Project 1990 HB - Day 1

Here's a link to the project so far. Cleaned up and replaced main relay. Thanks to this site for the information on that!

Warning - Lots of pics not dial up friendly

http://www.directedje.com/slythetove/ProjectCar/default.htm

looks "oh-so-familar".

I remember when i first got my hatch and i just wanted to do everything to it. Keep us posted on how your project goes.


welcome to the gang :dogpile:

Wow! Your engine bay started off looking like a chicken coop, and now it looks great!
When are you ditching the DPFI? What's first, performance, handling, or cosmetics?
My priority has always been handling, performance/reliability, and cosmetic appeal last of all. Although I do wash off the chicken shit first thing after I get it home.
What are your plans?
Anyway, cleanup is always fun for me. You get that satisfaction of seeing direct effects from your labor, effects that even your mom can see.
Try explaining a hi-flow catalytic converter to your mom...
Flunky
PS-I had many good years in Austin/San Marcos. So good, in fact, that I never finished college! ACC=Anyone Can Come

The initial plans are just to get it running solid and feeling tight, so mostly handling initially.

I'm not trying to do anything serious with the engine for a while. If I can tighten the car up to the point where I like driving it then my Cobra can see more garage time during the week.

I'm looking for recommendations on how to tighten up the front end and shifter. Looking for which bushings to replace up front to restore factory or better "feel". I have no clue about what goes on these cars.

I've got the valve cover gasket and spark plug valve cover rings on the way because there is a little oil on the plug boots.

It's not gonna be easy because this car has a lot to live up to. Compared to my Cobra it feels all wrong. I gotta make it feel all right!

The brakes will be done soon. Recomendations? Which pads (brand / material etc) ?

Any recomendations on how to tighten up the shifter without buying a short shifter? I have Pro 5.0 racing in the Cobra and compared to that I can't even tell what gear I'm in. It's way too mushy.

Are there some bushings / washers that are commonly done to make it more notchy?

Thanks for the help.

The biggest difference you can make in the handling for less than $30 is a front strut tower bar.
Get one off of eBay. It makes an incredible difference, it doesn't take a lot of tools or time to put on, and you will be surprised (if you've got it on there tight).
Rear tower strut bar is the next thing I recommend.
I've got lower strut bars too, but you don't notice the massive difference like you do on the ones on top.
I think you'll find that this car will pay for itself in fuel savings in the first year, if you drive as much as I do!
Tighten that sucker up with some strut bars!
Flunky

what u use to clean yer engine bay ? Its looking really clean now ;) keep it up

very clean!

good job!

Originally posted by el_loco_civic
what u use to clean yer engine bay ? Its looking really clean now ;) keep it up

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?threadid=103561&highlight=clean+engine

I found that thread on this forum and followed the link to the instructions. I basically did that but I covered my distributor with plastic bag and cleaned it seperately last. It worked great.