Well she finally blew a head gasket so I'm going all out and doing an engine rebuild plus a few other things. It had burned a bit of oil from the day I got it so it was time to do all this. it will also get a new clutch. The new suspension and brakes I installed a while back work great.
Some great news upon taking apart is that the exhaust manifold could not be in better shape. It even has an intact interior baffle. Nothing in the engine was scored or anything alarming. Everything measured within standard tolerances so after a light boring of the cylinders all new standard size rings and bearings are going back in. (actually .01 oversize on the main bearings but that is what they were to begin with according to the numbers on the crankshaft and block) The head is getting new valves and guides. the camshaft looks great too. I guess that is the way it is supposed to be with an 85,000 mile car but I am relieved still.
That and every seal that I can get to is being replaced.
So it should be a pretty new car after this.
I've been thinking of making it my daily driver when the kid turns 16. She can use my truck. The alternative is to get another driver for me but at this point that would mean getting rid of the honda. The garage and barn is full. hmmmmm.
Here is what I've been working on other than the civic. I can not begin to describe how bad of shape this was when I started.
Kman78 (Kevin) 1978 Honda Civic CVCC Project
-
Kman78
- PanaSport
- Posts: 291
- Joined: July 29th, 2005, 7:04 pm
- Province/State: Michigan
- Hometown: Chelsea
- Model: 1978 Hatchback CVCC
-
Kman78
- PanaSport
- Posts: 291
- Joined: July 29th, 2005, 7:04 pm
- Province/State: Michigan
- Hometown: Chelsea
- Model: 1978 Hatchback CVCC
Re: Kman78 (Kevin) 78 CVCC Projects
71, but I'm putting the 69 bullet signal lights on the front.
I'm sure you could make the corvair engine fit but I hardly see the point since the VW engines are so easily modified to whatever horsepower one desires.
I'm sure you could make the corvair engine fit but I hardly see the point since the VW engines are so easily modified to whatever horsepower one desires.
-
Kman78
- PanaSport
- Posts: 291
- Joined: July 29th, 2005, 7:04 pm
- Province/State: Michigan
- Hometown: Chelsea
- Model: 1978 Hatchback CVCC
Re: Kman78 (Kevin) 78 CVCC Projects
A lot of aftermarket performance parts now. People bolting on dual carburetor and bigger more durable heads, crankshafts and pistons. I think 160 hp is very doable but also rather expensive,
I'm not into speed though, so mine is staying stock. I mostly like to just make things work.
I have a couple of Datsun 2000's to dig into after this so I might change my mind.
I'm not into speed though, so mine is staying stock. I mostly like to just make things work.
I have a couple of Datsun 2000's to dig into after this so I might change my mind.
-
Kman78
- PanaSport
- Posts: 291
- Joined: July 29th, 2005, 7:04 pm
- Province/State: Michigan
- Hometown: Chelsea
- Model: 1978 Hatchback CVCC
Re: Kman78 (Kevin) 78 CVCC Projects
Done. drove it for about a 1/2 hour today. It runs great. much better than before, so I'm hoping it continues to be worth the effort.
The throttle vacuum advance has the wrong hose going to it. I can't figure it out at the moment. The car has a remanufatured 75 carburetor on it right now because the original got gummed up and needs a rebuild. But still has all the 78 components. I have service manuals for both the 75 and 78 and they don't jive. Currently if I put the hose on. the throttle vacuum advance won't go back to idle and stays revved to 2200 rpm. With the hose off it idles fine when warmed up, but stalls in idle on startup even with the choke out. I know this is a convoluted question. My brain's a bit fried.
You like the front license plate? They were issued in Michigan starting in 1979 for cars that were used for public events like parades. By the number, I think it's the 4th one embossed. Before 79 I believe they were paper. And the only year to be black and white. Anyway, I think it's cool. When you see me coming you can say. Hey, it's a civic event.
Speaking of which. when you drive around, do people slow down around you, looking at you like they've seen a ghost? Well, in Michigan, maybe that's what this car is.
The throttle vacuum advance has the wrong hose going to it. I can't figure it out at the moment. The car has a remanufatured 75 carburetor on it right now because the original got gummed up and needs a rebuild. But still has all the 78 components. I have service manuals for both the 75 and 78 and they don't jive. Currently if I put the hose on. the throttle vacuum advance won't go back to idle and stays revved to 2200 rpm. With the hose off it idles fine when warmed up, but stalls in idle on startup even with the choke out. I know this is a convoluted question. My brain's a bit fried.
You like the front license plate? They were issued in Michigan starting in 1979 for cars that were used for public events like parades. By the number, I think it's the 4th one embossed. Before 79 I believe they were paper. And the only year to be black and white. Anyway, I think it's cool. When you see me coming you can say. Hey, it's a civic event.
Speaking of which. when you drive around, do people slow down around you, looking at you like they've seen a ghost? Well, in Michigan, maybe that's what this car is.