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Oh no what a shame Dave. Wonder what that was then

Manifold from other d series and after market should fit. Direct fit I doubt. Will likely need some modification and relocation of certain bits.

Welcome. Looks good. Always some niggle the age these are at. Looks like it's good hands and will be back to it full flory in no time

Hi, realise I've been a bit of a stranger here lately. Apologies. Hope the team is good, Glad to see still going strong. Thaught id pop in as been tinkering again. History repeating I suppose. This time gone for an ep3 and made a fast road car/semi track car. Baught late 2024 from Southampton. Got it back and realised it was originally from my local honda dealer. So it came home really. Complete Stock car well used but with plenty of history, not the best example but far from a nail. In the last 12 months. Ive done lots of bits. From tidying underside underside. Rebushed. Rebuilt rack. Powder coated arms. New everything really. New timing chain etc. Rebuilt the gearbox. Added lsd. Then started prepping for turbo. Quite a bit of work to do on these to make room for the setup as there's looms and lines everywhere on the bulkhead. Anyway lots of custom bits and 3d printed stuff later. And I won't say it's complete. Cus they never are. But it's a pretty wild little car now. Lots of fun.

Hello everybody, this is my first post on the forum and in it I'll introduce you to my car. I have bought my 1998 Civic LS 5 door MB3 about a little more than two years ago now with 114k km, its been my daily ever since, and i've absolutely fallen in love with it, having about 153k km now, and am now trying to give it the love and recognition it deserves. Unfortunately, since the car has been pretty reliable except for some minor repairs, I have almost neglected looking for bigger problems, also due do a lack of time and money. Now however, a little bit ago my entire suspension failed, all four shocks started leaking and i broke a spring, just 2 days after getting it approved for 2 more years by TÜV (yes, I live in Germany), and I decided it was time to make the car into what I always wanted it do be: a reliable daily, that is also fun to drive, but wont knock my passengers teeth out. Since in Germany it feels almost impossible to mod a cars power in any reasonable way, i have to do my absolute best to get the most out of the chassis. Initially, i planned to fix all the minor problems before going to the 'upgrading'-phase of the build, however my failing suspension has left me no choice with that. Since i didnt (and still dont) have alot of money, i have looked for the cheapest coilovers that didnt seem like absolute garbage, had some decent reviews, and had valid papers in germany that allowed me to use them with non-stock wheels (which is apparently a problem most low-budget coilovers have in germany). So, what has been done to the car? I ended up with the MTS-Street kit, in the hopes of it being a good middle ground between the Comfort and Sport variants. So far i cant really judge how that went, due to the car still not being ready for getting my new parts registered in my papers, and therefore not really being able to take it out on the roads (also, the alignment is still screwed). But it doesnt feel heaps uncomfortable, also due to me running 14 inch wheels with 185/60 all-season road cushions. Another thing im adding in the same process, so i only have to reason with Tüv once for now, are wheel spacers. I did 20mm per axle in the front and 30mm per axle in the rear, and it already helped the looks alot. After both of that is done and registered, i have a long list of some little (and some not so little) problems to fix. First of those, of course: Rust. In all the typical spots. A previous owner covered the entire underside in rubber-based rust protection, thats is now starting to rust through. Also, they never took off the side skirts for that, so the rocker panels look pretty shot, and i'm worried its almost reaching structurally relevant points in the front, also already having eaten its way up into my fender and my door mounting points, all caused by the notorious dirt trap behind the front wheels and fender. Of course i have the typical little starting rust spots at the mounting points of the rear bumper. A bigger problem however is my rear right door, that seems to have taken a hit from a previous owners endeavors, and they never properly sealed the inside door weld, so now that looks like the surface of mars too. Also, of course all my suspension parts are heavily rusting, and i intend to polish all of them down once i have the time and access to tools for it. I have already repainted (and previously de-rusted) my rear lower suspension arms, due to having to replace all the old, shot bushings in there for the new suspension (which was a rather scary hydraulic press job). While doing that, i also noticed they have the the mounting holes for an ARB pre-drilled. The rust has also made its way to my fuel lines, so that will have to become urgent soon. The long list of other little problems include: - The headliner, of course - My fog light lenses are cracked - The interior clock light has given out - My drivers floor mat has a hole - oops. - My fans only work on the highest setting, rip blower resistor - The wooden plate covering my spare wheel has a big crack, someone tried sitting on it without the spare wheel in there... - One jack mounting point is a little bent inwards (not exactly a small problem, pretty scary when its on a lift :') ) - The previous owner installed a soind system in the boot shelf, and left all the wires and screws exposed... looks