it can also take a line input from a phone and can control the unit from a special controller. I got a sub in to test and routed my cabling for the door speakers. Three amps in total. Tweeters, mids and sub. I spent hours tracing faults as the sub wasn’t doing anything! I figured it out in the end, that Honda has a sub bass filter on their stereos below 80hz. The sub was cut off at 63hz. I was so mad. The only way I could use it properly was with its aux input. In the end I didn’t want to mount the controller on the dash, or run an aux cable from the boot to the dash area. In a rage I ripped half of it out and left it like that for weeks.
Once I’d calmed down, I decided I should grow up and ditch the huge subwoofer. I sold it and the amp for it. The tweeter amp was picking up alternator whine and I didn’t feel like fitting filter capacitors into the charging circuit, to sort it out. So that went too.
So the passive crossovers went back in. Leaving this. Which I have only recently tidied up.
Future plan is to box over the amps so I can safely use the remainder of the storage space under the flap in the boot floor.
Ramona comes on the adventures. Fan of Scott Pilgrim much
I'll grow up one day.
Of course, the PH smiley
More to come
Edited by Sillyhatday on Friday 30th June 18:10
Edited by Sillyhatday on Friday 30th June 18:15
Edited by Sillyhatday on Saturday 1st July 09:35
Edited by Sillyhatday on Saturday 15th July 11:12
Butter Face said:
I quite like the Rotas, just swapped my Grids for TD Pro Race 1.2s for a more BTCC look 
Yes. I like the simplicity of them. Bet there lighter too 
In regards of headunit. The satnav controls are on the radio itself, along with some of the climate control. On the basic stereo cars it's easy to swap in a nice double din screen. I've grown accustom to not having one anyway. Just adds more weight :P
Need to resize my images I think, they're enormous
I'd say there's nothing special to look for really. At that money you'd be looking at the best examples there is, low mileage and tidy.
Yes the roof rust is an issue, one that I've not sorted on my own yet. It wasn't there when I bought it
Make sure there's plenty of oil in the engine. It will not burn oil for a few weeks and then in one week it'll use half a litre. Can catch out owners that aren't fussed about doing weekly checks. You can run low quite easily if left unchecked for months.
My gearbox doesn't feel as smooth as it once did. I've got the oil to change soon. So make sure 3rd gear goes in smoothly, the syncro wears out.
For that money I'd look for a championship white car. You'll get the LSD, headlight washers, stereo connectivity (I'm stuck with CDs) etc. Prices on tidy cars in general are holding good money.
Apparently the boot can leak in water, through the joining of the roof to sides on the car. You can see the joins when the boot is open, they are where the boots hinges are. I've just cured some surface rust on mine. I've never had a leak, but I've seen someone elses leak.
Brake calipers like to stick, so be mindful of that. Seems to occur fairly regular. Mine was sticking when bought, but I managed to free it off and keep a close eye on it at service time. Seen a few EP owners have to replace them, they have the same brakes, more or less.
Yes, avoid the big wheels. They actually cause more understeer. Which in an understeer bias chassis, isn't fun.
In general I've never had any major issues. I've got a few of them to make a post about, probably tomorrow now. The engine has never had anything off of it, other than the oil cap. Long life spark plugs are still original. I spoke to Honda and they said it isn't worth changing them until 75000 miles.
I have had a squeaky idler pulling on the fan belt. It's the pulley right at the top of the engine staring at you. It's where the power steering pump goes on the DC5 Integras and others. Sprayed some chain lube in it and it's been alright for a few years.
Oh and on the older cars, I guarantee that at least one of the folding mirrors don't work. I've seen failure on a 60 plate and two 57. You got to live with it unless you replace them every few years
Can't think of anything else right now
Yes the roof rust is an issue, one that I've not sorted on my own yet. It wasn't there when I bought it
Make sure there's plenty of oil in the engine. It will not burn oil for a few weeks and then in one week it'll use half a litre. Can catch out owners that aren't fussed about doing weekly checks. You can run low quite easily if left unchecked for months.
