'noob's 4-5 stupid ?'s

Ghost

New Member
Been looking around and have gathered alot of info... since i'm starting from - zero, i find this site has alot of good info.
My 'new' car is a '96 Integra 3 dr hatchback, stock. I'm assuming it's an LS since i do not have a V-Tech valve cover, and don't have a badge on the trunk lid. Could it be a RS ?
Looking under the hood for motor info #'s i see the stickers with DC in it. What does DC stand for?
Why at the local parts store do the list these motors as 1.8 or 2.0 ?
The first thing i have to do is replace the valve cover gasket. Should i replace the cam seals and or solenoid gaskets at the same time? Is this a straight foward job or do i need to know something to make it easier or avoid?
I think i will take alot of your suggestions and do the coilover spring/shock replacement as my first major change... then get rid of the stock steel wheels !
Thanks in advance for any info...
 

JDMxDB8

Raceline USA
Ghost said:
Been looking around and have gathered alot of info... since i'm starting from - zero, i find this site has alot of good info.
My 'new' car is a '96 Integra 3 dr hatchback, stock. I'm assuming it's an LS since i do not have a V-Tech valve cover, and don't have a badge on the trunk lid. Could it be a RS ?
Looking under the hood for motor info #'s i see the stickers with DC in it. What does DC stand for?
Why at the local parts store do the list these motors as 1.8 or 2.0 ?
The first thing i have to do is replace the valve cover gasket. Should i replace the cam seals and or solenoid gaskets at the same time? Is this a straight foward job or do i need to know something to make it easier or avoid?
I think i will take alot of your suggestions and do the coilover spring/shock replacement as my first major change... then get rid of the stock steel wheels !
Thanks in advance for any info...
Click to expand...
1) No VTEC means that you have a DC4. So you may have an GS, LS, or RS.
2) DC is part of you VIN #. The hatchbacks are DC2/4 and the sedans are DB7/8.
3) I don't know why the parts stores you go to are listing Integras as having 2.0L engines.
4) You can get a brand new valve cover gasket set at your local Acura dealer or anywhere online. You don't need to replace the cam seals or solenoid, but you can if you want to.
5) Upgrading the suspension depends on your driving needs. What kind of driving do you do?

I hope I was able to shed some light.
 

heykosal

Angkorian
I think you might as well replace the cam seal because it's a common problem for B-series engines to leak oil from bad cam seals. It's a very easy job.

And I doubt you have a GS, I'm pretty sure GS' have leather. And if you have no sunroof I'd say it's an RS. LS has cloth seats and a sunroof.
I could be totally wrong.

All engines(VTEC or not) are 1.8 Liters, no 2.0s.
 

Ghost

New Member
thanks for the fast replys... yes, i have a sunroof.
So, i should definatly get these seals/gaskets from an Acura dealer ? I suppose someone would know the torque # for that job.... ?
As far as the coil overs, dropping does look better and i do like to drive hard. I see alot of ya'all use Skunk2, but would a set of DEX slightly used be worth $125. ? they do appear to be adjustable... i currently do not have a job :(
 


heykosal

Angkorian
What is DEX? I can't find anything doing a Google search..it sounds like an off brand. If you can't afford full coilovers just get Ground Controls..they're fine for street driving. Then save up for shocks..or buy one or two at a time lol.
 

Samurai_Blue

Yolo Whippin'
thats what i did, well the shocks were being ordered/shipped at the time Ground control work fine with stock shocks. Also you can get a valve cover gasket from autozone its like 40$
 

Ghost

New Member
again thanks, ... so Ground control coilover sleeves, $300 sound right?
I see someone has some PIC 's for sale, looks to be performance route but at $550 the shocks are included, i assume they are adjustable so i could pick my ride comfort ?
 


Spody02

Name: Cody
if your just doing the valve cover, then tighten in a cross pattern and wrench tight is good, its only supposed to be tq to like 18 or 22 pounds
 

mirrorimg

Well-Known Member
Samurai_Blue said:
thats what i did, well the shocks were being ordered/shipped at the time Ground control work fine with stock shocks. Also you can get a valve cover gasket from autozone its like 40$
Click to expand...
Woa... Maybe the gasket KIT is 40 dollars, but just the Valve cover gasket is 10-15 dollars. Ive seen $10 online, plus shipping. I went to my nearby auto parts store and was quoted $15 for them to special order the gasket, since they didnt have one on hand. My VC leaks and I will probably just go to the dealer to get the gasket. That way I know its oem.
 

SLV_DB7

New Member
I got the felpro gasket set with the spark plug gaskets and grommets from my local parts store last week for $22
 

Samurai_Blue

Yolo Whippin'
mirrorimg said:
Woa... Maybe the gasket KIT is 40 dollars, but just the Valve cover gasket is 10-15 dollars. Ive seen $10 online, plus shipping. I went to my nearby auto parts store and was quoted $15 for them to special order the gasket, since they didnt have one on hand. My VC leaks and I will probably just go to the dealer to get the gasket. That way I know its oem.
Click to expand...
yeah it was the kit, it had the spark plug and the gasket, and the glue. Yeah oem is better make sure you get the grommets as well
 

Ghost

New Member
I guess the kit makes sense seeing they are all original, and rather do them all at the same time. So , glue or sealant is required ?
I owe you guys a cold one...
 
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