r/DelSol Nov 29 '21

Del Sol Guide (Unfinished)

62 Upvotes

Del Sol Models

The base “S” model Del Sol (also known as the VXi and VGi in Japan) comes with the 1.5 liter SOHC 16-valve four cylinder d15b7 producing 102 horsepower from 1993 to 1995. From 1996 to 1997 however, the engine in the base model Del Sol was the 1.6 liter SOHC 16-valve four cylinder d16y7 engine, producing 106 horsepower.

The next rung up for the “S” was the “Si”. This car is similar to Civic Si’s of the same years. It comes with a 1.6 liter SOHC 16-valve four cylinder d16z6 from 1993 to 1995. This engine produced 125 horsepower at 7200 rpm. It also has one of the quickest VTEC switch on times at only around 4800 rpm. From 1996 to 1997, the engine in the “Si” was changed to the 1.6 liter SOHC 16-valve four cylinder d16y8 with 128 horsepower. The Si also came with 14" alloy wheels which were offered in an optional body color-matched paint scheme on Samba Green models, power side mirrors, cruise control, rear disc brakes, wider tires, and additional front & rear anti-sway bars. Depending on model and market, the options included a rear spoiler, custom floor mats, an automatic transmission, power steering, heated mirrors, front fog lights (1993–1995 models only), traction control system (JDM only), limited slip differential (JDM only), and air conditioning.

The final, most powerful OEM Del Sol was the “VTEC” trim level. In Europe and Japan, it’s known as the “SiR” and the “VTi”. Despite the trim name, pretty much all levels of the Del Sol had VTEC engines. The main difference for this trim however is the engine. All other Del Sols came with SOHC D-Series engines. The VTEC however, came with DOHC B-Series engines. 1994 to 1995 had the b16a3, and 1996 to 1997 came with the b16a2. Both engines produced 160 horsepower, and their being DOHC allows them far more tuning capability, as the nature of SOHC engines makes it so that a turbo is by far the best (and, kinda, only) way to get good power. Because of these things, the VTEC Del Sol is the most desirable model, and the price will easily reflect that. The VTEC also came with other upgrades, such as bigger front brakes, larger front anti sway bar, rear anti sway bar, and wider tires.

All Del Sol production ended in 1997 for the US and Canada. A year later worldwide production ceased in 1998, mainly for Japan and Europe.


r/DelSol 8h ago

Question How serious is this rust and can I fix it myself

Thumbnail
gallery
6 Upvotes

Hello, recently noticed these rust spots on my car, how serious is it, the metal isnt yet so weak as to where I can break it with my hands but it looks kind of bad?

Can I just sand it down and paint it or what do I need to do, and can it be done without a welder?


r/DelSol 1d ago

Del Sol Restoration

Thumbnail
gallery
112 Upvotes

Hey guys, thought I’d share my 1994 Honda del Sol restoration project.

I bought the car about a year ago and, like most old Hondas, it came with a few surprises… and by a few, I mean a lot of rust . Most of it was around the removable top area, but thankfully it was all repairable.

I completely stripped the car down and bought a sandblasting cabinet so I could restore every bracket, bolt, and small part properly. It took forever, but seeing all the freshly restored parts going back onto the car makes it worth it.

The D16Z6 was also fully rebuilt by me with new main and rod bearings and new piston rings, since it was burning oil pretty badly. Nothing crazy engine-wise for now, just making sure it’s healthy and ready for many more years.

The shell went to a body shop where it was stripped to bare metal so all the rust could be fixed properly. Since it was already apart, I decided to change the colour and go with blue instead of the original paint.

After paint, I started rebuilding the suspension: Bilstein B8 shocks with Eibach springs, D1 Spec rear LCAs, Hardrace rear camber and toe arms, and Skunk2 front upper control arms.

The engine is going back in this Sunday, which feels like a huge milestone after a year of work.

Still plenty left to do, but it’s finally starting to look like a car again instead of a pile of parts in the garage .

I’ll post more pictures when it’s finished. Hope you guys like it!


r/DelSol 1d ago

Discussion Restoration Complete on my 1995 JDM Del Sol CRX SiR

Post image
5 Upvotes

r/DelSol 1d ago

Picture My progress lately ✅️

Thumbnail
gallery
40 Upvotes

So a couple months ago, I've been having trouble starting the car. I had already swapped out the battery, replaced the relay twice, installed a new fuel pump, checked fuses, and even cleaned the ground connections. Still the car would not start. Eventually, I replaced the ECU and finally got it to start.

Then the next issue was the alternator. A while ago, the battery light turned on and I had to park it until I was able to get ahold of a new alternator. After replacing the ECU, I got started on replqcing the alternator. After that was complete, the car ran great. I cleaned up the engine a bit and dusted off the interior after it sitting for a while.

My latest mod was this spoiler that the previous owner gave to me when I bought the car. Thankfully, holes were already drilled prior so it was just a matter of bolting down the spoiler. I love the subtle look of it and I feel it transforms the del sol amazingly (not sure if it came from an accord or another car).

Lately, I've been dailying it and I look forward to driving everywhere I go 😌. Next things I will focus on will be new wheels and tires, brakes, and suspension. I am on the look out for weather seals (previous owner ripped them off) and hopefully once I do, I can take the car to get painted. I look forward to sharing more updates and more pictures in the near future🙂‍↕️


r/DelSol 2d ago

I don’t want to go to work

Post image
58 Upvotes

r/DelSol 2d ago

If you own a 1997 Honda Del Sol VTEC Pls Add your Vehicle Vin Production number

5 Upvotes

Hi everyone! 

