Honda Civic Si / SiR 2005 and earlier

nippononly

5/50 in yours??????

Didn't even know there was such a thing.

aaronpan

I recently noticed something like paper or wood burning smell when the car is parked at my garage with engine on. Is this the sign of burning oil? I currently have 6000+ miles on my Si.
I am thinking to replace Mobile TriSyn 5W-20 in next few month. My engine also sounded strained in high rpm, see if it would make differeces after put in Synthentic oil.

finite

Does anyone change their own oil? If so, how difficult is it to do so? I have an '03 and my manual discourages changing the oil yourself.

gee35coupe

And Mobil makes a 0/50

nippononly

how does your manual discourage you? Does it say it would prefer that a Honda mechanic do the oil changes, or does it just not tell you how to do it?

gee: ah, yes, of course, forgot you were talking synthetic.

DOES anyone here do their own oil changes?

gee35coupe

There's no reason for me to change my own oil.

revdrluv

Yeah, I used to change my own oil. Then I realized how much of a pain in the butt it is vs. the incredibly low price you pay to get someone to do it for you. (...although having those wannabe grease monkeys telling me I have "sludge" in my engine to sell me a service is a pain in the butt in a whole other way!)

Plus, how are you going to dispose of the oil yourself? You can't just dump that stuff down the storm drain.

nippononly

I have lots of local places that recycle oil...I prefer to change it myself, it's easy on the integra, I wonder what it's like on the SI.

dudka

aaronpan, the smell is exactly what i would desribe. I only get the smell when Honda dealership puts the 5W-20 oil in it. Like these days it is way too cold to do it myself. But all the othe roil changes I did my self with Exxon Superflo 5W-20 I did not get the smell. I am wondering if Honda oil, although made by Mobil (same as Exxon) has some additives that make it smell like woodburning stove.

I am planning on switching to Mobil 1 and Honda filter combo once, i am sure there is no more burning.
Changing oil on the Si is easy. Start the car and drive for a few miles untill the car is fully warmed up. Let her stand for 10 minutes. Put on your latex surgical gloves or cheapo mechanics gloves. Jack up the passenger side. Open the hood and remove the oil filler cap. Remove the passenger side front wheel and reach in with the 17 mm socket or closed wrench, pull in the drain pan, drain the oil. Reach in and loosen the filter, if this is your cars first oil change ever, the filter will be tight and you may need a wrench or drive a screwdriver through plastic body. Usually the filter is on hand tight. Put the Drain plug bolt and THE NEW CRUSH WASHER. Move the rain pan under the filter and remove it, some oil will spill onto the railings and the drive shaft. Make sure the filter gasket came off the car and is not stuck to the engine block.

Grease the new oil filter gasket, by dipping your gloved finger in the new oil and spreading it over the gasket. Pour some oil into the filter and let it soak in, put the filter on the car and tighten by hand until it is tight. Fill almost 5 quarts of oil. Replace the oil cap, start the car let her run for a couple of minutes, shut it off. get under the car to see if there are any leaks. Let the car sit there for a few minutes and check the oil level. Take used oil out of the rain pan and piur it back into the empty oil containers and take to your local AutoZone, pepboys, or any service station that does oil changes, they all accept used oil.
Takes literally 15 minutes and costs $7. Mobil 1 DIY oil change will cost about $30.

nippononly

remove a wheel to change this car's oil? For me, that would be a first in 20 years of car ownership, so not what I would call "easy".

finite

Thanks for the info. My manual recommended that the oil filter be removed while the car is on a lift, which sounded like it wouldn't be easy to reach otherwise. I agree with nipponly that removing a wheel isn't consistent with "easy". I will continue to have the dealer handle oil changes.

dudka

2571 of 2572 you have to by nippononly Jan 12, 2004 (10:19 am)
remove a wheel to change this car's oil? For me, that would be a first in 20 years of car ownership, so not what I would call "easy".
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#2572 of 2572 Thanks Dudka by finite Jan 13, 2004 (1:20 am)
Thanks for the info. My manual recommended that the oil filter be removed while the car is on a lift, which sounded like it wouldn't be easy to reach otherwise. I agree with nipponly that removing a wheel isn't consistent with "easy". I will continue to have the dealer handle oil changes.

You could turn the wheels to the left and try to get the filter from the side, but I am a larger guy and it would be difficult for me to reach in. It is also possible to reach from the top and undo the filter, you just have to get the filtre wrench that mounts to the top of the filter. You still need to get to the raind plug, and the car being low, i can't see how anyone would get to it without removing the wheel.

