Search the Community

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 :)

This is the car that replaced my 6g accord after i sold it because the gearbox decided it wanted out, so I decided not to bother to spend anymore money fixing it up as it was needing something replacing every week! I didn't like the car that much to keep on fixing it. So this EK saloon I have now is so much better and is worth me spending some cash on it as I love the thing! Not many of these around! I also have plans to turbo it, there's alot more parts available for this than my old accord. And it also seems a bit quicker even though it's a 1.5! Got a lot planned this civic

Hey, people I have looked around on the internet about my question but I can't find someone talking about it. I was wondering about fitting a Honda Civic EK sedan 6 or coupe sport exhaust on a Honda MB3 from 2000. Does anyone know if it will fit? I have also looked into an MB3 exhaust system but only the rear muffler costs 280 and up. Any information about this is welcome. Thank you!

i have a question for my d15z8 i want to do a mini me but i saw someone say here that the z8 head is the same as the y8 d16 but only with a vtec e camshaft he said that the best option was to buy a d16y8 or z6 camshaft with barings can someone confirm this if this wil fit ?

Am I right that the D Series SOHC engines fitted to the MB Civics are designed in the following way? As far as I can tell, the valve cover needs to be removed in order to remove the top timing belt cover? I have changed a timing belt in the past on a SOHC D Series engine. I had changed the valve cover gasket before. I noticed at the time that the valve cover had to be removed in order to remove the plastic timing belt cover. While the valve cover was off, I removed the plastic cover and ground off the lip that fits into the slot on the valve cover. That way, when the belt was due, I was able to remove the plastic cover without needing to break the valve cover seal. It also allows the timing belt to be easily checked for condition without needing to remove the valve cover. I have seen aftermarket clear plastic timing belt covers pictured on the internet before. While that seemed like a good idea, I would think that it would soon get dirty on the inside. I also wonder how long they would last before the clear plastic turned cloudy. As an aside, what is the secret to getting a lasting seal on the valve cover gasket? I used a new gasket with sealant only at the corner points of the camshaft bearing cap at both ends. This was recommended by a Haynes manual. The seal lasted a couple of years but eventually started leaking oil from the corners of the end cam caps. Thanks for any information.

Hi, I have recently bought a 1996 N reg MA9 which I really like, has been lightly modded but I'd like it as stock as possible seeing as it is the eco model (already very impressed with the MPG for something so old, has done over 200 miles on 20quid of fuel) It has some kind of cheap aftermarket induction kit installed. Does anyone know where I can source a stock airbox for cheap? Or if anyone knows any other models that use the same airbox, can't find on internet (seems pointless having an induction kit on the economy vtec-e d15z3 engine and the MOT is soon and don't want it to fail on emissions)

Hello, friends. Was changing engine oil on my Civic MB3 the other day and noticed the pipe between the air filter and the engine has a little hole. The car is fine to drive and never had problems with it but I don't like that thing over there. It's the tube of number 6. All the sites where they sell this tube have it discontinued so I guess I won't find it to buy, and even If i could it seems expensive. So is there a way to seal that hole? Or should I try to find one at a scrapyard? Thanks.

Hey Is available an universal fog lights i can buy for my car?

So here's my little new MB3 on its summer wheels that normally were on my ED9. Need to lower it though, 215/40 R16 are looking very tiny. Bought it for 500€ last June with 192.000km and a nearly broken transmission. Luckily a used but functional one and 8 wheels (OEM alloys and some steels) were in the back so i just had to replace the gearbox and also put a brand new clutch in it for 450€ total in a honda workshop. It's now at 206.000km and it's still going without any problems. Looks like i made a good deal for under 1000€. Also it's in lovely Pirates Black and has this nice little wing, gorgeous!

Hello everyone, i'm new on this forum and i'm from Málaga, Spain, my car is a MB3, his old owner was registered here too and there's photos uploaded of it surprisly. So here you got some news of it.

Looking for some information on trim levels. I bought an MB3 civic LE with a D15Z8 and I'm just curious as to what the whole LE part is about? It's got a sun roof and heated mirrors (which are always on as there is no switch for them) and that's all the "extras" it has, the dark blue colour seems to be quite rare as well. Only 478 were registered in 1998, what makes the LE spec any different? If anything?

Hello!! So, I have a 1998 Honda Civic 1.5i LS VTEC-2 5 door hatch (MB3). I need to replace the air filter and I want to buy a sporty one, I know it won't make pretty much any difference besides being more thirsty for fuel but... I want to try the thing is, I've settled for the K&N 33-2047 and I need to know if this model will fit my car. K&N's official website says it'll fit, but a lady in the website I want to buy it from says it won't. So, will the K&N 33-2047 fit my car (D15Z8)??? And if it doesn't, Can you recommend me a sporty air filter to improve the sound and hopefully increase 1 or to 2 HP??? (NO cold air intakes plase). Thanks in advance!

Can someone please tell me how? It's one thing that's not covered in the Haynes manual (which seems strange) Thanks

Hi guys. you may remember about 7weeks ago I posted pictures of my Orleans blue mb3 project, the cars now just gone over 28k now. so after speaking to many insurance companies and finding the policy I'm going with, I've started buying parts to start the build early May time. so this week I bought, where to start. Meister r zeta s coilovers mb6 hub swap with calipers cyberspeed LCA's Mb6 Arb 1 inch MC hel braided brake lines mg zs spoiler (needs painting) honda mist spray windscreen washers vti front lip (needs painting) handbrake cables due to only having drums on the rear. i've also got a backbox being made as my old one snapped, will be paired with my 2.25 inch stainless system with decat. i've also fitted my Jordan wheels just for the mean time. things needed still, a set of black 16 inch alloys with good tyres ideally the accord sport. new discs and pads extended top mounts. what would people recommend for discs and pads?? Thanks for your time.

Hey ho. As some people might already know i ran over a badger. So now I need to replace my front bumper, but where can i find one? It shouldhave a "Materialgutachten" (a certificate which we need here in Germany to be able to put bodykits on our cars). I'm searching for weeks but I can't find anything, only lips or stuff for show-cars. Thanks!

Hello I had a little accident with a badger, so i have to replace my Front bumper. Can anyone tell me which models are similar to the MB3 so i can simply put their bumper on it? Dont know if all ma, mb & mc models have the same dimensions etc. Thanks!