My gearbox doesn't feel as smooth as it once did. I've got the oil to change soon. So make sure 3rd gear goes in smoothly, the syncro wears out.
For that money I'd look for a championship white car. You'll get the LSD, headlight washers, stereo connectivity (I'm stuck with CDs) etc. Prices on tidy cars in general are holding good money.
Apparently the boot can leak in water, through the joining of the roof to sides on the car. You can see the joins when the boot is open, they are where the boots hinges are. I've just cured some surface rust on mine. I've never had a leak, but I've seen someone elses leak.
Brake calipers like to stick, so be mindful of that. Seems to occur fairly regular. Mine was sticking when bought, but I managed to free it off and keep a close eye on it at service time. Seen a few EP owners have to replace them, they have the same brakes, more or less.
Yes, avoid the big wheels. They actually cause more understeer. Which in an understeer bias chassis, isn't fun.
In general I've never had any major issues. I've got a few of them to make a post about, probably tomorrow now. The engine has never had anything off of it, other than the oil cap. Long life spark plugs are still original. I spoke to Honda and they said it isn't worth changing them until 75000 miles.
I have had a squeaky idler pulling on the fan belt. It's the pulley right at the top of the engine staring at you. It's where the power steering pump goes on the DC5 Integras and others. Sprayed some chain lube in it and it's been alright for a few years.
Oh and on the older cars, I guarantee that at least one of the folding mirrors don't work. I've seen failure on a 60 plate and two 57. You got to live with it unless you replace them every few years
Can't think of anything else right now
Edited by Sillyhatday on Saturday 1st July 10:09
Earlier when I replaced the front discs, I’d replaced both front anti roll bar drop links also. One side was knocking under lots of steering angle.
Last year it was knocking again. I figured it was the same issue again.
Notice the problem already? I noticed when I went to stick the jack underneath. It wouldn’t fit. Which in itself, isn’t unusual. Unless it’s parked on dead level ground – I mean perfect – my standard jack will not fit under the car. I should get a low profile one. I’ve had problems with the undertray scraping on drive way entrances.
There’s you problem
Que
Yes that’s the opposite side. I replaced both springs, which worked as a good reason to inspect each front strut assembly. No problems, just a lot of surface rust on each hub assembly. Nothing that can’t easily be replaced down the line.
Both front dampers have pitted on the main shaft in exactly the same place. The whole casing has a lot of surface rust on them also. They still work just fine, but they’re not long for this world. I’d said to myself, if I have a failure like this I’d buy a full coilover set, though it happens I’d just put a deposit on an MR2. Sods law.
The springs didn’t require much compressing to put back together. For anyone doing this job on one of these. You do not need a spring compressor. Wasted a load of time using one doing this. The spring only needs compressing about 5-10mm, which is easy for another person to gently press down on. Supprisingly little preload but I guess if it can’t jump around at full extention, it’s doing its job.
A few weeks of broken spring certainly threw the alignment out. Inside edge of the tyre.
No bother, outside of both front tyres were like this. Which is all to do with my driving and not alignment.
6 months previous to this I replaced the rear discs. They were original. The pads were replaced some years ago, but when I was doing the yearly service I'd found one of the pads had cocked over and gotten stuck. So a large portion of disc was totally rotten out. no pics.
That’s really all the mechanical jobs I’ve had to do to this car, but there’s still a little more to post.
Last year it was knocking again. I figured it was the same issue again.
Notice the problem already? I noticed when I went to stick the jack underneath. It wouldn’t fit. Which in itself, isn’t unusual. Unless it’s parked on dead level ground – I mean perfect – my standard jack will not fit under the car. I should get a low profile one. I’ve had problems with the undertray scraping on drive way entrances.
There’s you problem
Que
Yes that’s the opposite side. I replaced both springs, which worked as a good reason to inspect each front strut assembly. No problems, just a lot of surface rust on each hub assembly. Nothing that can’t easily be replaced down the line.
