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View Full Version : 32 year old EK1 CVCC junkyard donor motor to resurrect my 1981 Accord ***PICS***



81vintyminty
01-06-2013, 02:36 AM
Hello ALL!! Its finally time to breathe new life into my tired and trusty 1G Accord my kids and i call "Betty". Around fall 2011 i was still DD old faithfull when suddenly while cruising on a level freeway i drive weekly i could hear slight pinging (detonation) from the motor. All of a sudden within seconds the detonation was really loud and temp shot straight to hot. I pulled off the freeway and the motor was detonating horribly even with no load and slight throttle. I pulled over, parked and let it cool and checked oil/coolant levels. I stay up on all drivetrain related operation/maintenance so i knew something was up but i stayed optimistic. I let it cool and drove off. The motor started detonating right away and was now missing, pulled over and called for a tow. 1st thought right away was HG failure. Working exclusively on fuel injected hondas ive never seen a hg fail without a culprit that led up to a failure (non working fans, clogged radiator, bad t-stat, too much timing, etc etc). I did a quick visual check later that week and sure enough i was getting compression through the radiator =/ After checking the fans and wp belt i decided to remove the t-stat. There was a small rock size chunk of cast material that had cracked and broke off and was resting in the t-stat housing. From the smooth texture on one side and course on the other it looked to be part of the small coolant passages that are around the combustion chamber/sleeves on the block or head where they meet, im assuming its from the head. Has anyone seen or heard of this? The car would no longer start and was almost locking up while cranking because of the fluid that was in the cylinder(s). I was pretty discouraged and selling her was not an option so i closed the hood and walked away. Here we are a little over a year later!
I purchased Betty in late '03 and DD her an average of a 100+ miles a day till the day the motor broke. I racked up thousands of miles on the original motor so the correct mileage is unknown. Gotta love a 5 digi odometer! With that being said and internal damage unknown (metal chunk/overheating), unknown engine noise from the block when cold possibly piston slap or rod knock, AND an oil consumption issue the motor was a bit tired to say the least. Definetly served its owners well with 30 years of service. I opted to find a clean untouched longblock which was not an easy task. After about half a year with no luck and only finding junk and neglected motors i finally found the motor you see here locally at a pick-a-part type yard out of a clean donor that read 68k on the clock, actual mileage? who knows. . i popped the pan and checked the rod/main bearings and it was extremely clean. FINALLY! Cool thing was the junkyard was having a half off sale on everything in the yard the following weekend so i went back saturday and decided to just grab the complete swap to take advantage of the sale. I ended up paying $206 USD for the complete motor and trans and i mean COMPLETE from carb to the oil pan and every accessory in between, even included an early type hood with hood emblem i found in the yard. It was a good day at the junkyard!

For those unfamiliar with the car here are a few old links on the site hopefully they work. SORRY for the cell pic quality but you get the picture.

http://www.3geez.com/forum/general-1geez-discussion/66211-hello-everyone.html

http://www.3geez.com/forum/general-1geez-discussion/66251-more-pics.html

http://www.3geez.com/forum/general-1geez-discussion/66252-few-more-%3Dp.html


FINALLY MOVED TO A PLACE I CAN WRENCH ON HER AFTER A YEAR OF SITTING

http://imageshack.us/a/img545/3075/342xv.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/545/342xv.jpg/)

DONOR CAR AT THE WRECKING YARD WISH I WOULD HAVE TAKEN MORE PICS.

http://imageshack.us/a/img14/1592/011kub.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/14/011kub.jpg/)

COMPLETE DRIVETRAIN FROM DONOR FOR A STEAL OF A PRICE

http://imageshack.us/a/img7/2791/012xkg.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/7/012xkg.jpg/)

ACCESSORIES REMOVED AND READY TO REMOVE 30 YEARS OF GRIME

http://imageshack.us/a/img13/6465/74349906.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/74349906.jpg/)

CLUTCH LOOKED REALLY GOOD WITH LOTS OF MATERIAL LEFT ON THE DISC

http://imageshack.us/a/img829/3894/015eto.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/829/015eto.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img822/1367/014cxv.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/822/014cxv.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img818/475/013tf.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/818/013tf.jpg/)

Hazwan
01-06-2013, 03:28 AM
Oh yes glad to have you back! I'm glad you didn't sold the car too :D

Can't wait to see the new motor pics :D :D

81vintyminty
01-06-2013, 03:15 PM
http://imageshack.us/a/img210/2595/392ld.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/210/392ld.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img802/7740/390m.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/802/390m.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img827/5555/397zs.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/827/397zs.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img856/7043/412e.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/856/412e.jpg/)

1981 SUMITOMO SPARKPLUG WIRES

http://imageshack.us/a/img832/9877/391bx.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/832/391bx.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img35/1580/396iu.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/35/396iu.jpg/)

COOLANT PASSAGE VERY CLEAN WITH BASICALLY NO CORROSION

http://imageshack.us/a/img72/4118/415sh.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/72/415sh.jpg/)

81vintyminty
01-06-2013, 03:55 PM
MADE MY OWN TIMING MARKS B4 REMOVAL OF DIST AND T-BELT.

