Better fuel economy and/or performance for 1987 3-door

BigSqueeze · Newbie Joined: Dec 14, 2004 Posts: 4 Location: Iowa

I recently bought a 1987 LS 3 door with 40,000 miles as a primary car. Perfect for around town, but the miles per gallon isn't stellar on the interstate. The fifth gear probably wasn't designed with 80 mph in mind so I'm wondering about the options. Can I have the fifth gear changed to a taller ratio and be effective? Right now it runs around 4500 rpm for 80 mph.

The car is wicked sweet except emmensly out of date. Where can I check compatability for aftermarket parts? I'm not looking for anything fancy. I'm considering some plugs, wiring, cold air intake, nicer seats for a kyphotic back, and some changes to tighten up the suspension. I'm a fan of rally cars but like the practicality of the stock car.

razorback · All-Acura Enthusiast Joined: Aug 16, 2004 Posts: 18

Honda/Acua motors run high in the rpm range - 4500 sounds about right. I wouldn't change anything, especially 5th gear. It's already pretty tall for your engine, plus it's the weakest gear in your transmission. Your car is listed at 26/30 city/hwy mpg, are you getting anywhere near that? If you wanted, you could always swap out your D16A1 motor for a B16A and tranny, the SOHC VTEC will get you better mileage, too. I think the motor is less than $400 and gives you around 40 extra horsepower.

Check out jcwhitney.com they have lots of sport compact parts.

BigSqueeze · Newbie Joined: Dec 14, 2004 Posts: 4 Location: Iowa

It's what I feared, an engine swap. It could be a good thing. I am getting the 26 but the 30 isn't happening on the highway. How does Honda get the 35/38 (ish) for the ULEV and LEV cars? Anyway, a B16A sounds sweet but for now it'll have to stay on the wish list.

xfactor · Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 9:45 am Post subject:

hello yes there are parts out there for our cars take a look at my engine

i also own a 1987 Acura Integra Ls 3dr and the reason 5th gear is like that is to make up so the extreme lack of tourque our engines have -i got NGK iridium spark plugs ,accel thundersport 300+ plug wires and a short ram air intake-if you need more info check out www.g1teg.org and yours only has 40k miles thats still a baby d16 engine rarely ever breaks down before 200k miles

xfactor · Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2005 9:46 am Post subject:

one more question? what kind of gas are you using-the factory spec for our engines is 91 octane but there isent a problem running 87-but im sure the fuel mileage isent great with 87

BigSqueeze · Newbie Joined: Dec 14, 2004 Posts: 4 Location: Iowa

It's funny you mention octane rating, because I've noticed my gas mileage isn't any better with 91. I'm consistantly 25 mpg. The brakes are starting to chirp so I have to look into new pads but want to put newer sport rotors and possible calipers if I can. If I had three grand to drop on the Praxis suspension system, I think I would. Are you familiar with any suspension upgrades for this car? So far I've only been able to find slightly better rear dampers. I'd like an air bag suspension to change ride heights but a coil over or anything to tighten it up would be great.

xfactor · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 4:20 pm Post subject:

im glad you mentioned the suspension-thats the first thing most people upgrade on g1tegs i know a good bit of the suspenion front suspension uses Independent Strut: Torsion bar Spring, 19 mm stabilizer bar and the rear is a Semi-independent: Beam-type axle, trailing link, panhard rod and 17 mm stabilizer bar
if you want the car tight you need to get aftermarket torsion bars and shocks in the front and coilovers in back-as for airbag suspension i dont think they make em for g1's-for more info check out www.g1teg.org

good luck