Looking for Really Good Gas Mileage

[Ralph S]

I’m new to this forum, but have learned a lot already – thanks.

I’m planning to buy a ’93 to ’95 Civic. My primary goal is to get really good gas mileage and I’m willing to put up with less power. Most of the threads are talking about increased power, so don’t laugh too hard and lend me some of your knowledge.

I’m looking at 3 options:

1. Buy a stock Hatchback VX (if I can find one) with the 1.5 liter VTEC-E (D15Z1)

2. Buy an EX 2-door with moonroof and swap to the D15Z1

3. Buy an EX 2-door and swap to a the 3-Stage VTEC D15B

What I’ve read about the 3-stage sounds pretty good.
-It sounds like it was never USDM.
-Are they hard to get? Does it require premium gas?
-Are there any smog issues?
-Is the 3-stage an OBD1 or OBD2. Would I be better to put it in a ’96 EX?

Thanks

 

[eg6sir]

go with a VX..

 

[driverunknown]

The 3stage vtec that I read about was used in conjunction with an auto trans. If this is true then you would need the entire engine+trans+3 stage vtec ecu and possibly the gauge cluster as it tells you when the motor is running in lean mode. Might be a lot of wiring, but i cannot say for sure. I would just stick with the vx and make sure everything is clean from the intake system to the fuel system. Routine maintenance is key.