http://imageshack.us/a/img713/9178/387wbh.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/713/387wbh.jpg/)


http://imageshack.us/a/img547/5682/389k.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/547/389k.jpg/)

HARD TO SEE BUT ALSO MADE MARK ON BLOCK AND LOWER TIMING GEAR. YOU CAN ALSO SEE HOW CLEAN THE BLOCK IS AT THE WATERPUMP LOCATION.

http://imageshack.us/a/img18/5954/395s.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/18/395s.jpg/)

ORIGINAL OEM HONDA TIMINING BELT? MAYBE.

http://imageshack.us/a/img546/7218/413a.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/546/413a.jpg/)


http://imageshack.us/a/img715/8730/410tmk.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/715/410tmk.jpg/)

81vintyminty
01-06-2013, 04:11 PM
http://imageshack.us/a/img715/8730/410tmk.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/715/410tmk.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img266/1301/414wl.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/266/414wl.jpg/)

DURING CLEANING A BIT OF WATER GOT INTO CYL 4

http://imageshack.us/a/img69/1931/416xk.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/69/416xk.jpg/)

CVCC HEAD READY FOR CLEANING, COMPLETE VALVE JOB, AUXILARY/VALVE SEALS, VALVE GUIDES, AND RESURFACE.

http://imageshack.us/a/img339/997/417e.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/339/417e.jpg/)

PISTONS MARKED

http://imageshack.us/a/img577/7559/399d.jpg

81vintyminty
01-06-2013, 04:35 PM
SHORTBLOCK DISSASSEMBLY

http://imageshack.us/a/img7/609/398r.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/7/398r.jpg/)

RODS MARKED

http://imageshack.us/a/img339/5390/400es.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/339/400es.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img203/9417/401tls.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/203/401tls.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img580/5907/402ow.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/580/402ow.jpg/)

FACTORY BEARINGS are CLEAN AND MARKED.. There's a reason Honda makes 7 different clearance "color coded" size bearings per rod/mains and i've never used "standard size" or one size fits all bearings. Honda makes the best engine so if theyre clean they are left alone, HONDA RELIABILITY!

http://imageshack.us/a/img20/9186/405cj.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/20/405cj.jpg/)

81vintyminty
01-06-2013, 05:26 PM
CRANK REMOVED. YOU CAN REALLY SEE THE MOTOR WAS WELL CARED FOR AND 68K MILE ODO READING FROM DONOR MIGHT POSSIBLY BE CORRECT, ALMOST NO SLUDGE OR BUILD UP. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK??

http://imageshack.us/a/img694/5265/403vc.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/694/403vc.jpg/)

MAIN BEARINGS MARKED FOR RE-USE.

http://imageshack.us/a/img341/3489/404gu.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/341/404gu.jpg/)

BARE BLOCK READY FOR MACHINE SHOP. DECK-HONE-HOT TANK.

http://imageshack.us/a/img856/2528/407eu.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/856/407eu.jpg/)

ALL BEARINGS MARKED. CRANK READY TO BE BALANCED AND MICROPOLISHED. PISTONS READY TO BE CLEANED AND ALL CARBON REMOVED FROM RING GLANDS.

http://imageshack.us/a/img835/1823/406eh.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/835/406eh.jpg/)

A FEW PARTS READY FOR POWDERCOATING.

http://imageshack.us/a/img13/1443/409aq.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/409aq.jpg/)

81vintyminty
01-06-2013, 05:38 PM
..

79cord
01-06-2013, 06:31 PM
Very exciting. Glad your long frustrated patience in finding the motor paid off so handsomely. Quite a steal, & good to have a spare 5-speed for the future.
Of course I prefer the 'hatchback' hood to the fussier US/JDM saloon raised hood, will further differentiate your Minty from Ivory if you go for it, good to have in reserve regardless.

2geeSEi
01-06-2013, 06:41 PM
If you get it going soon, you should bring it to the California 3geez meet in May!

A18A
01-06-2013, 06:55 PM
that's a mint looking motor on the inside!

2ndGenGuy
01-06-2013, 07:19 PM
Looking awesome man! And killer work on that engine! It's going to run forever with the way you are doing it up right! Might I suggest some ARP head studs while you're putting her back together?

Dr_Snooz
01-06-2013, 07:43 PM
Glad to see you got such an impeccable donor engine. How much factory cross-hatching was left in the cylinders?

This is a stock build, I assume.

carotman
01-06-2013, 08:01 PM
Very nice work!

AccordB20A
01-06-2013, 08:54 PM
good work man. will run nice when its done.

more pics!

2ndGenGuy
01-07-2013, 10:38 AM
I'm just jealous that you have such nice factory bearings. I had to use the standard size bearings on my rebuild, since you can't find the OEM ones at all. :(

81vintyminty
01-07-2013, 09:33 PM
Very exciting. Glad your long frustrated patience in finding the motor paid off so handsomely. Quite a steal, & good to have a spare 5-speed for the future.
Of course I prefer the 'hatchback' hood to the fussier US/JDM saloon raised hood, will further differentiate your Minty from Ivory if you go for it, good to have in reserve regardless.


