by "DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
Published 11/07/2017 at 19:36
by "DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
Published 11/07/2017 at 19:36
Tags: To read more of my though click the link to read more at my column overstrader/dougsteer
STARS: 8
Yes, It’s a 1998 Accord. Now it’s time for me to tell you about all the kwerks and problems features!
I didn’t take any pictures of the exterior, but all you need to know is that it looks like one of the previous owners “parked it by feel.”
I bought it for $900, the guy selling it replaced two light bulbs and knocked $50 off the price and I didn’t even ask! Also one taillight is slightly darker than the other, it’s not blacked out or anything, but oh well. It cost less than an iPhone X!
I’ll start the problems from most important to least important.
1. Wheels and tires.
You can’t see in this pic. But the current wheels aren’t backspaced properly so they stick out from the fenders a little. The bigger problem is the obvious condition of the tires. I haven’t driven it since getting it home, and the next time I drive it will be to a tire shop for new wheels and tires (I checked a few junkyards already, but couldn’t find the correct size, since these are like 4x113 not the more common 4x100 bolt pattern) Discount tire said they can get brand new steelies for $50 a pop which sounds good enough to me, tires will be about $70 a pop for the same General Altimax’s I had on the Integra.
2. Intake piping.
As you can see it’s sealed with duct tape in multiple places. First off.
If the MAF don’t mind, the fix is fine. (No CEL)
Plus I’m sure either one from a junkyard or a hot air intake off ebay would be cheap (who cares about -5hp in this thing)
On a positive note about the engine. It is V-TEC (I think, not 100%) and it’s also significantly torquer than any B or D series engine, so it’s much easier to drive in the city and hopefully might even get better fuel economy after a tune up.
Also it’s not the original engine to the car. So there’s that.
(Also what’s the deal with the two throttle cables? I imagine one is for the cruise control. I ask because the throttle stuck on me once so I need to clean it and I haven’t figured out how to open it by hand, the second one blocks it.)
3. Won’t shift into fifth! (originally I mistakenly typed first)
I forgot to take a picture of the shifter, but it’s a five speed manual. It doesn’t go into fifth, but it’s not like a grind and pop out. It’s like the gear isn’t there. 3rd, 4th, and R are kind of sloppy so I think it’s just shifter bushing or something with the linkage, not the transmission itself. So that should be cheap and easy. I think these have a solid shift linkage, but I’m no 100% sure because this is my newest Honda by 3 years and an Accord, not a Civic.
4. Missing radio. Not much of a problem and will hopefully be easy to fix. But the A/C works!
Some miscellaneous pictures of it.
Custom shaped arm rest for maximum comfort!
So kwerky! (and blurry!)
In case you’re wondering, that’s not a CEL. It’s a “maintenance required” light.
“Y mak 2 levers?” -Doug Demuro
Also one more problem, that’s already been partially solved.
So it came with the steering wheel cover that would slip, so I removed it and the rubber on the steering wheel is flaking off. How should I fix this besides getting another steering wheel? I think it’s too thin for a cover to fit properly. My first thought is duck tape, which would basically make this vehicle from Far Cry. But I’m sure there’s a more elegant solution out there.
"G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3" (gbodyman)
11/07/2017 at 19:44, STARS: 2
What about a stitch-up steering wheel cover? That way it will look close enough to factory, and it won’t suck to use.
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/07/2017 at 19:46, STARS: 1
That’s a good idea! The only thing though, is that now I mentioned it. I don’t think I would mind a far cry aesthetic.
Just need some random shit to hang around the inside.
"TheD0k_2many toys 2little time" (thed0ck)
11/07/2017 at 19:48, STARS: 1
Valve cover says vtech. So ya.
Shifting issue sounds like either linkage or bushing. Both common issues
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
11/07/2017 at 19:53, STARS: 1
Good to see you maintaining a positive attitude through this. 900 for a running car isn’t bad. Get a junkyard armrest and head unit, wrap that steering wheel, and drive it. Although yeah, maybe do something about that first gear if you can.
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/07/2017 at 19:55, STARS: 1
The plan is to just to drive this until I get a job after college. I’m pretty excited about having a beater again, because the only thing I didn’t like about the Integra was that it was in such (relatively) good condition I had to put effort into keeping it this way. At least with this I don’t really have to give much of a fuck about it.
"interstate366, now In The Industry" (interstate366)
11/07/2017 at 20:01, STARS: 1
Not bad. For factory wheels in the junkyard, look for 92-96 Preludes. That is a VTEC engine, and it may have come from an earlier Accord. The linkage is indeed solid.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
11/07/2017 at 20:04, STARS: 0
Manual Accord under a thousand. Right on
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
11/07/2017 at 20:06, STARS: 1
Congrats! Only, please slip cover that center arm rest, or make sure your immunizations are up to date. I’m getting a rash looking at it.
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/07/2017 at 20:06, STARS: 0
Definitely didn’t see any Preludes. The junkyards here are much smaller and have much newer cars than the PNW :(
Also is it a single or dual cam engine? It looks single, but I’m not 100% and the guy didn’t speak English that well nor I Spanish.
"LongbowMkII" (longbowmkii)
11/07/2017 at 20:06, STARS: 0
I haven’t been under the hood of an accord for a while, but I’d imagine there’s enough room under the hood to shift it by hand on the transmission. Maybe have a friend row through the gears so you can see how it’s trying to work and if there are any obvious bushings.
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/07/2017 at 20:06, STARS: 0
The REAL 4 door sports car!