Both front dampers have pitted on the main shaft in exactly the same place. The whole casing has a lot of surface rust on them also. They still work just fine, but they’re not long for this world. I’d said to myself, if I have a failure like this I’d buy a full coilover set, though it happens I’d just put a deposit on an MR2. Sods law.
The springs didn’t require much compressing to put back together. For anyone doing this job on one of these. You do not need a spring compressor. Wasted a load of time using one doing this. The spring only needs compressing about 5-10mm, which is easy for another person to gently press down on. Supprisingly little preload but I guess if it can’t jump around at full extention, it’s doing its job.
A few weeks of broken spring certainly threw the alignment out. Inside edge of the tyre.
No bother, outside of both front tyres were like this. Which is all to do with my driving and not alignment.
6 months previous to this I replaced the rear discs. They were original. The pads were replaced some years ago, but when I was doing the yearly service I'd found one of the pads had cocked over and gotten stuck. So a large portion of disc was totally rotten out. no pics.
That’s really all the mechanical jobs I’ve had to do to this car, but there’s still a little more to post.
I know I'm bias but I agree with all you say.
Honestly, the only seats I've found more comfortable, were in a R reg Volvo V70. Cushions the bumpy ride a whole lot.
Economy sounds right on. Not often I use the motorways. (Live right in the countryside, it's B roads everywhere). 30 mpg is easily achievable. What's impressive is mine is on 64000 miles now, yours is on double but yet getting the same efficiency
Solid motor that K series.
How's yours holding up at that mileage? I'm intending on keeping this until it rots away. It's the last chance to enjoy the N/A high RPM hot hatch.
Where did you go for your nav update? I'm still running the 2007 maps. I haven't spoken to Honda as I feel they would want 3 figures for a new disc. I don't use it enough to warrant that sort of money. Yes, the graphics are well outdated, but that doesn't affect the functionality. Since using this satnav, I've used other cars built in ones. I find them frustrating in comparison, its so easy.
I considered a DC2 for a project/weekend car. I still want one, but the need for RWD took over. I just don't have the space for three cars.
Honestly, the only seats I've found more comfortable, were in a R reg Volvo V70. Cushions the bumpy ride a whole lot.
Economy sounds right on. Not often I use the motorways. (Live right in the countryside, it's B roads everywhere). 30 mpg is easily achievable. What's impressive is mine is on 64000 miles now, yours is on double but yet getting the same efficiency
Solid motor that K series.How's yours holding up at that mileage? I'm intending on keeping this until it rots away. It's the last chance to enjoy the N/A high RPM hot hatch.
Where did you go for your nav update? I'm still running the 2007 maps. I haven't spoken to Honda as I feel they would want 3 figures for a new disc. I don't use it enough to warrant that sort of money. Yes, the graphics are well outdated, but that doesn't affect the functionality. Since using this satnav, I've used other cars built in ones. I find them frustrating in comparison, its so easy.
I considered a DC2 for a project/weekend car. I still want one, but the need for RWD took over. I just don't have the space for three cars.
A month after the broken spring incident; time to head to East Kirkby. Dad got me a photo session in front of the Lancaster Bomber for my 25th. There were some really nice classics there, making my daily the least interesting thing there. Loads of old fords (of course), an old Volvo 144 wearing a set of 240 GLT wheels – it looked really smart – and the last thing to catch my attention, a Citroen DS. All very nice.
Lancaster Bomber by Dan Simpson, on Flickr
I’m still kicking myself for forgetting my polarizing filter.
A quick stop for a bacon sandwich and a brew, then a wonder around the whole site. Just took a few photos inside one exhibit.
Spitfire Engine by Dan Simpson, on Flickr
Spitfire Engine by Dan Simpson, on Flickr
Moving on some time, I got cracking on a much needed paint polish. I’ve dabbled at it before but this is my first serious go at a whole car. Firstly, the remaining delivery plastics had to go! It’s been in the passenger door jam going steadily browner.