Yes definately, i have an extra of everything now just incase. The hood i bought has the "H" emblem and is bit longer in the front and the chrome trim bends outward compared to my hood with the straight chrome trim. What's the difference with the hb hoods i always thought there was only 2 types of hoods for the 1G?

Here is the hood i purchased.

http://imageshack.us/a/img547/4683/20130107133603.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img802/6622/20130107133544.jpg

Current hood.

http://imageshack.us/a/img35/3711/hdhd.png

81vintyminty
01-07-2013, 09:43 PM
Looking awesome man! And killer work on that engine! It's going to run forever with the way you are doing it up right! Might I suggest some ARP head studs while you're putting her back together?

81vintyminty
01-07-2013, 09:45 PM
Looking awesome man! And killer work on that engine! It's going to run forever with the way you are doing it up right! Might I suggest some ARP head studs while you're putting her back together?


Thank you! Def would have considered those ARP studs. If i remember correctly from your rebuild thread you had to machine some ARP studs down or do they have an off the shelf application for the EK1? And to reply to your other post i got really lucky finding a motor with such clean factory bearings and clean crank considering the other motors i popped the pans off of looked terrible like they got very little maintenace and were ran into the ground.

81vintyminty
01-07-2013, 10:24 PM
Glad to see you got such an impeccable donor engine. How much factory cross-hatching was left in the cylinders?

This is a stock build, I assume.


Thanks. Suprisingly the factory cross hatch was really visable and even through all the cylinders with no excessive wear. Yes stock build only thing im going to modify or upgrade for performance is getting the flywheel lightened and add a msd 6A ignition box and maybe modify the air cleaner similar to hazwan's. I thought about cleaning up the ports and getting the camshaft reground by WEB-CAM but being just a cruiser i opted to keeping it stock. With the weight of the sedan and rated with a whopping 68hp factory i believe, its not the best powerplant platform for gains imo.


I also have this "nos" ANSA muffler from the late 70's im going to install. Not sure it will make much difference performance wise but it will at least look cool and go good with the oldschool type look. Car already has straight piping to a stock type muff.

http://imageshack.us/a/img208/4061/muff2.jpg

81vintyminty
01-08-2013, 06:02 PM
Snapshots from dealer repair manual of the different bearing info/sizing if your interested or wondering why i marked and plan to re-use the original factory bearings opposed to using aftermarket bearing sets.


http://imageshack.us/a/img217/6038/20130108100132.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img51/1677/20130108100351.jpg

81vintyminty
01-08-2013, 06:47 PM
........PARTS......


I'd prefer oem parts but in this case dealing with a 30 year Accord that Honda no longer supports second best thing are parts made in the cars homeland.....

http://imageshack.us/a/img407/4589/20130108100646.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img685/1462/20130108094602.jpg

EK1 MASTER GASKET KIT. RING SET. TIMING BELT. WATERPUMP. TENSIONER. ALTERNATOR. CLUTCH DISC. DISTRIBUTOR CAP & ROTOR.

http://imageshack.us/a/img834/3902/20130108093506.jpg

ENGINE MASTER KIT CONTENTS.

http://imageshack.us/a/img194/750/smszy.jpg

79cord
01-08-2013, 06:51 PM
What's the difference with the hb hoods i always thought there was only 2 types of hoods for the 1G?

Only 2 I know of, just that all HB seemed to have the early style pointed hood, where '79-81 USA & JDM saloons had the other style, ( even though most other markets saloons also retained the early hood).

Dr_Snooz
01-09-2013, 06:39 PM
Snapshots from dealer repair manual of the different bearing info/sizing if your interested or wondering why i marked and plan to re-use the original factory bearings opposed to using aftermarket bearing sets.


I'm still wondering about this. I've rebuilt two Honda engines (pretty sure one was an EK-1). In both cases, I used aftermarket bearings. When I plastigauged them, the tolerances were almost all exactly equal. Do the factory bearings really make that much difference?

81vintyminty
01-09-2013, 10:37 PM
I'm still wondering about this. I've rebuilt two Honda engines (pretty sure one was an EK-1). In both cases, I used aftermarket bearings. When I plastigauged them, the tolerances were almost all exactly equal. Do the factory bearings really make that much difference?



