My track day Civic 1.6i 16v

Kai Vaksdal · Post by **Kai Vaksdal** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 10:09 am

Hi all.

I am a newbie here and need your help.

I have bought a 1990 Civic 1.6i 16v (with the D16A9 engine) as a track day toy. It has a hand built straight through stainless steel exhaust system and race manifold, cold air feed and intake system. It's been half stripped inside and is ready to go for some fun days out.

Unfortunately there are two things which I need doing and I just can't:

1. The cam belt needs changing. It was last done 7 years ago at 55,000 miles and is now at 90,000 miles. I have tried everything to undo the main bolt on the engine, but cannot get it undone! I have broken three sets of ratchets and sockets trying to undo it. I have even taken it to a garage where they tried to "air-gun" it off. It is solid....

2. I need lowering springs. The standard shocks are actually pretty good, but the springs float and it needs to be lowered. However, all of the nuts and bolts which hold the suspension on are fused together with age and will not come off.

Any suggestions for a solution to 1 and/or 2 would be greatly appreciated.

PS - I live in Basingstoke, Hants if you know somewhere local who might help.

johnsonca9 · Post by **johnsonca9** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 3:34 pm

Welcome and sounds like a good project.

You've also found the most fun part about owning older cars, everything is fused with age. For suspension just soak in wd40 for days and days before trying it again, soak it in a morning, and soak it on a night and anytime you get in between.

For engine bolt, if a garage can't do it then you could possibly be in a bit of trouble, I'll leave other members to answer that one for you, lol.

Post by **Craig G** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:20 pm

Welcome to the site! I had issues with my suspension bolts the best thing i discovered was a thing called "Plus Gas" as recommended by Si off of here. It is like a super strength WD40 top marks and you can get little ratchet connectors with little teeth which is what the mechanic used in the end to get mine off. I was also advised to try tightening it before loosening it don't know if that helps. oh and a good "TAP" with a hammer.

Post by **widowmaker** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 5:23 pm

Basingstoke, 4gs are getting closer

Jeffro · Post by **Jeffro** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 6:31 pm

You'll need a big (fucking big!

) bar for the crank pulley nut.

Either find a way to lock out the pulley / flywheel, or put it in 5th gear and get a large friend to stand on the brakes while you try to undo it.

But if it's stuck it will be a tough one

mike_civic · Post by **mike_civic** » Tue Oct 30, 2007 10:50 pm

welcome to the forum,

i live in camberley not too far away,
i have a set of 35mm gmax lowering springs in my garage somewhere if you need any,
i'd be able to help out with things if you need a hand.
just let me no,

mike

Kai Vaksdal · Post by **Kai Vaksdal** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 9:44 am

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the welcome and for the suggestions.

Mike - have PM'd you regarding kind offer of help.

Great picture of the "long bar" method!!

Kai

Post by **Marc_EE9** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 10:18 am

Craig G wrote:try tightening it before loosening it don't know if that helps. oh and a good "TAP" with a hammer.

yep yep!!

welcome Kai!
im in Reading, which isnt to far! if u need a hand at the weekend, let me know!!

Post by **Tahir** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 11:14 am

welcome to the club dude, another 4th gen owner woohoo!

try heating the suspension bolts for ages, should work a treat, did this to my eg6 when they wouldnt budge. as for the crank bolt, im not clued up on that so i cant suggest anything.

If you want suspension, i got some kyb shockers on skunk2 springs, they are a bit firm for normal day to day use but i imagine they will be perfect for the track. let me know

tahir

honda_racing · Post by **honda_racing** » Wed Oct 31, 2007 11:48 pm

dont think it be that good on the track if u just put springs on! it be better if u change the shockers too! lucky for me all my bolts came straight out rust free! u can cut the suspension bolts off n put new 1s in!

Kai Vaksdal · Post by **Kai Vaksdal** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 2:41 pm

Thanks Honda Racing.

It looks like there are some shocks and springs up for grabs so that should fix that. I know springs don't make a track car, but am trying to do little bits at a time to keep the expense down, you know?

Still need help fitting them, but looks like I've got a couple of offers for help.

The cambelt is the one that's worrying me most though. Anyone fairly local who wants to have a go at it for me or with me, I would really appreciate the help and would even offer some cash for the help!!

Cheers!

mike_civic · Post by **mike_civic** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 6:34 pm

no problem to do the shocks and springs if you want mate.
when are you thinking of changing them?
could do the cambelt but not too sure about getting the crank pulley bolt off.
ill have a word with a few people to see if i can borrow a compressor... if so ill be more than happy to help you.
ill let you no on the cambelt as soon as i find out.

mike

Jeffro · Post by **Jeffro** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 8:02 pm

Seriously bud, leverage and persistance is the key for the crank nut!

Get a few mates together and attack it

Kai Vaksdal · Post by **Kai Vaksdal** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 9:13 am

Thanks again for the input guys,

Mike - see pm.

We have already tried an airgun from compressor but the bolt would still not turn. I think leverage is the key, but I'm worried about breaking something...

PS - As this project gets going, what are your thoughts on raising the rev limit on the D16A9 engine? Mine runs so smoothly and quickly to the limiter at 7200rpm, it seem a shame not to let it run further... Surely the same engine goes to 7700rpm in the Rover 216GTi - even higher in race spec? Is there power to be had up there?

Jeffro · Post by **Jeffro** » Fri Nov 02, 2007 1:57 pm

With a different valvetrain yes, otherwise not really