I’ve not finished photo of the job, as in good lighting a swirly scratched car can be made to look good. Here’s a short video of a comparison shot of the bonnet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j03FLSK4OCM<<... VIDEO
Here’s what the whole front bumper looked like. Really bad problem with stone chipping all over the front of the car. Attacked it with the polisher and it actually reduced their visibility.
before
after
While round the front, the bottom of one headlight started its slow progression into cloudiness. Figure I’ll stab that with the polisher too. Again not perfect but 80% better. Which really is how the whole car turned out.
before
after
I used some cheap 7 inch pads and some nicer 4 inch pads for the tight bits. I’d used G3 and G10 compound before but wanted to test out the claims of Meguiars. I used their ultimate compound and finishing polish. It really seems to work. Followed by some sealant topped with Autoglym HD wax. Stuffed it into the garage for a week while I was off, and used the MR2 for all my errands for a week.
Interior next
Lancaster Bomber by Dan Simpson, on FlickrI’m still kicking myself for forgetting my polarizing filter.
A quick stop for a bacon sandwich and a brew, then a wonder around the whole site. Just took a few photos inside one exhibit.
Spitfire Engine by Dan Simpson, on FlickrSpitfire Engine by Dan Simpson, on FlickrMoving on some time, I got cracking on a much needed paint polish. I’ve dabbled at it before but this is my first serious go at a whole car. Firstly, the remaining delivery plastics had to go! It’s been in the passenger door jam going steadily browner.
I’ve not finished photo of the job, as in good lighting a swirly scratched car can be made to look good. Here’s a short video of a comparison shot of the bonnet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j03FLSK4OCM<<... VIDEO
Here’s what the whole front bumper looked like. Really bad problem with stone chipping all over the front of the car. Attacked it with the polisher and it actually reduced their visibility.
before
after
While round the front, the bottom of one headlight started its slow progression into cloudiness. Figure I’ll stab that with the polisher too. Again not perfect but 80% better. Which really is how the whole car turned out.
before
after
I used some cheap 7 inch pads and some nicer 4 inch pads for the tight bits. I’d used G3 and G10 compound before but wanted to test out the claims of Meguiars. I used their ultimate compound and finishing polish. It really seems to work. Followed by some sealant topped with Autoglym HD wax. Stuffed it into the garage for a week while I was off, and used the MR2 for all my errands for a week.
Interior next
High idle is very normal. About 2000rpm. Once up to temp, your looking at 700rpm.
In regards the clutch. Mines had a low bite point for years. Only recently has third required a technique. The problem is my drive to work is constantly up and down gears. I've got some fresh gearbox oil to go in.
Strange thing is, people have had clutches replaced to solve the low bite, and the low bite remain. So some cars it does seem to be a quirk. After a number of years I expected mine to slip by now.
After sitting in a number of these, they all had different bite points, all on close mileage. Obviously use your head, if it's not going in gear there's something wrong.
In regards the clutch. Mines had a low bite point for years. Only recently has third required a technique. The problem is my drive to work is constantly up and down gears. I've got some fresh gearbox oil to go in.
Strange thing is, people have had clutches replaced to solve the low bite, and the low bite remain. So some cars it does seem to be a quirk. After a number of years I expected mine to slip by now.
After sitting in a number of these, they all had different bite points, all on close mileage. Obviously use your head, if it's not going in gear there's something wrong.
Hello there public forum goers. I totally forgot I had started this, and what with the sudden appearance of threads involving these cars and its predecessor, I thought I should update it somewhat.
Well it has been a mad end to the year, with some real crazy work hours to finish a big project for a well known breakfast 'cereal' company. It's not quite over yet
So none of the cars have had much attention for the last few months. Even been struggling to keep up with the weekly wash
Over the Christmas period I thought, maybe it was time that this car goes. It's had a good run, been so much fun, showed me how to drive a powerful FF layout car, it's still in good condition so lets get rid while I still think good of it. I took a detour on the way for fish and chips to look at an FK2. Wow, what a quality feeling car. After a chat with the dealer, I went for my chips to ponder over it.