****Disclaimer: the views expressed are strictly my views and opinions and have nothing against people using aftermarket bearings!**** Dealing with moving parts seperated by a thin layer of lubrication rotating at different rpm's and loads it just isn't worth (imo) the risk not having factory exact clearances/tolerances. Curious, say when you plastigauged the bearings and the clearance was too tight on say one or two main or rod bearings, would you then have to machine the crank/block to get the correct fitment/measurement since all the bearings in your aftermarket set are all the same size? Honda engineered and produced engines that were way ahead of their time as far as reliability, efficiency, not to mention durability to handle constant high rpm beatings where other companies motors would surely fail. I believe this has alot to do in part with tight/ precise clearances. I worked at a independant honda shop that sold strictly "remanufactured" engines with all "new or machined parts" (reground cranks, reconditioned rods, pistons, aftermarket bearings, etc). Some of these motors were complete junk and did not last. When they would do an "in car" rebuild say for an oil consumption issue or upsell a hg job they would always install aftermarket bearings even when ALL the factory bearings looked brand new, that really blew my mind. They wouldnt even plastigauge the new aftermarket bearings! Some but not all of those cars would return with knock. Needless to say i chose not to continue working there! I'd take a clean used motor that was assembled by honda anyday over a zero mile reman motor. Not to say your motor or anyone that uses aftermarket/oversized bearings are "doomed" as i've also had friends that have ran aftermarket acl race bearings in high hp b-series with no issue's what so ever, you and 2ndGenGuy can also attest to non issue's. Its just not worth the hit or miss aspect and as you stated "the tolerances WERE ALMOST all exactly equal" know what i mean? At the end of the day its all personal preference and views. I understand in some cases dealing with these older cars and engines oem bearings or parts are not an option but if it is an option i say oem, always!

lostscotiaguy
01-10-2013, 03:20 PM
I wouldn't be suprised if you could hear me clapping. This is an awesome post Vinty, oh, and I couldn't agree more with you in your comment about replacement bearings.

81vintyminty
01-10-2013, 07:52 PM
I wouldn't be suprised if you could hear me clapping. This is an awesome post Vinty, oh, and I couldn't agree more with you in your comment about replacement bearings.



:thumbup: Thanks Lost

81vintyminty
01-10-2013, 08:48 PM
*************FRESHLY POWDERCOATED PARTS*************


BEFORE

http://imageshack.us/a/img13/1443/409aq.jpg

AFTER

http://imageshack.us/a/img850/2958/20121019103023.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img189/4383/20121019103603.jpg


I was going to powdercoat the belt pulleys but decided im going to get them yellow zinc coated as well as the crank pulley. Im not too thrilled with the looks of the powdercoated oil cap so im going to get one zinc coated along with all the nuts, bolts, washers, hose clamps, and small brackets for that new factory look. Once i pull the motor/trans out and strip the engine bay i will take pics of everything getting coated.


EXAMPLE of zinc coating

http://imageshack.us/a/img834/8024/zincplating1.jpg

79cord
01-10-2013, 09:41 PM
Wow, beautiful bits. Matte/crackle finish on cam cover unexpected.

Hazwan
01-11-2013, 02:48 AM
OMG that is so pretty!

81vintyminty
01-11-2013, 02:57 PM
OMG that is so pretty!

Thanks Haz! Hey did you modify your stock air cleaner or did you do some custom stuff? Im thinking about doing a similar set up, post a pic if you can.

2ndGenGuy
01-11-2013, 03:48 PM
Looks gorgeous! Nice work on the zinc and powdercoating! Looks awesome!

Dr_Snooz
01-11-2013, 07:04 PM
****Disclaimer: the views expressed are strictly my views and opinions and have nothing against people using aftermarket bearings!**** Dealing with moving parts seperated by a thin layer of lubrication rotating at different rpm's and loads it just isn't worth (imo) the risk not having factory exact clearances. Curious, say when you plastigauged the bearings and the clearence was too tight on say one or two main or rod bearings, would you then have to machine the crank/block to get the correct fitment/measurement since all the bearings in your aftermarket set are all the same size? Honda engineered and produced engines that were way ahead of their time as far as reliability, efficiency, not to mention durability to handle constant high rpm beatings where other companies motors would fail. I believe this has alot to do in part with tight/ precise clearences. I worked at a independant honda shop that sold strictly "remanufactured" engines with all "new or machined parts" (reground cranks, reconditioned rods, pistons, aftermarket bearings, etc). Some of these motors were complete junk and did not last. When they would do an "in car" rebuild say for an oil consumption issue or upsell a hg job they would always install aftermarket bearings even when ALL the factory bearings looked brand new, that really blew my mind. They wouldnt even plastigauge! Some but not all of those cars would return with knock. Needless to say i chose not to continue working there! I'd take a clean used motor that was assembled by honda anyday over a zero mile reman motor. Not to say your motor or anyone that uses aftermarket/oversized bearings are "doomed" as i've also had friends that have ran acl race bearings in high hp b-series with no issue's what so ever, you and 2ndGenGuy can also attest to this. Its just not worth the hit or miss aspect and as you stated "the tolerances WERE ALMOST all exactly equal" know what i mean? At the end of the day its all personal preference and views!! I understand in some cases dealing with these older cars and engines oem bearings are not an option but if it is an option i say oem, always!

No need to apologize. I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want your honest opinion. I probably should have mentioned in my earlier post that all my plastigauge measures were well within Honda tolerance. Both engines worked (and work) well enough, so I'm not too worried about it. Kudos to you for keeping yours Honda original.

Your powder-coated parts are awesome! I have never bothered spray painting anything in my builds because I can't stand watching it all flake off in a month. I will definitely be powder-coating more stuff now.

This is an inspiring build!

81vintyminty
01-12-2013, 10:50 AM
Looks gorgeous! Nice work on the zinc and powdercoating! Looks awesome!


Thanks. No zinc coating yet still need to gather all the doo-dads from the bay once the motor is pulled out.

