Looks like it could be fixed with a new roof panel honestly.
Teagan said:
Looks like it could be fixed with a new roof panel honestly.
I looked into it… honestly, I might as well get a new shell and move the engine and differential over.
Teagan said:
Looks like it could be fixed with a new roof panel honestly.
I looked into it… honestly, I might as well get a new shell and move the engine and differential over.
Roof panel work might actually be easier. There’s barely anything up there to start with. I’m rebuilding an E46 M3 from a bare shell and it’s a huge job. My M3 has a bonded carbon roof. Only thing that would really end it is if the A-pillars were bent since they keep the whole structure.
@Teagan
That’s part of my problem… both front pillars are rolled inward and bent. And on top of that, I can’t find anyone who’ll repair it without needing it to pass a salvage inspection, which just ends up costing way too much.
ELs are awesome. I’m in Canada with a '99 Civic EX sedan. My dream is to find a top-spec 1.6EL and do a B-swap and AWD conversion.
Quick question – did you use the CR-V AWD system for your swap or go with the JDM Domani setup? I know the Domani was basically the Acura EL in Japan, but it came with AWD.
@Terry
Mine was a top-spec EL Premium – sunroof, heated seats, powered and heated mirrors. I also swapped in a double DIN console with a Sony XAV AX4000 (which is now in my '01 Chevy Stepside).
It still runs and drives! After hitting the moose, I drove it home, so it’s all still in one piece until I find a good donor for the engine. This build had a B20B4 block with a GSR head, a 2-stage intake manifold, ARP head and rod bolts, and runs on a Link ECU. For the AWD setup, I swapped in everything from a '99 CR-V. Only part of the front suspension that didn’t get replaced was the upper control arms. The entire rear end is CR-V suspension, including the gas tank.
@Devon
Got it, thanks for all the details! I’ve got a friend running a Link ECU on his Genesis Coupe. Do you prefer Link over Hondata? I was thinking Hondata for my Civic when I eventually swap it to manual. But since my car got T-boned, it’s kinda rattly, and I’m tempted to sell it and start fresh with a 1.6EL.
@Terry
After the GSR head swap, I found Link to be the better option. For Hondata, you need an old OBD1 ECU, which is getting harder to find and even harder to get programmed right. Plus, some shops are losing access to Hondata’s software. I took it to AFR Autoworks in Red Deer, AB, and they set up and tuned my Link Monsoon ECU perfectly.
Sadly, I only got to enjoy it for two weeks before the moose incident.
@Devon
Yeah, Hondata only works with OBD1, which can be a pain. Sorry about the accident… that’s rough 
@Devon
No SH-AWD?
Malik said:
@Devon
No SH-AWD?
Nope, just the RT4WD rear diff from a '99 CR-V.
One time, a moose attacked my sister! (Not even kidding.)
Just throw some plexiglass over it without fixing the roof… perfect Gambler 500 car!
No meese were hurt during these photos, right?
Huxley said:
No meese were hurt during these photos, right?
Not quite… that moose got tossed 170 meters up the road, but the Acura got me home without a scratch on me.
I remember seeing this car for sale… it’s pretty unique.
Onyx said:
I remember seeing this car for sale… it’s pretty unique.
Yeah, this car’s been through a lot. I’m probably its 7th owner since the AWD swap. Over time, it’s had at least two B16A’s, a B18, a B20Z, and now a B20V. It used to be lowered (the whole underside has dents), then it was lifted and AWD swapped. It’s had a few small accidents too – there’s a dent inside the rear quarter, a front fender’s bent, something even pierced the right rear fender from below, and a previous owner crashed it into a road sign, misaligning the front end.
After all that, then came the moose collision… which, believe it or not, didn’t even break the sunroof, even after the moose went flying. Much as I’d like to save it, it’s probably best to part it out and retire it, maybe get one last ride in a derby. At least this final accident was mild for me – no cuts, no broken glasses, and she still drove me home.
Man, I’m jealous. I miss my EL-converted '99 SE… even added a VTEC head back in the day. Those were good times.
Glad you made it out okay!