I don't know about you, but I don't own a lift. So, even though manual says to use a lift, removing the wheel is the next best thing.

crashton6

I don't have a Si, but on my wifes Integra I just drove up on a set of Rino ramps & did the change. On my Miata I have to remove the right front wheel to gain access to the filter. Not fun, but I'm not letting the local swifty lube guys near any of my cars.

finite

Any options available to fill the plug opposite the emergency flasher? And/or any of the dash plugs amenable to a garage door opener? An outdoor thermometer, etc?

dudka

I put a 12 volt accessory plug in there

gsolman6

when you consider how much a sythethic oil change will cost you at Jiffy Lube. They quoted me $60 + tax and fees. That same Jiffy Lube will recycle my used sythetic motor oil for free.

siboy

The oil change on the Si can be a little messy because of the horizontal mounting of the filter on the engine block. When the filter is freed some oil will escape and drip down onto the drive shaft and control arm. The volume is small and can be quickly wiped up. I doubt the dealership or a quick change place would bother with this cleanup. When installing the new filter, be careful not to overtighten it - usually a 1/2 to 3/4 turn after the filter gasket contacts the mounting surface is all that is needed to get a good, leak-free seal. Although the owner's manual calls for 4.4 qts of oil for an oil change with filter, my Si takes 5.0-5.3 qts depending on how long I let it drain. Also, on the dipstick, the volume difference between the upper and lower marks is about 0.8 qts. Never let the oil get below the lower mark.

taykinitezy

Hello, just wondering if someone could give me some advice on the Si. Dealer near me has 5 2003's still on the lot. I have not got any quotes yet but wondering if I would be better off taking an '03 over an '04 if it's discounted. I know the '04 has 16" wheels but not being a real road enthusiast I don't know if I could even tell the difference. Any bugs with the '03 that I should know about? I was also wondering how the Si does in snow, no mountain climbing just typical northern city driving. Last but not least I remember reading about the high theft rate on the Si. Should this be a concern? I thought high theft models tended to be the big sellers like Accord and Camry. Thanks for any input.......

muffin_man

If you don't care about the new stuff the 04 comes with, you should think about how long you plan to keep the car. I would just bargain really hard for that 03.

I haven't heard much about theft of the 02+ Si. Apparently it's pretty hard to steal. (of course it could be stolen, but I don't think most thieves are bothering right now)

taykinitezy

I was just looking at dealers website. They still show an ad for $3000 off all 03 civics in stock. (msrp) That would bring the Si down to 16k. I generally keep a car 8-10 years.

muffin_man

The Si is a steal for that price, and in 8-10, the resale value will only be a few $100 different. Go for it.

geo2004

Test drove the 03. Dealer offered 3000 off sticker for the 03 with, at that time, 99 miles on the car. Offered 1200 off sticker for the 04 with additional 250 for side airbags. He suggested we test-drive both. Any suggestions on how to test drive both and specifically what to look for? 04, for some reason, is rated at 1 mile + /gal over the 03.

dudka

the differences are only cosmetic. If you are a real bargain hunter, go for the left over 2003. You should be able to get for under $16K, if the dealer is really interested in selling it. There are no longer deals like last year this time. Honda threw in some huge incentives on the left over 2002's and a few people got the Si's for well under invoice. At the time it was cheaper to buy the Si than Ex coupe.

Winter driving is fine. If you live in the snow belt, the stock tires are good for snow, and of course no tire is good for ice. Some would say that the stock tires are not up to par for summer handling. They are the best compromize in all season tire. If you have a desire to have two sets of tires, then a set of summer tires on 16 or 17 inch rims can be ordered from tirerack or what not.

I don't think the Si is as hot as it was before. So, the theft is not an issue. With the chip in the key and immobilizer standard, I image it is pretty difficult to steal it. And then, why would anyone want to steal it when it is basically given for free at the dealership. This Si is the [non-permissible content removed] child of Honda, people don't seem to appreciate its versatility, and it is not the most potent pocket rocket anymore.

gee35coupe

5 lug. I just bought a set of 17's for mine. I can't wait to put them on.

redsir

I switched to 5W30 synthetic oil at the first oil change. So far I am very happy. Seems to rev quicker and smoother.

