1986 Honda Civic <100k suggestions please

[ChrisN]

Originally Posted By: OpelFever
Honda MTF-3 works fine in the transmission.

I wouldn't worry too much about the temp gauge, it seems to be a bit vague on the CRX and civic of this era.


nice to know im not alone i guess

 

[ChrisN]

Originally Posted By: Brenden
For the transmission? you can use just any conventional 10w30 if you really want.
i want it to start and move and i'll bet dino would be awfully thick.

Originally Posted By: Brenden

• You can either get the OEM MTF
• get pennzoil synchromesh from any parts store
• OR the upgrade from PS, GM Synchromesh Friction Modified.

which would you get?

Originally Posted By: Brenden
I thought MPFI was the new thing for civics of that year hmmm maybe that's the accords.
iirc the only FI in 86 in the civics was the SI, the next year (87) i think all were FI

 

[ChrisN]

Originally Posted By: Char Baby
Yes, those older HONDA's used 10W30 in their manual transmissions back then. But, I think that 10W30 back in the day, was a different beast as todays 10W30 are not quite the same(although better, not quite better for transmissions) and may not be recomended for the older transmissions due to a chemistry/additive change(others may chime in on this).
I'll check 4 sure with the dealer. But i would like to go lower friction in the transmission also

Originally Posted By: Char Baby
And the CRX HF was using, IIRC, 3bbl carb. Yes, 3bbl. I have heard of these HF 3bbl's getting close to 50 mpg.
That is actually what this car is except it has a real back seat instead of the bucket shaped package shelves that the CRX had.

Originally Posted By: Char Baby
This is when Honda was at the top of their game compared to the competition. Three cars in various versions...Accord, Prelude, Civic.
The Civic being the most diverse:

2 Dr Hacthback
5 Dr Wagon w,w/o AWD
4 Door Sedan
2 Dr CRX
i have actually owned 3 of the 4 styles. The hatch i own now, a 5 door wagon which was a blast and for 6 months a 4 dr sedan.

 

[ChrisN]

Originally Posted By: Brenden
I'd rather have a golden era Honda then anything they have now.
I agree, the new civic and accords just don't seem as honda-ish as they used to.

 

[ChrisN]

OK i've been to Walmart and surveyed what was available i have 5 candidates, please let me know which you would choose given the cars age (27 yrs) condition (excellent) and mileage (96000 miles)

all are 5w-20
CASTROL GTX SYNBLEND $17 5qt
Castrol Edge with Syntec $25 5qt
Castrol Edge Titanium $27 5qt

Mobil 1 $25 5 qt
Mobil 1 Extended $27 5qt

if the edge titanium and the M1 extended are for extend mileage then i'm not interested since i will change it out in the spring probably.

 

[ltslimjim]

Why not get the Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w30 for the winter?

 

[ChrisN]

Originally Posted By: ltslimjim
Why not get the Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w30 for the winter?
in the end, that's what I did. I'm amazed how much quieter the car is and the shifter as well as I changed the trans with the 0w30 m1 also. I emailed Mobil and they recommended the 0w30 as the best choice for my car.

Thanks to everyone who posted, I appreciate your knowledge and patience!

 

[Lead Shoes]

0w30 is a very good choice for the engine year round.

As for the transmission depending on the condition of the 4spd you will find one of those fluids to work better than others, but the ultimate trump card I find nobody complain about is the Gm synchromesh FM, but the PS is easier to get and cheaper by a few $ a quart.

 

[ltslimjim]

Yeah, I'd consider using a dedicated MTF. They are relatively cheap for the service life(30k miles). Either GM's Synchromesh Friction Modified MTF, Amsoil's MTF, or Red Line's MTL.