81vintyminty
01-12-2013, 11:12 AM
****************FLYWHEEL MACHINED AND LIGHTENED***************


RESURFACE

http://imageshack.us/a/img837/2586/393v.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img268/3782/20130111133648.jpg


BEFORE REDUCTION

http://imageshack.us/a/img405/6521/394wy.jpg

AFTER. Now needs to be balanced with pressure plate.

http://imageshack.us/a/img13/8829/20130111133407.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img803/5664/201301111334291.jpg

81vintyminty
01-12-2013, 11:39 AM
HEAD BACK FROM MACHINE SHOP

http://imageshack.us/a/img90/4064/20121019145445.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img209/5212/20121019145417.jpg



PISTONS CLEANED

http://imageshack.us/a/img715/758/546p.jpg

81vintyminty
01-12-2013, 02:41 PM
Block masked and ready for paint.

http://imageshack.us/a/img543/8288/20121004131110.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img72/8116/20121004131046.jpg



After applying a few coats of Rustoleum "GM BLUE" engine paint the tape was removed then the block recieved a few coats of Rustoleum engine clear coat for added shine and to protect the bare metal surfaces on the exterior of the block from corrosion. It is now ready for re-assembly. Looks much brighter in these pics than it actually is thanks to the bright California sun.

http://imageshack.us/a/img441/6896/20121004172135.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img541/9114/20121004172044.jpg

Hazwan
01-12-2013, 02:52 PM
Yeah just the stock air cleaner cut

Here are some pics before I cut the bottom part too
http://i.imgur.com/jw9gq.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/EVWoD.jpg

This ones after I had the bottom cut to match. So much cleaner! (lol)
http://i.imgur.com/wil8m.jpg

OMG is that bad that I literally drooled over that head pic? It looks brand new! Can't wait to see them put back together again (Y)

79cord
01-12-2013, 11:16 PM
More shinyness.
So what was the weight difference now on your flywheel? I have found my '77 1600.EG with their smaller Dia. flywheel revs a little nicer than the shorter stroke '79 1602.EL even if it doesn't have quite the torque. Though the gearing is all different too so early g/box has higher 1st & 2nd?, and doesn't have the big gap between 2nd & 3rd.

Of course the '77 engine may be healthier than the '79, with the '81 prelude even less healthy.
Tempted to try lightening the later flywheel.

2ndGenGuy
01-13-2013, 10:52 AM
Damn! So much clean and shiny. I remember when my engine looked like that. I wish I could make my valve cover quit leaking. Kinda trashed out my whole engine bay.

81vintyminty
01-15-2013, 04:39 PM
Yeah just the stock air cleaner cut

Here are some pics before I cut the bottom part too
http://i.imgur.com/jw9gq.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/EVWoD.jpg

This ones after I had the bottom cut to match. So much cleaner! (lo)

http://i.imgur.com/wil8m.jpg

OMG is that bad that I literally drooled over that head pic? It looks brand new! Can't wait to see them put back together again (Y)


Thanks for the pics. Im still undecided which direction i want to go with the air cleaner so we shall see. You did an awesome job on your engine bay btw!

81vintyminty
01-15-2013, 04:56 PM
..

81vintyminty
01-15-2013, 04:57 PM
More shinyness.
So what was the weight difference now on your flywheel? I have found my '77 1600.EG with their smaller Dia. flywheel revs a little nicer than the shorter stroke '79 1602.EL even if it doesn't have quite the torque. Though the gearing is all different too so early g/box has higher 1st & 2nd?, and doesn't have the big gap between 2nd & 3rd.

Of course the '77 engine may be healthier than the '79, with the '81 prelude even less healthy.
Tempted to try lightening the later flywheel.



Oh yeah going to be alot of shinyness going on in this thread! Im not sure on the actual weight of the flywheel i just dropped it off at the machine shop and told him to shave around 4.5lb's off of it. He told me the weight b4 and after but i dont recall. He removed a little over 4lbs of material so it should rev a bit quicker without sacrificing much torque (hopefully).

81vintyminty
01-15-2013, 05:13 PM
Damn! So much clean and shiny. I remember when my engine looked like that. I wish I could make my valve cover quit leaking. Kinda trashed out my whole engine bay.



Thats no good. Had that problem with a brand new vc gasket for my 1G a few years back that i could not get to seal for the life of me. I think it was just twisted in the package for so long it wouldnt sit flush on the head to seal. I couldnt take the mess so that thing ended up in the trash!

2ndGenGuy
01-17-2013, 11:17 AM
Yeah, thinking maybe I should get a new valve cover and a new gasket and see what happens. Maybe I even mixed my valve cover up with a *slightly* different year, or maybe with the VC from the Canadian EL head I had...

Dr_Snooz
01-17-2013, 08:11 PM
Those 1g valve covers bend pretty easily. My '76 had a cast aluminum one, which was vastly superior to the later, stamped sheet metal variety.