With work taking over life for a few months, I totally forgot about the FK2 idea until someone asked me if I had found the right one yet. Over the few months, prices haven't moved an inch. Their current price isn't out of the question but when you don't really want to get rid of your current motor, it's a tough decision.
I took a step back and looked at what I do with my current two cars. The Honda gets driven to work and back, 14 miles a day. The MOT in December showed me I had done 5000 miles in the whole year, the lowest amount I've ever done. I don't even jump in it to just drive for drivings sake anymore. I thought it was the car boring me, but far from it. I love getting into it after being stuck in a work van for a few days. The MR2 only comes out for shows or meets or nice weather errands. That did 2000 miles last year. Then it clicked, I'm getting older, no more late night mcdonalds runs, no more late beer runs, no more pointless driving to listen to music, no more going for pointless drives after work. Spending that much on a car would be wasted with me. So It's been shelved until next year for review.
So on that note, this year I vow to use this car for fun once more. This time traveling further afield, the likes of the Buttertubs Pass, Evo Triangle, Peak District and some Sunday Services
So on that note, hows the car doing now (noone asked)? Fine, there's no reason it won't be a solid car for a few years yet. It's just gone through its 5th MOT with me and for the 5th time come out with no advisories. There was only a loose heatshield I spotted while in the air, they seem to rot through around the bolt heads, I'm sure down to being different metals touching each other over time. So a big washer on that secured it for a few more years yet. Surprisingly the rusted nuts came off without much fuss and no breakage! Happy days A clean up of the nut threads with tap and they flew back into place. I've already done this for the shield around the backbox a few years back. So this cured a noise under the car when starting it, as it was touching the exhaust.
At the arse end of summer the A/C stopped working. It was intermittent to start with and then stopped. Me being me refused to take it for a regas, as I've done it for every car I've had. So I got myself all the equipment for doing a topup myself (need a vacuum pump to fill an empty system). I got it all connected into the system, opened the manifold valves... tones of gas pressure. st! Cursed myself for 5 minutes on why I'd wasted my money on the manifold and a bunch of R134, the compressor jumped onto life. st! Why's it done that? I thought. Cut to the chase, I broke my own rule of starting simple. After pulling the compressor clutch relay out and testing it, I was getting no continuity through it. The contact points were worn out. £4 posted a new relay in, and flawless A/C ever since. On the bright side, if I need to regas anything, I'm set now.
About the same time there was sun shining and I had nothing much to be doing. So I got outside and figured I'd finally see why my arm rest was loose and why there was a random red wire loose under the steering wheel. This has pictures
Wire in question
This has only taken 4 years to get round to it...
Clearly it disappeared into the center console. That's where the lighter socket is, it had to be where it went.
Oh this is why the center console was loose. The bolts that go in these holes were rattling free behind the little trim cover.
Up you come
Hmm, there you are. Underwhelming that it was so simple to figure out.
Console out. Access for the fuel pump and the white box is the yaw sensor for the stability control.
One niggle out the way, next up the back light out for moss removal.
Moss likes to grown in this top channel on top of the light cluster. I spent a whole £1 on some pipe cleaners, the sort of thing you used for a craft project when you were 5. They were prefect for pushing the moss out of the channel. A poor design idea really Honda. When looking at the FK2, the Honda dealer commented on how tidy my FN2 was, particularly the lack of moss growing in the lights
This is the channel. which traps water/moisture.
Sadly no pictures of it back together. It really helped tidy the back end up though.
Finally that day, I thought the seat were looking a bit off colour to me. Looking a bit grey instead of that really nice deep black Alcantara look. I broke out the clothes and interior shampoo and scrubbed the whole drivers seat. It's clear that the passenger seat was a grey colour in the photo, but in person the difference was night and day. Hard to believe how dirty they were.