horrid - They also installed a pretty ugly cheap dotted tint on all rear windows - My A/C is currently out of commission (begging its not a compressor issue) - The cheap ugly RGB radio headunit installed by a previous owner now has a broken volume knob... So after mentioning all the faults, what are the plans? I first intend to make the interior livable again, so things like headliner and A/C will be tackled first. For the headunit, i was looking for a sleek modern one that has an expandable screen, that also works when not extended, and also one that has its own android system so i can install Hondash, to connect it to my adapter. No big use for Hondash in that car just yet, but owning one just adds to the feels :)) . That combination has proven to be pretty complicated, if i want one that doesnt look like a cheap RGB-Setup, but I'd like the option to have the screen turned off while driving at night. Parallel to that i will have to tackle my rust issues. I will contact a capable welder/bodymaker to take a look at my rocker panel and tell me whether its fixable or has to be replaced for safety. All the other little spots i hope to fix by myself, except for maybe the door, because i might just need a new one. After these biggest problems are out the way, i have two things coming up: My rear bumper has a pretty significant mark from being hit, and in the front the paint is starting to peel unter the plastic bumper trim. The fix i have for that is currently locked away in my garage: I have acquired a front and rear bumper with the VTI-S kit lips screwed on: They're not actually from an MB6, so there is no headlight washer nozzle. I also got the Spoiler in the same purchase, however it didnt include the VTI-S Sideskirts, but the normal painted stock ones. All of these parts will need to be painted, because the clear coat is peeling and they are in a different colour anyways. The other thing i'm tackling at the same point is trying to install the 16mm Rover rear anti roll bar. I dont quite know how TÜV will like that just yet, but ill cross that bridge when i get to it. I have already acquired almost all needed parts for that. The bar, of which i have two, a rusted old one and a brand new one, the rubber end link bushes, the mounting brackets and mounting bushes (of which i needed to buy the Superflex alternative because i couldnt find the OEM ones). However i am still missing two critical thing: The end link rods, because i dont know the exact length i need for the rover ARB. I have found 90mm and 83mm ones and still have to measure what might work (unless somebody coincidentlly knows and can tell me?). The other huge thing im missing is the L-shaped bracket that is screwed to the underbody, that the Mounting bushing bracket thingy bolts on to. I have no clue where to get those, and if i cant find any i might have to get the measurements from an MB6 ( a friend of mine owns one) and try to get it replicated by a professional. So after adressing all the cosmetic and suspension plans, what's the drive train/engine plan? Well. Things like swapping or tuning an engine is pretty hard to almost impossible to do legally in germany it seems, due to several problems. My ECU is, as far as I'm aware, not tuneable without replacing it. In germany that could get me into pretty big trouble once someone finds out. Also, significantly changing a cars emissions without getting it registered is considered tax evasion, so uh yeah that might be a little risky as well. But of course, you cant even exactly get it registered because its simply illegal to worsen a cars emssions below the stock values. At least i get to keep my amazing d15z8 fuel milage, i guess. I also dont know how any of these regulations translate to other contries, and I am only somewhat familiar with german road laws. So what can i do? My ideas include: - a d16z6 oder d16y8 throttle body, together with slightly widening my intake manifold opening - replacing my air filter with a K&N replacement one, keeping my stock air box - Getting a d16 exhaust manifold and/or rest of exhaust system (Im considering getting a subtle but a little better looking end muffler anyways, but those can come with papers so that's fine) - Advancing my timing ever so slighlty, and then only filling up on 98 octane (which i've been doing a little bit either way) - Changing my Gearbor for an s20 or s40 one, after researching if that fits and works - If i have the money, pay a professional to install an LSD plate in there - While doing all that i'll have to tidy up my ugly rusted and chaotic engine bay that's been neglected for 27 years... maybe paint the valve cover. Tüv wouldnt be a fan of almost any of these most likely, but i will simply bank on them not checking every single engine bay parts number for a match... Some experiences i've had with the car so far: - Had a stray cat kidnap my car: - Been to the Hockenheimring (blasting Mario Cart music): VID-20250420-WA0028_1.mp4 - Seen a Miata: - Convinced someone to buy an old car: - Taken part in a classics and pre-classics navigational and regularity Rally: That's pretty much all there is to say about the car (except i have definitly forgotten quite a bit)! Even though i have owned it for more than two years now, i have still not managed to come up with a fitting name for it, but i'm sure that will change soon. Thank you to everyone's interest who has read this far. Excuse me if there are any blatant language or car-part-naming-mistakes here, english isnt my first language after all. In the end, i will most likely use this thread to simply keep tabs on what i want to do with the car, and using it hold myself accountable for finally fixing it :)

