streaky

Why not start with the basics... 1) A decent set of tyres. 2) Check and replace the (almost certainly) tired bushes and drop links. Front and rear control arms, rear trailing arm bushes, possibly the camber / toe arms etc. It *can* be cheaper just to swap some of these parts for aftermarket than change the bushes. 3) Geometry Personally 60mm is a big drop on standard shocks so i wouldn't be surprised if they were past their best. Once you have the basic fundamentals for a decent ride - then you can start spending money on the shiny bits. Why spend £500 on a set of coilovers when you have knackered bushes and your wheels pointing in different directions - that won't solve your problems! My first suggestion after completing the above would be a front upper strut; a standard Honda VTi/DC2 one can be had for less than a tenner. Then a rear anti-roll bar, MG if you can find it but even an MB6 one would be better than none. Think of it this way - would you build a house on ropey foundations?

Guys and Gals, As I am needing some tyres for my MC2 and making whats on there last a bit longer. I have been umming on ahh'ing on what the budget will stretch to (which isn't much) and my hopes of a cheap set of 16 or 17" Slipstreams with good tyres coming up seems to be loking less and less of a realistic option. Having scoured the forums and ebay for ideas i've seen the Volvo BBS (Crater) wheels from the T40 / S40. They seem to look to be a bargain and a nice increase over the standard puny 15" wheels the Aerodeck comes with. Also offset etc seems to be close to original, my days of lairy wheels are behind me and these fit the bill perfectly. I've done my searching and the topics been mentioned a few times but seems to be full of hearsay and misleading info - so hopefully this will clear it up for future reference. SO here are my questions. They get mentioned a lot but has ANYONE actually got a set on their MB safely? What was involved in terms with spigot rings, centre caps, wheel nuts? Any difficulties in sourcing anything or clearance issues over the brakes? And finally, anyone got some decent quality pictures of them fitted to an MB/MC? As far as I understand it, set of spigot rings are necessary - such as the below. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/67-1-64-1-SPI ... 3a5ac2004f Then its straight on, although without seeing the nut fitment on the wheels I can't be 100% if the OEM Honda "Acorn" nuts are required or the aftermarket style chamfered ones. If any one can help - it would be very much appreciated!

The EASIEST and most cost effective way, is to do a 5 stud swap. Whilst I can't vouch for the MB, having done 5 stud conversion on my old EG (with NSX brakes) and EM (with ATR brakes) it all just fits together with the correct "off the shelf" parts. In my ownership of 7 civics of varying ages, Accords and a Prelude (And that doesn’t cover the EP’s, Jazz’s and ATR’s other family members own.) I personally can say ALL Honda models with rear disc brakes have handbrakes which are pap! Accords also have the clonkiest brakes of all the Hondas i've experienced so far. I don't know if you have actually tried mounting these calipers to the MB hub yet, but as you already mention - I am sure reputable companies (Brembo?) can supply a disc to your measurements and drill them to 4x114.3. IIRC the Fiat Coupe Turbo runs a 300mm disc which are 4stud (although I don’t think 4x114) which may be worth a look at. If you are wanting to make this a commercial venture - I think you would be looking at a very expensive package. Custom discs are going to be well over 3 figures per pair, with a set of decent pads (Ferodo?) then factor in the cost of a refurbished set of calipers / carriers / pins (you can’t sell grotty ones pulled off a banger in the scrappy) and possibly braided hoses... that puts it at over £500 and that’s just for the fronts! Sure economies of scale you coudl bring it downa bit but you see my point. Considering the cost of an MB/MC seems to be about a grand for a good one these days, that’s a massive outlay. I’m sure AP, Brembo, D2 etc must do off the shelf kits for a similar price – although I am quite out of the car scene compared to what I once was, so don’t quote me! All IMO of course! Best of luck.

It's next on my list, along with the side indicators.Also, how can you possibly post an update without pictures, criminal. I know - shocking! unfortunately my falts now been filled with high chairs, strollers, pushchairs and various other baby related crap, i had to keep them all at the inlaws! Pics will come once i get them painted

A pointless and pictureless update - but all exterior items now sourced! Front lip, rear lip, skirts and mid spoiler, grill to colour code and headlights to overhaul. Now awaiting a quote from the sprayers and hopefully the slow transformation can begin Watch this space...