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/07/2017 at 20:08, STARS: 2
Thankfully the Army literally vaccinated me for everything from the flu to anthrax. So I should be good (assuming they haven’t expired or whatever) but I’ll definitely get a new one some time.
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/07/2017 at 20:09, STARS: 0
Nvm I’m going with you’re idea, but it’s lace up and 5x more awesomer.
I hope the damn picture loads.
"interstate366, now In The Industry" (interstate366)
11/07/2017 at 20:10, STARS: 2
It’s a SOHC. There’s a stamp on the block near where the engine meets the transmission that will say exactly what engine it is. If it’s from the same generation it’s an F23 (2.3) of some sort and if it’s from the previous generation it’s an F22B1 (2.2).
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/07/2017 at 20:11, STARS: 1
Awesome thanks!
"FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
11/07/2017 at 20:30, STARS: 1
I almost bought a 98 Accord back in 2006. Very solid cars. The 2.3L engine is big enough to keep it from feeling slow but it isn’t exactly fast. They are VTEC but still SOHC. The shifters are fantastic when they are sorted. This is a good deal, especially considering the AC works. A shame it isn’t 5x100 because I have a set of 5x100 17” steel wheels I’m looking to unload. Honestly steering wheels are easy to swap. I would go to a junkyard and see if you can grab an intake and a steering wheel. Maybe a radio if they aren’t anti-theft - I don’t know if they are. Probably also a center console and maybe what you can out of a shifter if you’re lucky enough to find a manual one that still has a transmission. Now is the time of year to go junkyard raiding.
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/07/2017 at 20:35, STARS: 1
I checked a few for wheels and the only Accord of this gen I was able to find was a V6 (5 lug and I’m guessing different intake) But I’m sure ebay won’t be much more expensive.
"wafflesnfalafel" (wafflesnfalafel1)
11/07/2017 at 20:42, STARS: 0
My folks had one - same champagne color. Put about 150,000 on it before trading it in. The only issue I can remember was that the power window and door lock buttons died much more frequently than in any other car I’d ever run into for some reason. That one looks awfully beat on...
"interstate366, now In The Industry" (interstate366)
11/07/2017 at 21:00, STARS: 1
Oh, and if you’re ambitious, you could swap the 5-lug parts from a V6 Accord and open up the possibilities of the huge 5x114.3 aftermarket.
"facw" (facw)
11/08/2017 at 00:13, STARS: 1
Do you mean 4x114 (or 114.3) for wheels? I don’t see any Accords that take 113.
My parents just gave away my spare 4x114s (not so nice that you need to feel bad about missing out), I’m surprised they were able to find a taker for them given how few cars use the size (mine was a first-gen Volvo S40).
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/08/2017 at 00:56, STARS: 0
I think it was 114.3 I just rounded down and then some lol.
"Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW!" (theduckduck)
11/08/2017 at 11:27, STARS: 0
Where you located? I got some 95 Accord aluminum 4 bolt rims with basically brand new tires on them that I need gone.
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/08/2017 at 11:30, STARS: 0
San Antonio
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/08/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 0
How much do you think shipping would be? If it would be cheaper than new wheels and tires I would pay to get them shipped.
"Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW!" (theduckduck)
11/08/2017 at 11:32, STARS: 1
Oh, I am Minnesota. Your polar oppo.
"Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW!" (theduckduck)
11/08/2017 at 11:34, STARS: 0
I can get you a price. You want photos of rims and tread depths and such?
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/08/2017 at 11:36, STARS: 0
Nah, I just got a quick quote from FedEx. It’d be over $1,000 lol.
"Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW!" (theduckduck)
11/08/2017 at 11:39, STARS: 0
Wait what?
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/08/2017 at 11:40, STARS: 0
That’s for a total weight of 300lbs, which I imagine is a little high (it’s what google told me 4 wheels with tires would weight)
"NojustNo" (front24200)
11/08/2017 at 13:32, STARS: 1
I’ve got the stock double din CD player for this I think. Ill send it to you for nothing if I have it. Are the stock wiring connectors still there for the stereo?
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/08/2017 at 15:28, STARS: 0
Awesome! I’ll have to double check, but I think so. I’ll pay for the shipping.
"EL_ULY" (uly)
11/08/2017 at 16:50, STARS: 0
THREAD HIJACK!! *karate punches, ninja kicks*
LOL duuuuude I missed ya! It’s cool outside and these dorks here sent me ouch to get them some munchables
"facw" (facw)
11/08/2017 at 17:08, STARS: 0
Yo sorry I missed you. My apologies if I caused you any trouble by asking about the discounted price you gave me, I immediately regretted it. In any event, thanks again!
"EL_ULY" (uly)
11/08/2017 at 17:33, STARS: 1
lol no worries, that dude follows the rules way too much. I give people my price all the time :]
Houston Meet needs to happen one day. Too many rad and big name peeps here to not do so.
"Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW!" (theduckduck)
11/08/2017 at 17:40, STARS: 1
I can still check. We ship stuff all the time with UPS. Got a label printer the whole deal. I will weigh one tonight and get a cost.
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
11/08/2017 at 17:41, STARS: 0
I just checked, there’s no connector, but there’s some wires there. I’ll have to see what I gotta do to get that sorted out.
"NojustNo" (front24200)
11/09/2017 at 04:00, STARS: 1
Bummer when they cut the harness. Common car at least . here’s the stereo color codes
"NojustNo" (front24200)
11/09/2017 at 04:02, STARS: 0
Ill check if I still have it tomorrow .
"NojustNo" (front24200)
11/09/2017 at 11:02, STARS: 0
Crap its gone from my car stuff box. I think I donated it. Sorry :(