Ok, I've done a search and laughed my ass off at the some of the responses I saw regarding ignition timing. I just picked up a '98 DX and am looking to do some basic cheap speed upgrades. Was wondering if anyone has experimented with the timing on their DX motors(1.5 and 1.6 info would be fine) with real results. To those wondering, yes I have a timing light(a dial back one....ohhh aahhh!, LOL) and know how to use it. Also, any first hand feedback on power gains with a full length header(tri-y or 4-1 style), pulleys or an air intake system(cold air) would really be appreciated! Thanks!

Dave

 

bolt on gains are minimal. Go for boost

but then again, you have a d16y7.

get an engine swap.....

welcome to the world of civics

 

I hear ya on the swap deal, but I'm hard headed and like to work with what I have. My '69 Mustang w/ a 302 pumping 400+hp on pump gas(on motor ) handles the serious urges. This my daily grind car, but the speed bug persists.....

Dave

 

well, there's two main engines on the 6th gen civics. (not talking about the b-series here)

the d16y7 dx/lx engine (what you have)
and the d16y8 EX engine.

both SOHC, the EX has a better intake manifold/exhaust manifold design, not to mention Vtec. But I honestly think Vtec is over-rated on the SOHC engines (well, maybe not on the larger engines, like the AV6). Regardless, the d16y7 has a funky shapped intake manifold (facing up), and a catalitic covnverted built into the header. Definatly two things that should be worked on first....

I'm not denying you can't get reasonable power out of a d16y7, but not without something harder. Cams, header, a new IM and TB with an air intake, and an exhaust, maybe you'll get 140? IF you're lucky. Definatly no more than that. And how much will you spend? $1500? $2000?

engine swap or turbo kit..... Even then, I'd choose the latter. I have a d16y7, still bone stock. I plan on keeping it that way for many reasons.....

keep in mind. the y7 was designed for economy, not performance. Even the tranny blows for the dx/lx's. So there's another thing you'd have to change out. See a pattern?

 

I have a 94 EX Manual with a D16Z6, is that any better than the d16y7?

 

hey, I just did a swap for someone because he needed a motor and i heard rumors while researching the swap before i went through it = the d16y series has 2 more HP that the d16z6 and the tourque difference is minor. even though they're different gens, its the same block = piston, rings crank... one major difference is you cant use a y8 oil pan on a z6 block.... 2 bolts dont match and the y8 has a knock sensor and a cracnkshaft sensor that will trip the engine lite on your setup if you use a z6 block, I know im talking about a y8 instead of y7, but y7 and 8's are closely related just as the z6 and y8...

 

According to the factory Honda service manual, the D16Y7 (great engine, btw) ignition timing setting is 12 +/-2 degrees BTDC on 87 octane fuel. So you can run 14 BTDC on this regular fuel. But what if you go with premium (91-93 octane) fuel? Now you can advance it several degrees (be VERY attentive to detonation) and pick up a few lb-ft that way. Advance gradually; 2 degrees at a time, and when it pings under WOT, retard 2 degrees and there's you setting! I got this from HondaTuning Winter 2001 issue. Hope this helps.

 

im sorry to tell you that your D16Y7 Sucks!!!!!


ohh wait its the same engine i have in my sol . ... well if you want more power i would swap the intake manifold for the Y8 one and it should give you a couple of hp and take care of the catalic converter ... have u looked at them? they are too small way to small not ment for performance... i would just get like a y8 or z6 swap ill be worth the money since later on you could boost it and youll still be able to keep the same transmision but thats just my opinion i dont want to get flamed LOL