After that around September time it got it's biggest service yet until it hits 75k. When it gets there, it'll need a set of plugs and a valve clearance adjustment. I've just starting gathering parts/tools needed for it, even though at my rate it will be another 2 years before it gets there. I may do it earlier.
The gearbox oil was worth doing. I'd had a slight crunch going into 3rd if you were rough with it, which has now completely gone. It originally had MTF2 fluid which has been superseded by MTF3.
So that's the life of a reliable Honda, unprecedented I know!
Well it has been a mad end to the year, with some real crazy work hours to finish a big project for a well known breakfast 'cereal' company. It's not quite over yet
So none of the cars have had much attention for the last few months. Even been struggling to keep up with the weekly wash Over the Christmas period I thought, maybe it was time that this car goes. It's had a good run, been so much fun, showed me how to drive a powerful FF layout car, it's still in good condition so lets get rid while I still think good of it. I took a detour on the way for fish and chips to look at an FK2. Wow, what a quality feeling car. After a chat with the dealer, I went for my chips to ponder over it.
With work taking over life for a few months, I totally forgot about the FK2 idea until someone asked me if I had found the right one yet. Over the few months, prices haven't moved an inch. Their current price isn't out of the question but when you don't really want to get rid of your current motor, it's a tough decision.
I took a step back and looked at what I do with my current two cars. The Honda gets driven to work and back, 14 miles a day. The MOT in December showed me I had done 5000 miles in the whole year, the lowest amount I've ever done. I don't even jump in it to just drive for drivings sake anymore. I thought it was the car boring me, but far from it. I love getting into it after being stuck in a work van for a few days. The MR2 only comes out for shows or meets or nice weather errands. That did 2000 miles last year. Then it clicked, I'm getting older, no more late night mcdonalds runs, no more late beer runs, no more pointless driving to listen to music, no more going for pointless drives after work. Spending that much on a car would be wasted with me. So It's been shelved until next year for review.
So on that note, this year I vow to use this car for fun once more. This time traveling further afield, the likes of the Buttertubs Pass, Evo Triangle, Peak District and some Sunday Services
So on that note, hows the car doing now (noone asked)? Fine, there's no reason it won't be a solid car for a few years yet. It's just gone through its 5th MOT with me and for the 5th time come out with no advisories. There was only a loose heatshield I spotted while in the air, they seem to rot through around the bolt heads, I'm sure down to being different metals touching each other over time. So a big washer on that secured it for a few more years yet. Surprisingly the rusted nuts came off without much fuss and no breakage! Happy days
A clean up of the nut threads with tap and they flew back into place. I've already done this for the shield around the backbox a few years back. So this cured a noise under the car when starting it, as it was touching the exhaust.At the arse end of summer the A/C stopped working. It was intermittent to start with and then stopped. Me being me refused to take it for a regas, as I've done it for every car I've had. So I got myself all the equipment for doing a topup myself (need a vacuum pump to fill an empty system). I got it all connected into the system, opened the manifold valves... tones of gas pressure. s
t! Cursed myself for 5 minutes on why I'd wasted my money on the manifold and a bunch of R134, the compressor jumped onto life. st! Why's it done that? I thought. Cut to the chase, I broke my own rule of starting simple. After pulling the compressor clutch relay out and testing it, I was getting no continuity through it. The contact points were worn out. £4 posted a new relay in, and flawless A/C ever since. On the bright side, if I need to regas anything, I'm set now.About the same time there was sun shining and I had nothing much to be doing. So I got outside and figured I'd finally see why my arm rest was loose and why there was a random red wire loose under the steering wheel. This has pictures
Wire in question
This has only taken 4 years to get round to it...
Clearly it disappeared into the center console. That's where the lighter socket is, it had to be where it went.
Oh this is why the center console was loose. The bolts that go in these holes were rattling free behind the little trim cover.
Up you come
Hmm, there you are. Underwhelming that it was so simple to figure out.
Console out. Access for the fuel pump and the white box is the yaw sensor for the stability control.