I now have 31,500 km with only minor topping up between changes. Only one drawback so far. It's hard to check the oil level. It's so clean it doesn't show very well on the dipstick. Extra cost is minor, about $12.00 extra over dino oil. Change my own oil? I'd rather be out driving.

Went with Michelin snows this winter. First time in 15 years. Good pay off this year as there has been lots of snow in Ontario. Traction is great, no guessing as with the MXV4 "maybe" tires.

Waiting for spring...........

dudka

Well, I just switched to Mobil 1. There is a noticeably less lag in acceleration. The engine runs smoother and it starts quicker on cold mornings. Last oil change was done at Honda, and then we had these cold snaps with 0°F in the morning, the engine was somewhat hesitant to turn over and I actually considered getting a bigger battery. Ever since I changed to Mobil 1, 5W-30, the car starts up quickly, runs smoother, and accelerates quicker. Now, these are all "butt dyno" observations.
The cost: Dealer charges $25 for oil change with dyno oil. I bought a 6 pack of Mobil 1 at Costco for $20, and filter and crush washer from Honda for $3. Took me a total of 15-20 minutes to change.

The dyno oil was blue/black when I drained it, that is at 3500 miles since the last change. I remember from previous cars that Mobil 1 was clear at 5000 mile oil change. I will try 0W-20 next time.

bd21

All five Honda dealers in my area charge $7 for an oil filter which includes the crush washer. How are you getting them for $3?

dudka

check out www.fairhondapartsforyou.com I have been buying parts from them for years. I actually bought my Si from them. They always treat me well, and the parts department is simply the best. If you are not local to NJ,NY, CT, or don't want to drive up to Danbury, CT call up the number on the site, and ask to speak with John in parts. Tell him Dave (if he does not remember, remind him I have the black Si) sent you, he will hook you up.

ncampbell2002

Just wanted to let you know that I use Mobil 1 0W 20 oil and only have positive things to say about it. I go 5-6k between changes and the oil still doesn't look that dirty. Car turns over maybe once and then fires on very cold mornings. Smooth accleration and valves are clean as a whistle.:)

bd21

Their prices are the same as Handa-accessories.com, which equates to about $5 for an oil filter with gasket. That price I had seen online before, you through me with the $3 figure.

Sylvia

And H&A is a sponsor of the Honda and Acura discussion in Town Hall - so PLEASE visit our sponsors, it helps Town Hall keep going.

As a Honda owner, I have placed many orders with H&A and have found their prices and service to be excellent.

dudka

I buy a bunch of filters, and other parts at a time and I do a local pick up at the counter. It comes out to about $3-$3.50. I have also sent many friends there who bought quite a few parts. Although I started going there because of the prices, even if they raised the prices I would still go there, because of the customer service.

bobbsi

Greetings all.
Purchased my '02 Si in Dec. 03-good rebates/financing.

20,000 miles on car-only issue was the windshield developed a crack in the upper middle (mirror area)-showed the dealer-no stone marks-under warranty.

Suspension could be a little firmer & I would like 16" rims, but can't have everything.

For the money, it is a good "compromise" vehicle-good performance/value/fun to drive & suitable for family travel.

bobbsi

'02 Si purchased in Dec. 02-not 03.
Windshield cracked @ 17K
Running Mobil 1-5w30 for 10k-20k, just went with 0w-20 for the 20k change.

Has anyone noticed a slight "hesitation" when cruising at a steady speed and letting off the accelator-like the engine stalls but no lights come on?

Had an '89 CRX Si with 172k on it-would still have it if it had had a back seat....looking forward to the same on the Civic Si....

wheelz4

re: your remarks about the Si being the "black sheep" <sic>of the Honda family.....yeah, Honda seems to be floundering in the small car market now....too much attention paid on trucks, I guess. When you can get a Mazda3 Sport for 20 large in Canada with 160hp/17"wheels & tires (about 5-6 grand less than the SiR), it's not surprising you hardly see any SiR's on the road. They need a five door hatch with the SiR engine priced around 20K CDN and a Type R 200hp version with 17" wheels priced around 24K to be competetive. PLus they need the Jazz/Fit to do battle with Scion, Echo hatch, Aveo/Swift+ and the possibly upcoming Mazda MX Microsport

gee35coupe

That's a nice lil car.

nippononly

back and forth between the RSX and the SI for a while now, I went out this week and bought........an RSX (base). One of the reasons was that no-one ever has any SIs in stock, whereas I had a same-day delivery on the RSX with many color options to choose from with a stick and cloth interior. Plus it was only about $800 more in purchase price than the price I had negotiated on the SI. It is a wonderful car, and might be the last car I am ever able to buy that is Japanese and was actually built in Japan!