I get most of my bits from my good friend Stew at PPW. Although I have kept a few bits from my previous cars over the years - that strut was rescued from my green coupe. Its a bitch to fit with the A/C though! All been quiet on the car front for me. Sunk all my spare funds into high priority items like MMA equipment and a new tattoo I do however now have 90% of my bodywork parts collected, ready for tweaking and spraying, i hope to get them done in the next couple of months but got some serious debt to pay off first! Babies make you poor, but girlfriends make you poorer!

Yep all genuine, as are the skirts that I have en-route. Will be a very slow and steady process, I just don;t have the funds or time to put in like I used too

Mid spoiler, rear lip and an mb6 anti roll bar. Wanted an mg one but this will do as a stop gap for now as it feels pretty wobbly without one! I've a set of vti-s skirts lined up so just need to source a reasonably priced front lip and fine some money to pay for the paint, then thats the exterior pretty much done

Got some more bits today - thanks to "EG6CIVIC" for hanging on to them for me! Still some more to collect but building up a nice selection of bits now!

No seals to check - already thought they were the most likely culprits! 10 years of Honda ownership, they all suffer the same problems!

Well thanks for the responses. A somewhat boring and pictureless update this time round. Just got back from a week in a very wet and windy Isle of Wight and gave the car its first real shakedown since buying it. So what did I discover? - In the wet with a full boot - it's VERY twitchy at speed! I suspect the lack of a rear ARB doesn't help, which I will be looking at. - Fuel economy is bang on where it should be, as is the temperature gauge, heating and even the AC - Boot space is big, but could be bigger - overflowing with a weeks worth of baby stuff! (Or Mrs Streaky just packed too much stuff!?) - I have blocked drainage holes somewhere as I have a spare wheel well full of water! Suggestions on where to check appreciated! - The typical Honda squeeky clutch release bearing is has come back to haunt me again - do any exist without this!? All in all though, despite the above, very happy with the old girl - here she is on the ferry! I've got a big box of parts awaiting fitting, nothing particularly exciting just yet but will keep me busy next time I get a day to myself. Also managed to source a rear mid-spoiler and rear lip which should be collected this week, just need to get the skirts and front lip - then i'll have them painted as well as de-chroming the gril and rear plate recess once the weather (and my bank balance) improves.

