Identifying 96-00 Lean-Burn Civic HX???

[Mightymouse13]

So here is the deal....I've been looking around for a 97-00 Civic HX mainly due to the vtec-e engine. I finally found one with descent mileage and within my price range. The problem is.....I want to make sure it actually has the lean burn engine.

If what I've read is correct, California HX's didn't come with the lean burn engine due to emissions. I live in Massachusetts, so there is a good chance the car for sale isn't a CA HX but you never know.

So here are the quesions:

1. How can I tell if a 97-00 Civic HX has the lean burn engine and associated accessories? Is it obvious, can I tell just by looking? The car is at a dealer, so I'm sure they won't let me dissassemble too much stuff to find out.

2. If the CA HX did not have the lean burn engine, how do I tell if the HX was built for use in CA?

Please keep in mind that I've never owned a civic so I am somewhat unfamiliar with thier component locations at what not. I am well versed in auto mechanics so feel free to get technical.

Thanks in advance!!! :flag:

[JESSE69]

My 1999 HX - pop up the hood and look at the stamp on the engine block to the left of the exhaust - it should say D16Y5 for the lean burn engine.

What year and transmission is the HX they're selling? How much do they want for it and how many miles it got?

[Drag Limited]

I'm not sure of your answer, but I can suggest trying honda-tech.com
They have a nice archive of information you may be able to search for and find!

[Mightymouse13]

Its a 97 HX with a 5-speed transmission. According to the ad, it has A/C and 98000 miles. Its going for $4400 bucks.

Does the 96-00 HX have the 5-wire O2 sensor as opposed to the 4-wire?

[1993CivicVX]

Originally Posted by Mightymouse13

Its a 97 HX with a 5-speed transmission. According to the ad, it has A/C and 98000 miles. Its going for $4400 bucks.

Does the 96-00 HX have the 5-wire O2 sensor as opposed to the 4-wire?

looks that way

[Red]

Far as I know all Cali 5 speed HXs had lean burn. The giveaway is the 5 wire O2

[Mightymouse13]

While we are on the subject, is it possible to run the 4-wire O2 sensor in the HX? Just wondering in case the car is actually an HX but the previous owner installed a 4-wire. I imagine the ECU would not appreciate that.

Thanks!

[JESSE69]

I got somewhat lucky. Bought my 99 HX MT for $3500 but it is a solid running no problem salvage title car. Claimed former hail damage. Seller was desperate to sell, and it had 99,300 miles + new plugs, wires, tranny & engine oil. It was also modded, and that what I like!

You can download the pdf service manual for this car for $7. Forgot the link, try Google.

[jasonty]

So does the HX VTEC-E produce similar FE results as the VX VTEC-E?

[1993CivicVX]

Originally Posted by jasonty

So does the HX VTEC-E produce similar FE results as the VX VTEC-E?

Nope. That's why it doesn't have a home here on gassavers (only tons of VXes on here--I find it very peculiar phenomenon that there are no HXes on here, but that is the reason)

[StorminMatt]

Originally Posted by jasonty

So does the HX VTEC-E produce similar FE results as the VX VTEC-E?

Not quite. The BIG problem here is that the HX weighs ALOT more. This necessitated a larger and more powerful engine.

[bobski]

I only have gross weights handy, but it looks like about a 300 lb difference. As for the engine, 0.1 liters of displacement isn't that much. I suspect it has more to do with aerodynamics and emissions requirements.