The two cars are very similar in many respects, dynamically speaking. The RSX feels a little more hunkered down and flatter when cornering, but the price you pay is the back seat, which is almost useless in the RSX because of severely limited headroom.

Plus, the RSX is a little less "boy racer" looking (no decals or clear taillights), which is just as well at my age! :-)

Since there is so little difference between the two cars, the SI is definitely the better value of the two. But I do appreciate the longer warranty of the Acura.

jmiller417

I own an Si, and love it, but at only $800 difference, I'd have to get the RSX. The resale and warranty would have to be worth at least that much.

Also, I've had problems with vandals on my Si. Apparently the kids are jealous of it, because I've had to deal with little dents, a broken passenger window, and a stolen Si badge from the grille. Boy, do I love Jersey.

You probably wouldn't have to about as much with the RSX.

nippononly

unlike the SI, the RSX has blend-in styling, and no badges a thief couldn't get from any ol' Acura! The blend-in styling also suits me better than the extroverted SI. Of course, the clear taillights are becoming more and more common, but I also figured on getting the blue, because with the limited color choices it was the only one I like. That blue is kind of a stand-out as well. Not to mention the stickers on the sides. Instead, my RSX is desert silver, which is kind of a dark gray in reality.

jmiller417

One other plus for the Acura -- the dealer service has to be better. I used to have an Infiniti, and the difference between a premium dealer and a Honda dealer is night and day.

BTW, my Si is a white 2002, so thankfully it's not so extroverted. Do wish I had the 16-inchers, though.

prob

This may be hard to explain but here goes:

Just got my '04 Civic Si a few weeks ago and like it so far. I just wanted to ask one question to fellow owners of the Si. When it's dark and the lights are on, the instrument panel lights up the warning lights to the left of the temp gauge in a white light similar to how the Km markers are lit (US car). So at night the SRS and some other warning light are lit in a dull white light rather than their yellow or red light that is displayed when the car starts or there is a problem. I was wondering of others have the same thing in their cars or did something come loose because it's something I didn't notice a few weeks ago when I first purchased it. Thanks in advance. I hope I explained this so someone understands what I'm saying

blueiedgod

Most likely you are seeing the light pass trough the masking. As long as the warning lights are not lit brightly in their appropriate colors, you are fine. I would recommend turning your dash brightness all the way down anyway, as the bright dash lights will make it harder to see out on an un-lit road.

taykinitezy

have been cross shopping Si, Matrix, mazda 3 still cant decide what i like best. We are currently a Honda "family" would appreciate any feedback from current owners that may help with the decision as to whats the best car......thanks

taykinitezy

have been cross shopping Si, Matrix, mazda 3 still cant decide what i like best. We are currently a Honda "family" would appreciate any feedback from current owners that may help with the decision as to whats the best car......thanks

taykinitezy

have been cross shopping Si, Matrix, mazda 3 still cant decide what i like best. We are currently a Honda "family" would appreciate any feedback from current owners that may help with the decision as to whats the best car......thanks

muffin_man

Matrix - which one? If the XRS, it's more expensive than it's worth, if it's not the XRS the performance is only so-so.

Mazda 3 - Probably the best overall performer and best interior, and while I haven't priced one, I bet they are going for a lot more than the Si

Civic Si - good performance, fun to drive, very nice all around car. You can get an awesome deal on 03s.

Here's something that I love about my Si:
The placement of the shifter, the fantastic seats, the engine (it's not the fastest car in the world, but it's more than fast enough for Los Angeles streets, the cargo space, the A/C - did I mention those seats?

I have not driven a 3, so you have to go look at it to get a good comparison.

gee35coupe

The Si is now the way it should be. I'm loving it.

muffin_man

What rims did you put on? When I replace mine, I'm going to stay with a 15", but go lighter. What brand o tires are you using? I want that Progress bar!

gee35coupe

http://www.discountedwheelwarehouse.com/Store_Detail.cfm?ID=11291- 8&InfoID=3384&ShowLarge=True

With ContiExtreme contact tires. I like it so far.

The Progress Bar hits my muffler so I'm buying this one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&cate- gory=33636&item=2464265248

muffin_man

How much do the wheels weigh?

I'm wondering if that muffler is going to look as chromed once its on your car.