97 Ex Auto

[Rakrum]

I just got a 97 ex coupe w/auto tranny - tell me, is it worth the effort to tune this car? or should I get a stick?

By the way, this is my first car (!!!) had it 1 week!!! -and I need it for school, and have a 5 month old son, but im still a kid, and I need a big toy -- you guys all know what i mean, right?

I was thinking of putting in a CAI to start. Any thoughts? What else would be worth doing?

Also, its designated in the vin as having a Y8, and i believe the engine is stamped Y8 but the Hayne's manual tells me that Y8 is only on Hx? any help here?

I can post pics (int/ext or under the hood) just ask

Thanks in advance!!

[97-ferio]

the D16Y8 engine which comes in your car (along with all other 96-00 Civic EX's) from the factory is a good motor to start out with. especially if you've had no past experience with engine build-ups or mods before. it's a good motor to learn on, and then once you gain more experience and can't get anymore power out of the little SOHC, you could move on to a bigger motor, like a B-series, or even a K-series. a CAI is a good place to start with engine mods...and then you could move on gradually w/ the rest of the usual easy engine mods such as a new header, and exhaust as well, just to free up a little extra HP. as for the auto transmission, you could always swap trannies w/ a manual tranny from any D-series motor, preferrably one from a 96-00 civic EX 5-speed. it's not too hard to do, and D-series manual trannies aren't expensive at all. good luck mang.=)

[Rakrum]

Thanks for the tips - one other question. The Hayne's manual also says that the designation D16Y8 is V-Tech, but there is no V-Tech symbol on the motor. Any ideas?

[97-ferio]

well, in the del sol w/ the D16Z6 the valve cover has the VTec symbol on it. on the 96-00 SOHC VTec civics, Honda didn't put the VTec label on the valve cover, for some reason.=) (someone correct me if i'm wrong) However, if you are ever unsure about if someone's motor has VTec or not, look for the VTec solenoid, which is usually located in the same vicinity as the distributor. The DOHC Honda Vtec Motors are more obvious, because it will say on the valvecover. and if it doesn't, look for that VTec solenoid. it's just something you learn over time, and as you gain more experience it'll become much easier to differentiate the different Honda motors out there. so don't fret, your D16Y8 is indeed a VTec equiped motor.=) oh, and one other quick pointer is that you be sure to spell VTec without the H from now on (i.e. VTech) because "VTech" is a brand of household phones.=) Hope this helps. peace=)