So it's been a week after purchasing it i finally got stuck in to sorting the car out! I'd started collecting my bits although unfortunately still awaiting on a big bundle of deliveries! Stupid postie taking his time no doubt. Anyway - after driving to the folks (so I could get access to my tools) this was my collection of goodies at 7:30 this morning. After draining the oil, changing the filter, I whipped out the plugs and installed some Bosche Super 4's. Usually I go for Denso Iridiums but being a family man now with just one wage coming in, I've had to work on a vastly reduced budget to my old cars! Comparison of old plug vs new, barely look used to be honest! After doing the plugs, I topped up the oil and I started to strip things out to allow me to get access to the thermostat (it seemed to be sticking and the car not warming up properly.) So out came my comedy swiss cheesed airbox! This will get replaced in due time. Although I discovered on the inside... K&N Panel Filter! After draiing the coolant and moving some ancillaries - thrermostat access achieved! Swapped the unti over and reconnected everything. I then filled up the coolant, bled it and did the usuals. Car definitley seems to warm up more quickly and temp sits where it should now - so glad I did it. My research leads me to believe that the MB suffers more from temperature related issues than the other model Honda's i've owned! (must be the Rover in it :sn****r:) So whilst bleeding the coolant I also decided to fit my old 3 point Benen strut I rescued from my coupe. Pretty much a straight fit - but engine bay still in dire need of a clean - not good with hosepipe bans in effect. Defintley recommend it as a mod though - front end seems much more solid than with the OEM flimsy 2-point brace. At this point my good friend "Cheby" came to lend a hand. We went to swap out the roof mounted speakers and discovered that they had been held in by hopes and dreams! Unfortunately my Alpine type-r's have too deep a manget to fit in the roof so we had to resrot to the Pioneers. They aren't the best, but they'll do for now. We ended up using some MDF spacer rings and mounting those to the metal work in the roof under the roof lining, then screwing the speakers to those. A much firmer and secure fitting than the previous owners efforts. We honestly have no idea how he got them to stay up! Next was to sort the gearstick out. Unfortunately I got pipped to the post on a shortsifter so that will have to wait for another day. And thanks to some numpty cross threading the two screws in the armrest console, I couldn't change the gear gaitor! But the OEM Leather Dildo was removed and a nice weighted shift knob put in its place. We also took this opportunity to replace the pollen filter (although Euro Car Parts gave me the wrong filter first time round!) and swapped out the crappy Philips head unit for my Alpine one, and gave the inrerior a quick tickle! The back seats honestly look like they've never been sat in Pushchair friendly boot! Moving to the outside - swapped the manky orange sidelights over for some crystal clears (+ new bulbs) De-tangoed the rear lights with some silvatec bulbs (although sods law - one arrived faulty!) The old ones had had it! Also took the opportuniy to clean up behind the rear light clusters. Before Manky bulb vs Silvatec bulb New bulb in and de-tangoed goodness. At this point I decided to have the arch protectors (or rust spreaders as they should be known!) off and check the arches. Pleasently surprised to say they are original and rot free! Although i do still need to have the sideskirts off to clean behind, things look OK on the rust front for now. We also gave the wheels a spruce up with some Purple Rain wheel cleaner from Autobright as they were thoroughly disgusting - previous owner obviously not big on cleaning! After that, time was really against us - we gave it a quick clean and tried debadging the rear. Unfortunately the badges seemd to take some paint with them when removed (although extent of the damage is still TBC, it looks to be very minor. We also noticed the paint was INCREDIBLY dull. Once we get a chance to really attack it with the cleaning products I am sure it will look a different car. Still more bits to fit, but time and camera battery ran out for today. More updates soon hopefully.

Gathered that Noodels, but thank you for confirming. After 10+ years of modifying Hondas now, hopefully I can sniff out some bargains! I'm hoping the MB doesn't suffer as badly from "Type R Tax" as the other models!

Thank you chap, will have to investigate further!

Thank you chap, will have to investigate further!

Forgive me if i'm posting the obvious here people, being new to the MC2. (EG/EK is my background!) I've spotted a rear spoiler and rear lip for sale which are definitley on my "want" list. I've also got my eye on a VTi-S front lip from an MB6. However - are there some optional extra "vti-s" skirts I need to look out for or are they just the standard colour coded ones?

Forgive me if i'm posting the obvious here people, being new to the MC2. (EG/EK is my background!) I've spotted a rear spoiler and rear lip for sale which are definitley on my "want" list. I've also got my eye on a VTi-S front lip from an MB6. However - are there some optional extra "vti-s" skirts I need to look out for or are they just the standard colour coded ones?

Well thanks all! I'll be giving it a service and fitting a few leftovers I saved from the Coupe and some small bits this weekend, so i'll get some "proper" pictures soon. I've done my research now so here's the plans I currently have. As it's our only car and i'm poor until Mrs Streaky goes back to work they aren't particularly exciting:- Short Term Machine polish and service Colour code / de-chrome "EK9" Style headlights Colour code rocker cover Refurbish some grotty dress up parts Install the coupe leftovers Longer Term (as parts need replacing basically!) MGZS 180 Suspension MGZS 180 ARB 16" Alloy wheels, i have ideas but will have to wait and see what the funds allow! Tri-Y 2.5 manifold, sports cat, probably a very quiet stainless "solid fab" exhaust. VTI-S lip / Rear Mid-Spoiler / Rear Lip There are a few other maybe parts - but they won't be surfacing until we definitley have a second reliable car in the household! More to come soon, so watch this space

