Considered the “1200” because of the engine size
Civic debuted in 1973 that achieved more than 40 mpg on the highway with dimensions with a 86.6-inch wheelbase and 139.8-inch overall length. Powered by a 1170cc EB1 all aluminum engine except for the cylinder liner, with the 2 speed Hondamatic or 4 speed standard transmission made this quite the economy car to drive. In 1974 the engine grew to 1237cc EB2 and grew 146.9-inch in length. The cylinder head is aluminum with a cross flow design, intake ports on the back and exhaust on the front side. This design generally produces more power than others with both ports on the same side.
In 1978 the cylinder head (EB3) was redesigned with larger intake and exhaust valves and larger straighter intake & exhaust ports including a deeper combustion chamber with domed pistons. This engine design lends is self to high performance modifications. This design has won many racing championships including a great Canadian driver Jacques Villeneuve or American driver Adam Malley still racing his today.
How to identify a 1200:
-1200cc engine, designated EB1,EB2, or EB3
-Engine will only say Honda on the rocker cover
-Hose for air filter goes to passenger side fender (if it’s still stock)
-Water pump is on the front drivers side and alternator is on the back
-Fenders shorter in length than the CVCC
-2 spoke black steering wheel
-Hondamatic or 4spd transmission Standard 1200’s never received a 5spd transmission
Only the Canadian 1978-79 Special X version received the 5spd transmission
CODE: SELECT ALLYear/Model Motor CC Bore Stroke HP TQ Compression 73-74-1200 EB1 1170 70mm 76mm 50 @ 5k 59 @ 3k 8.3:1 74-77-1200 EB2 1237 72mm 76mm 50 @ 5k 60.5/65* 8.1:1 78-79-1200 EB3 1237 72mm 76mm 50 @ 5k 67 @ 2k 8.1:1 **Notes:
74-76 1200= 60.5lb-ft @ 4k, 77 1200= 65lb-ft @ 2k
Specifications.JPGAdditional Information
-73-79 Chassis code was designated SB
-74-77 1200: EB2 motor had 2mm larger bore increasing displacement and power slightly
-78-79 1200: The EB3 was very different from the previous years. The most notable differences were the domed pistons and the new head (dished combustion chamber and larger valves).
-73-79 Civics did not have trim level specifications but were differentiated by their motor types
How to tell the difference between an EB2 head and an EB3?
The EB3 head has the letter H stamped on the front passengers side of the head by the threaded mount.
EB2 head has the letter S in the same position
How to tell the difference between an EN1 head and an EB3?
The EB3 head has a threaded mount on the end opposite the timing belt for the torque rod. The EN has a torque rod mount on the gearbox.
Factory Accessories and options:
-Wooden 2 spoke steering wheel
-Floor Console
-Overhead Console with built in clock
-Rear roof liner speakers
-Dash Clock
-AM/FM Cassette Radio
-Rear wiper
-Roof Racks and many more
100_1589.JPG
Recalls Canada: 1980
Years: 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
Units Affected The number of vehicles or components affected by the recall :193,830
System: Suspension
Recall Details
On certain vehicles, corrosive elements in the environment may cause deterioration of the front and rear lower suspension arms. This corrosion may result in loss of vehicle control. Vehicle located in Nova Scotia, P.E.I. and Newfoundland.
In Ontario the Recall by Honda inspected the front are rear suspension with a mechanical shot to check for strength, during this inspection it was determined if replacement front fenders were in order due to rust within the first two years of ownership. Usually the side marker lights rotted out and fell inside the fenders,. Later models came with plastic fender liners.
I purchased plastic fender liners after my fenders were replaced free of charge by Honda even thought I had already replaced them with fiberglass one from Canadian Tire.
https://www.1stgencivic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=20108
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