One niggle out the way, next up the back light out for moss removal.
Moss likes to grown in this top channel on top of the light cluster. I spent a whole £1 on some pipe cleaners, the sort of thing you used for a craft project when you were 5. They were prefect for pushing the moss out of the channel. A poor design idea really Honda. When looking at the FK2, the Honda dealer commented on how tidy my FN2 was, particularly the lack of moss growing in the lights
This is the channel. which traps water/moisture.
Sadly no pictures of it back together. It really helped tidy the back end up though.
Finally that day, I thought the seat were looking a bit off colour to me. Looking a bit grey instead of that really nice deep black Alcantara look. I broke out the clothes and interior shampoo and scrubbed the whole drivers seat. It's clear that the passenger seat was a grey colour in the photo, but in person the difference was night and day. Hard to believe how dirty they were.
After that around September time it got it's biggest service yet until it hits 75k. When it gets there, it'll need a set of plugs and a valve clearance adjustment. I've just starting gathering parts/tools needed for it, even though at my rate it will be another 2 years before it gets there. I may do it earlier.
The gearbox oil was worth doing. I'd had a slight crunch going into 3rd if you were rough with it, which has now completely gone. It originally had MTF2 fluid which has been superseded by MTF3.
So that's the life of a reliable Honda, unprecedented I know!
Edited by Sillyhatday on Friday 19th January 16:17
I used to be a die hard EP3 or nothing fan, but since come to realize they each have their own character and great in their own way.
I once had a ride in a DC5 and loved it. I'd loved to have had a go to compare the differences. Even as a passenger it had a similar feeling about it, just felt a bit more alive.
I once had a ride in a DC5 and loved it. I'd loved to have had a go to compare the differences. Even as a passenger it had a similar feeling about it, just felt a bit more alive.
Depends what level you call awkward. I managed to remove the cluster, by popping out the two covers that are really just for bulb access. With a spanner and ratchet combo it is doable. It looked more fuss to remove the whole trim, just to get at them twelve nuts.
The lights mounted to the body are and arse. I didn't remove them, but I've seen it done on another car. I think they are fastened in place and also clip into the body. Your almost guaranteed to break those clips getting them out.
The lights mounted to the body are and arse. I didn't remove them, but I've seen it done on another car. I think they are fastened in place and also clip into the body. Your almost guaranteed to break those clips getting them out.
SeanEP3 said:
Nice FN2.
How do you find that oil? I bought it once, and it was so thin, I didn't have any faith in it, and changed it out a few days later.
Thanks Sean,How do you find that oil? I bought it once, and it was so thin, I didn't have any faith in it, and changed it out a few days later.
Seems fine. It does use more than any other oil I've used in it before. I know these engines use a bit of oil as is, so it doesn't really concern me. Wondering if to switch to a 0w-40 at next service. The engine behaves and sounds exactly as it has alway done, so I don't really know.
Anyone else's input quite welcome
Well I was going to write a different post, but as ever st happens.
Another long week away been and done. The last time the FN got left alone that long was over Christmas and flattened its battery. Dead flat, not a single crank just a heart sinking solenoid click. Well I know it needs a new battery, but after I charged it, its been OK since. A struggle on those colder mornings, non the less, allowed me to be a cheapskate.
This morning I figured I should go and see if it will start. A little labored but fired into life. So after running for a minute, shut it off and went to borrow the battery maintainer off the MR2 sat next to it. Popped the bonnet up and promptly realized the treadmill was stopping me lifting more than 6 inches. Brilliant, I'll just push it back a foot, lift it up and push it back forward. Car won't budge, the brakes are binding after being sat again. No problem I'll push harder. No joy. No problem I'll push harder. Still remarkably stationary. Well now I've started once, there's no way it would again. Really I had no choice and somehow it managed to start again! As soon as I reversed a fraction, I knew what was up, there was no loud 'ping' as the pads came away from the discs. A caliper was stuck. After looking at each wheel for the disc that had rust scrubbed away, it was obviously the one I'd had trouble with before.