Sooo, had a bit of an accident with Lexy ☹️ On way to work at silly o clock in the morning so still dark. Pulled out to pass a van, got almost online with his front wheel and heard an almighty bang! Then followed horrible grinding sound! Thought the engine or gearbox had went, the bang was so loud. Pulled in and went to front of the car and front bumper on passenger side is smashed with a big bit missing, and the plastic wheel arch trim (the colour coded bit that's part of the body kit, not the inner arch) is off and dragging along the ground, held on by one clip at the bottom! 😲 No idea what I hit, but it was solid! Thinking that the van either threw up a rock or maybe a large tree branch. Managed to clip the arch back on best I could and drove home. Had a loud rattle from underneath so was worried what else had been damaged.Checked and whatever I hit also dislodged the exhaust heatshield and also snapped the exhaust hanger clean off the exhaust! Gutted! I managed to source a replacement bumper in the same red down in Durham for £100, and the wheel arch, again in red, via Ebay. Wheelarch was the hardest bit to source and cost almost as much as the bumper! She still drives fine, just looks a bit of a mess, but will get her sorted soon. Will post up a couple of pics when I get a chance. Alwayshappens near Christmas!

I would appreciate having those contacts, it's hard to find anything here for the mb over here, but for now all I'm on the hunt for is the lip, it's not going to be done right now but at the start of next year I'll look into doing it

Sorry ppl lost long in details but now back. Here how car looking

I replaced the wood on the ventilation controls and in the gear shift area, one broke. This wood breaks very easily. The VTI lip is hard to find, I also searched for one for my MB3. Five years ago I managed to buy the VTI lip for my MB2 for 30 euros, it was a bargain. Now they want 100 for it. This is in Portugal. If you need any help with your car, i can help you. I have done some things on my mb2 though the years. And i know one or two guys who maybe have the parts that you looking for.

Yeah it's a pretty good car, also love the wood trim and it's definitely staying but I'm still on the hunt for a vti lip but I can't seem to find it anywhere, new or used.

Car is finally back from the exhaust shop. The tailpipe is pretty subtle looking but it sounds pretty angry (in a good way!) Not the best pics as was on axle stands today but it's got a 200 cell sports cat then 3" all the way through with a centre res and rear box. It's totally overkill for N/A but I wanted to prepare for all possible eventualities! Worked on a few other annoying issues. The throttle body was sticking open slightly but that seemed to be down to a rubber boot on the throttle cable getting jammed in the throttle body wheel. Secured that on properly and now it seems to be behaving itself. No signs of any check engine lights related to O2 sensor, I think my suspicion about it just being because it was at the end of the pipe was correct. Replaced the totally rotten and corroded bleed nipples on the rear drums and managed to do a full bleed of the brake system, that's working a lot better now. Battled with bleeding the clutch all day. The master cylinder looked like it was weeping so I fitted a new one but this didnt help at all, despite fluid coming through it still feels spongy. Next time im going to try a "reverse bleed" pushing fluid back up from the slave cylinder end... to be continued

Hi guys. The intake manifold on my MB2 is making a strange noise. I think it has a leak or is damaged. The idle is normal, stable. But the car is consuming more fuel. The manifold is plastic, on a D14Z4 engine. Does anyone know a solution for this, or where I can buy a new manifold?

I bought a 1998 MB3 this year. Comparing it to my MB2 Profile, there are some differences: - Mirrors and door handles painted to match the car's color - Wheels and tire size (MB2 Profile 185/60/14 on speeline rims, MB3 175/60/14 on steel rims) - Black fabric upholstery with a different pattern. - Interior trim on some parts in wood, where it's normally black plastic - Shift knob - Exhaust tip - Third brake light at the top of the rear window, instead of at the bottom. I think that's all. My MB3 came with the catalog from that time, with the different versions, fabric finishes, and lots of information. But the Profile version isn't there. However, you can see that the interior is different from any other in the catalog.

I love your car. It's giving me a huge wave of nostalgia. I also have an MB2 Profile (mine is also Portuguese), and yours is exactly like mine was when I got my license. The only difference is that mine already had the large fog lights and a spoiler with a third brake light. It also had the same wood interior trim as yours. My car belonged to my parents. They bought it with 100,000 km, and it passed to me with 170,000 km. It's my first and forever car. I like what you did with the steering wheel, I need to do the same to mine. Congratulations on your car.

Nice, yeah I haven't seen that version in the UK. The R45 spoiler suits these cars well I think!