81vintyminty
01-19-2013, 10:29 AM
*************ENGINE ASSEMBLY*******************

So with the crank and head back from the machine shop, block machined and painted, and all parts and gaskets in hand this junkyard motor was finally ready for assembly. I had several hours of detailed work ahead of me so i didnt take as many detailed "step by step" pics of the longblock assembly as i wanted too. I really wanted to document/photograph every stage with tech info like the FSM but I was a tad bit anxious too see this motor back together! Now for some pics, enjoy.

Oil pump cleaned and inspected prior to installation. Excellent condition.

http://imageshack.us/a/img197/9154/20121019150625.jpg

Pistons cleaned of all oil and carbon build up, ready for new rings.

http://imageshack.us/a/img715/758/546p.jpg

Head studs cleaned and lubed.

http://imageshack.us/a/img217/7315/20121019164606.jpg

Rebuilt cylinder head. Also had them replace the valve guides while it was apart.

http://imageshack.us/a/img209/5212/20121019145417.jpg

Block hot tanked and clean.

http://imageshack.us/a/img694/4186/539x.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img850/2958/20121019103023.jpg

81vintyminty
01-19-2013, 10:40 AM
Block rehoned and bores checked for roundness.. good to go..

http://imageshack.us/a/img441/6896/20121004172135.jpg

Original factory bearings cleaned and returned to thier original location. (pre-lube)

http://imageshack.us/a/img707/1080/20121005111059.jpg

With assembly lube applied to upper main bearings the polished/balanced factory crank is put into place, thrust bearings are also installed at this time. Again, lubed crank journals for lower bearings/caps.

http://imageshack.us/a/img845/4319/543ai.jpg

With lower crank bearings returned to original location the main cap bolts are cleaned, lubricated, and snugged. Once all caps are installed they are torqued in factory sequence and to spec, this is done several times after rotating crankshaft several times. Crank spun incredibly smooth! With crank installed it was time to install pistons, rings, rods. Sorry for lack of pics as its an oily mess and timely process of checking and double checking everything. I install each marked rod/piston 1 at a time to insure everything returns to its original location and to prevent any mix up starting with #1-4-2-3. Once bearings are cleaned and returned to their original location the rings are then installed and ring gaps are off-set on pistons on both skirt sides. The piston rings recieve a heavy amount of oil as well as the cylinder walls, bearings recieve assembly lube. Rings are then compressed and the piston/rod is then installed in the block and rod bolts threads lubricated then snugged. Once all piston/rods are installed the rod bolts are then torqued to factory spec which is checked several times after a few crankshaft rotations.

http://imageshack.us/a/img842/7358/20121019150743.jpg

Once the oil pump is installed with new gaskets it is again lubricated with oil. I also pour a hefty amount oil on the complete rotating assembly and piston wrist pins prior to oil pan installation.

http://imageshack.us/a/img541/9495/20121019152858.jpg

With gray silicone added to recommended areas the new gasket and powdercoated pan is installed

http://imageshack.us/a/img94/2368/20121019162656.jpg

New crank and rear main seal installed as well as t-belt tensioner and waterpump.

http://imageshack.us/a/img13/5127/20121019103215.jpg

81vintyminty
01-19-2013, 10:50 AM
Assembled shortblock completed.

http://imageshack.us/a/img43/1007/20121019101934.jpg

Each piston returned to original location and position.

http://imageshack.us/a/img443/5776/20121019103246.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img90/4064/20121019145445.jpg

New headgasket in place.

http://imageshack.us/a/img502/723/20121019164202.jpg

With headstuds cleaned and lubricated the head is installed and torqued in sequence and to factory spec via fsm.

http://imageshack.us/a/img607/7789/20121019164928.jpg

Oil pump gear cleaned and lubed. Journals and related areas lubed prior to camshaft and rocker assembly installation.

http://imageshack.us/a/img823/7406/20121019170348.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img560/4083/20121019170548.jpg

Camshaft installed and lubed.

http://imageshack.us/a/img51/5795/20121019170849.jpg

New cam seal with gray silicone in needed areas.

http://imageshack.us/a/img832/2827/20121019171453.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img248/9333/20121019171510.jpg

81vintyminty
01-19-2013, 11:07 AM
..

81vintyminty
01-19-2013, 11:10 AM
http://imageshack.us/a/img822/2017/20121019172704.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img515/5175/20121019174509.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img845/3337/20121019174530.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img836/92/20121019175222.jpg

81vintyminty
01-19-2013, 11:47 AM
After valves and aux valve lash adjustment the wrinkle finished valve cover is installed. This reborn junkyard longblock is now complete!!

http://imageshack.us/a/img607/6529/20121020163059.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img23/3434/20121020163115.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img9/7501/20121020163202.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img163/7316/20121020162812.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img850/8972/20121020163403.jpg

I sanded down the "HONDA" on the vc for a bit of contrast then clear coated to prevent the letters from rusting.

http://imageshack.us/a/img829/9139/20130107152712.jpg

Hazwan
01-19-2013, 07:36 PM
Man that is SO PRETTY!!

Also, whats that sensor attached on the block?

http://imageshack.us/a/img163/7316/20121020162812.jpg

Julian.Saturno
01-19-2013, 08:58 PM
Iooks like a block heater? Probably something you'd never need where you live haha!