So the wheel came off and I stuffed a pry bar onto the pad in front of the piston. Trying not to smash the pad to peaces, I tapped it back gently with a hammer, in hope that a fraction of movement would free the caliper from disc. It worked. Caliper jiggled off with some force. Pads out and I thought this was obviously the problem. As it turns out was just A problem.
Then it started raining...
Well these weren't exactly poor quality pads, not special either. I honestly wasn't wholly sure that it wasn't me who smashed the pad to peaces. If you look closely the peace that broke away had been loosing chunks on the trailing edge. Never the less I nicked dads car - handily another FN2 - and tried to to get to town before all the parts places shut. I wanted to put in some quality pads, but I need the car for work, so don't have time for them to arrive.
On return went to push the piston back in, stuck. Push harder, nope. So I had to find the proper tools for the job. Still wouldn't move. After mashing the brake pedal hard, it worked loose. Great, this caliper is done. I'd just been out for parts as well. I should have gotten that battery while I was there too!
Eventually the piston freed off with some patience. So I can at least order a new one online.
I went onto the other side as I was now changing pads.
Are you actually kidding me. It wasn't me who smashed the other pad up. Both sides had delaminated, but just one each side. The brakes always felt great. How did I not notice? How did the pad material not just go awol?
Got it all wrapped up, put back in the garage, on charge I might add. Then on the way out the garage, wondered why there was a small red puddle under the MR2. Hmm, coolant.
t happens.Another long week away been and done. The last time the FN got left alone that long was over Christmas and flattened its battery. Dead flat, not a single crank just a heart sinking solenoid click. Well I know it needs a new battery, but after I charged it, its been OK since. A struggle on those colder mornings, non the less, allowed me to be a cheapskate.
This morning I figured I should go and see if it will start. A little labored but fired into life. So after running for a minute, shut it off and went to borrow the battery maintainer off the MR2 sat next to it. Popped the bonnet up and promptly realized the treadmill was stopping me lifting more than 6 inches. Brilliant, I'll just push it back a foot, lift it up and push it back forward. Car won't budge, the brakes are binding after being sat again. No problem I'll push harder. No joy. No problem I'll push harder. Still remarkably stationary. Well now I've started once, there's no way it would again. Really I had no choice and somehow it managed to start again! As soon as I reversed a fraction, I knew what was up, there was no loud 'ping' as the pads came away from the discs. A caliper was stuck. After looking at each wheel for the disc that had rust scrubbed away, it was obviously the one I'd had trouble with before.
So the wheel came off and I stuffed a pry bar onto the pad in front of the piston. Trying not to smash the pad to peaces, I tapped it back gently with a hammer, in hope that a fraction of movement would free the caliper from disc. It worked. Caliper jiggled off with some force. Pads out and I thought this was obviously the problem. As it turns out was just A problem.
Then it started raining...
Well these weren't exactly poor quality pads, not special either. I honestly wasn't wholly sure that it wasn't me who smashed the pad to peaces. If you look closely the peace that broke away had been loosing chunks on the trailing edge. Never the less I nicked dads car - handily another FN2 - and tried to to get to town before all the parts places shut. I wanted to put in some quality pads, but I need the car for work, so don't have time for them to arrive.
On return went to push the piston back in, stuck. Push harder, nope. So I had to find the proper tools for the job. Still wouldn't move. After mashing the brake pedal hard, it worked loose. Great, this caliper is done. I'd just been out for parts as well. I should have gotten that battery while I was there too!
Eventually the piston freed off with some patience. So I can at least order a new one online.
I went onto the other side as I was now changing pads.
Are you actually kidding me. It wasn't me who smashed the other pad up. Both sides had delaminated, but just one each side. The brakes always felt great. How did I not notice? How did the pad material not just go awol?
Got it all wrapped up, put back in the garage, on charge I might add. Then on the way out the garage, wondered why there was a small red puddle under the MR2. Hmm, coolant.
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.
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.
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