This car is a "profile" edition, I believe it only came in 2000's mbs it came with a few cosmetic stuff including the painted door handles and mirrors and a nice exhaust tip. I got the head unit for 40 bucks on AliExpress, I just searched android auto 1din radio and it poped up and went for it and I'm pretty happy with it

Just took a rather nerve racking first proper drive of around 15 miles to a local stainless exhaust fabrication place before work. I've left the car with them as I really didn't fancy driving any further with the noise level/fumes but I should get it back next week! I've asked them to make up a 3 inch exhaust, with a high flow cat, centre res and back box. I want the least restriction but I don't want the noise level to be too crazy and get kicked off a track day so we'll see what they come up with. Its definitely overkill for NA but we might boost it once day so it would be "future proofed" for that. Car for the most part drives fine - the only things I've noticed so far: - The steering is a bit off centre - it could be just the boss isn't on right but I think it probably just needs an alignment as we've had the front suspension apart several times to fit driveshafts, coilovers etc. The power steering is working perfectly though which was a big goal of mine as most people delete the PS on these kind of swaps but it's not pleasant to live with off the track. - The throttle is a bit "sticky". Sometimes it idles at 1200rpm and then if you pull the pedal up with your foot it settles down. I have tried to adjust it once before to no avail and I've checked the TPS is calibrated properly. It may need a new throttle cable as im using the 25 year old original one. - Just as I was pulling into the exhaust place the car started to run really badly and stumble. I turned it off and back on then it was fine. I did notice on my laptop that it is running very rich - I am hoping it's just over fuelling due to the o2 sensor being almost certainly too close to the end of the pipe (its just before the flexi and there's no exhaust after that point). I'll not worry too much about this until there's an exhaust fitted! - The front end feels a tiny bit loose but ive not driven the car enough really to comment fully. We haven't adjusted any of the suspension or changed any worn bushes etc at the front so I will reserve judgement until thats all done. But honestly, for a first proper drive it didnt go badly at all. No fluids leaked out or parts fell off!! Did get a few odd looks as frankly the car sounds ridiculous but that will be all sorted soon enough... My father in law followed in his car with a bunch of tools and a jack in the boot but luckily we didnt have to do any roadside repairs.

Coming along nicely. Looks ace in the shot. She's going to be a minter when you're done.

Also another thing I forgot to mention. I fitted MG ZS front calipers but it turns out that they were faulty, the piston was getting stuck. I did look at getting a rebuild kit and trying to sort them out but I found upon doing some research that certain models of Accord used the same front calipers. I found these for £60 a side which is very cheap but when they arrived, they are actually the original Lucas calipers but remanufactured (which is what I'd prefer anyway to a cheap Chinese copy in all honesty). NK 2126141 Brake Caliper NK 2126142 Brake Caliper They fit perfectly into the MG ZS carriers. The carrier brackets unfortunately seem to have to be bought used, luckily mine were OK with a bit of grease on the pins. Might help someone doing a similar brake upgrade - although it seems like I may have bought the last pair!

Yes the whole car is very clean all things considered to be honest. Cosmetic condition was surprisingly bad (been sorted now for the most part) with lots of silly damage to the interior/exterior and low quality DIY repairs but the chassis has held up well. I think its just a combination of luck, low mileage, and lack of sunroof. There's not really any significant rot underneath but a lot of rubber parts are perished. I've fitted new rear lower arms which were the worst (had an repeated MOT advisory for about the last 7 years for them .. obviously lots of attention being paid to that !!). The main areas that still need attention are the rear trailing arm bushes are pretty rotten but as the rear is on drums anyway I plan to get some rear disc arms at some point, paint them and press in new bushes to kill two birds with one stone, so they'll do for now. Managed to get the cooling system bled with the aid of the vacuum bleeder (very cool thing, I can highly recommend one if you are having issues with bleeding). I just got a cheap VEVOR brand one off amazon for £55 but the quality seems totally acceptable for occasional use. Had a very brief first drive in the car on Sunday. It's incredibly loud inside (as the exhaust exits basically directly under the gearstick) and outside too so I didn't want to attract too much attention hooning it about (it's not mapped yet anyway so probably best not to) but it drives great apart from a few expected bits like needing a wheel alignment etc. Next port of call will be to have an exhaust made up at some point in the next couple of weeks VTI-S front lip painted and skirts on properly now! Just need to finish painting the side trims and I think that's about it for the exterior.

Spot on. I'm sure these cars look better the older they get 😎

Tank looks in decent nick for the age - my first one rotted through years ago. I tried using new parts from an my for mine, but with little success as they were all the wrong size as well. Could be a weak point for parts for the future. The b series in these can also be a pain to bleed - one trick with them is to either park uphill or jack the front up.