Also, whats that sensor attached on the block?

http://imageshack.us/a/img163/7316/20121020162812.jpg[/QUOTE]

A18A
01-20-2013, 02:31 AM
almost ready for another 32 years of running :)

Dr_Snooz
01-20-2013, 08:59 PM
Are you going to run the oil pump with a drill before first startup? You can actually do that with your engine. On the 3g, we get to start it dry and cringe.

It's a beautiful build. So much love going into the car.

81vintyminty
01-24-2013, 08:20 PM
Im not even sure what that sensor is. I checked the manual and it just shows the wiring going to it but does not show the sensor and says "thermo-switch". It also shows the 2 prong sensor on the side of the head a "thermo-switch" so im assuming its California specific? My car was originally sold new in Florida and i checked the block for the sensor and its plugged...

http://imageshack.us/a/img255/1539/20130124094431.jpg

My original motor.

http://imageshack.us/a/img521/2849/20130124092048.jpg

81vintyminty
01-24-2013, 08:21 PM
almost ready for another 32 years of running :)


Yup!

81vintyminty
01-24-2013, 08:28 PM
Are you going to run the oil pump with a drill before first startup? You can actually do that with your engine. On the 3g, we get to start it dry and cringe.

It's a beautiful build. So much love going into the car.


Thank you. No, theres enough assembly lube and oil in all the right places i feel comfortable with just removing spark and cranking the motor till it builds enough oil pressure. That is a good idea though.

81vintyminty
01-25-2013, 11:08 AM
Heres a sneak peek on the start of the next phase of the rebirth of Betty, dissassembly for paint/body and engine bay paint. More pics to follow.


So many things to remove.....

http://imageshack.us/a/img21/6514/20130116105107.jpg

.... and 30 minutes later. :D

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/594/20130117141752.jpg



Major wheel gap with all that metal and iron removed from the front. Not quite like the lightweight plastic and aluminum hondas of today.

http://imageshack.us/a/img809/3166/resizeparts.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img441/1851/resizegap.jpg

Hazwan
01-25-2013, 06:52 PM
Ow that wheelgap hurts my eyes!

87roach
01-26-2013, 12:15 PM
Fantastic rebuild!

That's a great score you got from the JY, just awesome! This is going to be so mint when you get it back together.

Keep up the good work!

81vintyminty
02-02-2013, 07:22 PM
Fantastic rebuild!

That's a great score you got from the JY, just awesome! This is going to be so mint when you get it back together.

Keep up the good work!

Thank you!

81vintyminty
02-02-2013, 08:24 PM
Here are some more pics of the engine bay stripped down in preparation for paint. I'm on the lookout for a dolly or something similar that will support the weight of the shell and make it easy for the guys at the bodyshop to maneuver it around easily. Once that is figured and sorted out i'll be able to remove the subframe and complete front and rear suspension/brakes.

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/248/20130117142418.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/850/20130117142321.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/819/20130117142015.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/213/20130117142245.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/841/20130117142257.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/838/20130117142525.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/594/20130117141752.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/171/20130117142332.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/15/20130117142504.jpg

81vintyminty
02-02-2013, 08:41 PM
A few more parts going out for powdercoating.

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/825/20130201112120.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/826/20130201110857.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/339/20130201110914.jpg

81vintyminty
02-09-2013, 02:58 PM
Here are a few pics of the exterior disassembled in preperation for paint. Im on the lookout for a clean pair of older pre-facelift taillights if anyone stumbles across any. I've never been a fan of the black plastic mirrors or the chrome "dumbo" style option so i'm undecided on what direction im going to go with the mirrors.

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/849/20130130134938.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/339/20130130135617.jpg


This is all the chrome and stainless steel thats going out for chrome plating.

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/716/20130130153314.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/221/20130201113539.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/713/20130201105442.jpg

81vintyminty
02-09-2013, 03:34 PM
With this build i'm going to have fun creatively and will be doing a lot of custom personalized touches inside and out that I will enjoy for years to come. I'm going for a resto-mod type look, custom yet subtle modifications but not straying too far from the original factory look. These are a few body mods i am thinking about to smooth out the body. As far as paint is concerned it's going to be resprayed the factory green with a heavy emphasis on the clearcoat for a deep glassy "wet" look.


Shave antenna hole.

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/543/20130201104819.jpg



Shaving the door handles. (undecided)

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/716/20130201104745.jpg



Shaving gas door and relocate filler neck to trunk.

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/849/20130201104729.jpg


Shaving the washer fluid squirter holes and possibly the wiper holes (undecided).

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/839/20130201104925.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/827/20130201104905.jpg

81vintyminty
02-09-2013, 03:51 PM
Interior removed with the help of my son Johnny.

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/688/20130129110054.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/195/20130129105743.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/836/20130129105728.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/11/20130129105930.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/194/20130129105850.jpg



Seats dropped off at the upholstery shop, explained how i wanted them done and even drew him a couple rough sketches. Im pretty excited to see how these come out if we can find the material i would like to use.