Well thanks all! I'll be giving it a service and fitting a few leftovers I saved from the Coupe and some small bits this weekend, so i'll get some "proper" pictures soon. I've done my research now so here's the plans I currently have. As it's our only car and i'm poor until Mrs Streaky goes back to work they aren't particularly exciting:- Short Term Machine polish and service Colour code / de-chrome "EK9" Style headlights Colour code rocker cover Refurbish some grotty dress up parts Install the coupe leftovers Longer Term (as parts need replacing basically!) MGZS 180 Suspension MGZS 180 ARB 16" Alloy wheels, i have ideas but will have to wait and see what the funds allow! Tri-Y 2.5 manifold, sports cat, probably a very quiet stainless "solid fab" exhaust. VTI-S lip / Rear Mid-Spoiler / Rear Lip There are a few other maybe parts - but they won't be surfacing until we definitley have a second reliable car in the household! More to come soon, so watch this space

Thank you chap. I have to say I was also shocked at how long it took the coupe to go, especially considering the spec. It was a bit heartbreaking knowing how much I had spent on it compared to how much I let it go for. Typically after it sold I had two Buy It Now offers! I am sure Nicky (the new owner) will treat her well and appreciates he got a bargain. I was planning on keeping the coupe for many years but a surprise pregnancy meant it was always going to be on borrowed time - unfortunately our other car (an Accord 2.0) died earlier this week and we ended up scrapping it so that time finally ran out! As for this one, it was actually a little bit too clean as it meant I had nothing to argue the price down with! Its by no means immaculate but certainly a solid and honest example. Already got my eyes peeled one of the elusive VTi-S kits!

Thank you chap. I have to say I was also shocked at how long it took the coupe to go, especially considering the spec. It was a bit heartbreaking knowing how much I had spent on it compared to how much I let it go for. Typically after it sold I had two Buy It Now offers! I am sure Nicky (the new owner) will treat her well and appreciates he got a bargain. I was planning on keeping the coupe for many years but a surprise pregnancy meant it was always going to be on borrowed time - unfortunately our other car (an Accord 2.0) died earlier this week and we ended up scrapping it so that time finally ran out! As for this one, it was actually a little bit too clean as it meant I had nothing to argue the price down with! Its by no means immaculate but certainly a solid and honest example. Already got my eyes peeled one of the elusive VTi-S kits!

Well - Here I am again! So the coupe sold today to a happy new owner - I am sure he will be updating you all with some new pictures in the next few days and I am sure he will carry on with the green goddess to make it a truly enviable car! Anyway - as those who know me area already aware, now I am a proud daddy to a beautiful little girl we needed something a bit more practical than a 2 door. Budget wouldn't stretch to an Accord Type S (yet) so I had to look for something a little cheaper. After lots of looking and viewing several dogs, plus missing out on a couple - we made a purchase today! 93k, Full History from new, excellent condition in and out, no rust! B18C4, LSD box, Half leathers, Full electric package, usual VTI extras Only problem with it - its BROWN! (OK well, it says "red" bit I wouldn't go that far!) I'll be tweaking it and tidying it up, funds are very tight so it will be slow! I have a few plans for it but will keep them quiet for now - but first on the cars is a proper machine polish, service and general tidy up

Well - Here I am again! So the coupe sold today to a happy new owner - I am sure he will be updating you all with some new pictures in the next few days and I am sure he will carry on with the green goddess to make it a truly enviable car! Anyway - as those who know me area already aware, now I am a proud daddy to a beautiful little girl we needed something a bit more practical than a 2 door. Budget wouldn't stretch to an Accord Type S (yet) so I had to look for something a little cheaper. After lots of looking and viewing several dogs, plus missing out on a couple - we made a purchase today! 93k, Full History from new, excellent condition in and out, no rust! B18C4, LSD box, Half leathers, Full electric package, usual VTI extras Only problem with it - its BROWN! (OK well, it says "red" bit I wouldn't go that far!) I'll be tweaking it and tidying it up, funds are very tight so it will be slow! I have a few plans for it but will keep them quiet for now - but first on the cars is a proper machine polish, service and general tidy up

Ek9 and Atr are the same fitment - so you probably had the dc2 one (which will fit in an EG) HTH!

And that is the answer I wanted! Ta muchly all Now I just need rid of the coop and to find a replacement...