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/822/20130129123635.jpg

81vintyminty
02-09-2013, 03:57 PM
Here's a peek of what's next in line. Removal of front x-member, subframe, and all brake/suspension components. After that she'll be ready for paint, STAY TUNED!

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/11/20130205124209.jpg

2oodoor
02-09-2013, 05:21 PM
Amazing progress :)>

Hazwan
02-09-2013, 05:58 PM
Nice work (Y) Staying the same color?

nvm I suck at reading

79cord
02-09-2013, 11:10 PM
Wow, some radical ideas there, glad you're keeping the colour
A green Accord Saloon with early lights for encouragement.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/7763642168_a24181e4be_c.jpg

lostscotiaguy
02-10-2013, 08:17 PM
That pic with your son is great!! LOL I can't wait to see how the re-upholstered seats look, and I'm curious: did they give you a quote?

2ndGenGuy
02-10-2013, 08:32 PM
Sweeeeeet shit! Glad you are keeping it stock color too! It's an awesome color!

79cord
02-10-2013, 09:49 PM
I'm surprised you didn't mention eliminating & replacing Honda's big rear numberplate lamps with some mounted upon the bumper or those little LED ones on plate mounting bolts.
Even if it means welding a huge patch plate to replace the area to get it smooth, it seems a bit more practical than removing wiper(s). ;)

Just remembered some 1980's Mazda 929 sedans that mounted their fillers at the top corner of the boot lid. Though they still kept their own filler lid.
http://gomotors.net/pics/Mazda/mazda-929-glx-05.jpg
http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2008/04/06/21/55/1982_mazda_929-pic-51246.jpeg
Honda hinges may be in the way but it would let you hide the filler whilst still allow sealing from the rest of the luggage compartment in case you spill any.

1stgen!!!
04-24-2013, 04:26 AM
OMG!!!
Fantastic rebuild! Congratulations!

81vintyminty
05-05-2013, 04:57 PM
Finally sorted out my dolly dilema after a few ideas so it was time to disassemble the lower portion of the car.


http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/339/20130205173033.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/46/20130205173354.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/690/20130207081455.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/203/20130207081436.jpg

81vintyminty
05-05-2013, 05:03 PM
Everything broke down for either powdercoating, refurbishing, or replacement. Found these fr and rr nos (new) KYB struts and installed them with a set of uncut stock springs a couple months before the motor quit so they will be returning. At the stock height the car drove awesome and floated down the road like a mini cadillac compared to riding on the 2 coils like i was used to. It was nice and my internal organs were surely grateful but she needs to be back where she looks best, on the ground.. With having no suspension options and wanting to keep the drop static i have no choice but to hack the stock coils again.


http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/201/20130206164008.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/33/20130206164052.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/33/20130206163949.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/17/20130207081339.jpg

81vintyminty
05-05-2013, 05:08 PM
Thanks to my buddy Andy for hooking this up.


http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/825/20130214160113.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/844/20130219102550.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/90/20130219102807.jpg

81vintyminty
05-05-2013, 05:38 PM
Here she is being picked up from the paint and body guys so they can work their magic. 1st thing in line is to pull body panels and strip paint down to the bare metal. Im interested to see whats lurking under the paint.

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/195/20130410145421.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/195/20130410145401.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/213/20130410145412.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/21/20130410145716.jpg

http://imageshack.us/scaled/medium/543/20130410145837.jpg

Hazwan
05-05-2013, 06:36 PM
At the stock height the car drove awesome and floated down the road like a mini cadillac compared to riding on the 2 coils like i was used to. It was nice and my internal organs were surely grateful but she needs to be back where she looks best, on the ground.. With having no suspension options and wanting to keep the drop static i have no choice but to hack the stock coils again.



Dooood I know the feeling! I had driven a stock 1g once and it felt sooo comfortable and boat-like ride. Kinda miss the ride sometimes but eh it looks soo good on the ground so I'm definitely not gonna go back to stock anytime soon LOL

Have you looked into custom coilover setup? I found out that ebay coilover sleeves fit ours but you gonna need a custom valved struts to match too, maybe custom valved Koni inserts? Or you can do something like I do, shouldn't be too hard (Y) I know the feeling with riding with just 2 coils...

Dr_Snooz
05-06-2013, 01:50 PM
This is the most extensive engine rebuild I've ever seen. LOL

79cord
05-08-2013, 12:48 AM
Looking lovely already, can't wait to see how well it has to look after this level of effort & desire for perfection is finished.

2ndGenGuy
05-08-2013, 10:43 AM
Man, your paint already looked damn good! Can't wait to see how it turns out! I am so stoked with all the love and effort going into your car!

OzAccord81
10-31-2013, 06:06 AM
Any updates??

2ndGenGuy
10-31-2013, 09:15 AM
Been wondering this myself... :D :D

2ndGenGuy
03-19-2014, 09:12 PM
Bump for updates!!!!

LewZur
03-20-2014, 02:52 PM
Bump for updates!!!!

I'm so glad you bumped this, or I'd never had read it. Amazing!!! But, then I noticed the last update was nearly a year ago???

Dexterk20
08-10-2014, 08:59 AM
i wonder what ever happen to this.....bump