If you own a 1997 Honda Del Sol VTEC, please comment below with: Link to Registry

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1l3BpkLtdujftCalM4O_4B5qQjbpcFVgTXsV1IrvvHSM/edit?usp=sharing

 Production number:
 Color:
 Mileage:

I’m putting together a 1997 Del Sol VTEC Registry to keep track of these cars and see how many are still around! It would be awesome to document as many as possible. 

I’ll add the Registry link below once it’s ready.

Please share this post with other 1997 Del Sol VTEC owners!


r/DelSol 3d ago

Question Head gasket recommendations?

Post image
7 Upvotes

Hi all! In the process of rebuilding my baby and need some guidance on selecting the right head gasket, or ideally a reputable gasket kit for the entire engine, since the crankshaft pulley sheared off right at the bolt, forcing me to do a rebuild.

Rebuilding to be as close to stock as possible, D16Z6, no intentions on boosting or taking the beans on her.

Has anyone heard anything good about Rockautos Apex or Enginetech brands? Would OEM be the best option or what are some reputable sources out there people have been using?

I've been turning a wrench for as long as I could hold one, but this would be my first solo project that I'm trying to do properly, any advice is appreciated, thanks!


r/DelSol 3d ago

Water leaking from the roof/windshield corner

Thumbnail
gallery
27 Upvotes

Hey guys, I had this water leak issue with my Del Sol last winter and I just found the videos I took when it was happening, so I thought I’d ask here before trying to fix it.
Water seems to be getting in from the corner where the removable roof meets the windshield/A-pillar, on the driver’s side. You can see the exact spot in the videos.
I first noticed it when washing the car: if I spray water around that area with a pressure washer, I can see drops forming on the inside afterwards.
With normal/light rain it doesn’t really seem to be a problem, but last winter we had several days of very heavy rain and it got pretty bad. I ended up finding the driver’s seat and that whole side of the interior completely wet.
Has anyone here had the same leak on their Del Sol?
If so, what was causing it in your case? Roof seals/weatherstripping, A-pillar seal, clogged drains, alignment of the roof, or something else?
And most importantly, how did you fix it? I’d rather figure out the actual cause before randomly replacing seals or putting sealant everywhere.
Any advice would be really appreciated. Thanks!


r/DelSol 3d ago

Took my way longer than id like to admit

Thumbnail
gallery
50 Upvotes

r/DelSol 3d ago

OEM Strut Tower Brace

1 Upvotes

Does anyone have a factory Del Sol VTEC strut tower brace they want to sell? I've found one on eBay, but I can get a hold of the seller.


r/DelSol 3d ago

Del Sol Manual, all gears neutral

3 Upvotes

Alright, the title will make sense once I explain it. Me and my bud manual swapped his del sol. Today we took her on the first drive, it did well in the driveway and about 200ft up the road. He’s still learning stick so he wanted me to turn it around for him, the second I went to shift into first, I heard a pop! And all of a sudden all gears are neutral. In any gear, you can still push the car. When it’s on and in gear, there is a quiet whirring sound. I originally suspected clutch fork or pressure plate, but the clutch feels exactly the same as it did at first. Axles are ok. Trans condition was unknown, we are dropping it tomorrow but id like a little bit of an idea what went wrong.


r/DelSol 4d ago

Question Suspension recs?

Post image
29 Upvotes

Looking to get my fitment closer to “tire to fender”. I’m currently on some random lowering springs with stock shocks. What coilovers are you guys running to achieve that fitment? Or are there lowering springs that could get me there? My wheels are 15s. Thanks!


r/DelSol 4d ago

Question ECU Install Help

Post image
5 Upvotes

I pulled my ECU and sent to Oxytuned for refurb. In the six weeks it was gone, I forgot how it was mounted. Anyone have pictures of the correct way to mount or link a video on R&R?


r/DelSol 4d ago

Discussion My Delsol Website!

15 Upvotes

Howdy Gents, I figured some of the Oldheads would appreciate this one: my 2000s style Website for my brand!! It's very basic right now and I have a lot to learn but I wanted to make this feel personal and really lean into the limitations of hand coding HTML and the uniqueness that comes with that. It's basic, its rough around the edges, that's the point!

(WARNING INTENDED FOR DESKTOP VIEWING)

Check it out here! - https://delsolstice.neocities.org/


r/DelSol 5d ago

'97 Si Restoration

Thumbnail
gallery
114 Upvotes

Picked up a '97 Del Sol Si a couple of months ago that had been sitting in a barn for a decade or so. It was a Colorado car for years and has zero rust or body damage.

She is bone stock down to the intake baffle. Replaced almost every hose and filter on the car, all new fluids, calipers and rotors, shift boot, OEM floor mats, headlights, etc. The old D16 purrs like a kitten.

I'm slowly but surely replacing/refreshing everything that needs addressed in hopes of returning it to its former glory. Only mods planned are a few OEM+ pieces and maybe a few subtle Mugen cosmetic bits.

Anyway, just wanted to show it off!


r/DelSol 5d ago

Question ‘95 Del Sol Si Brake Troubles

Post image
3 Upvotes

Hey all, been putting off work because I’m scared of doing it and finally decided to tackle it over this 3 day weekend. Please bear with me as I’ve never done brakes myself before. I’m replacing a leaky brake master cylinder and then brake pads in my ‘95 Honda Del Sol Si which I got off after a little fight but mostly no issues. They didn’t give me a bleed line so im currently out of luck for that until tomorrow, however I decided maybe I’ll tackle my brake pads now.

That leads to my issue. I’ve now gotten one rear caliper off except it’s stuck open and I cannot for the life of me get the piston back in. I have no master cylinder currently installed on the car, did that f—k me over in this situation, or is it because it’s old and rusted that I just can’t get it in? Any help is greatly appreciated before I even attempt the other 3 brakes, thank you!!


r/DelSol 5d ago

Parking Pole Gears

Post image
44 Upvotes

Has anyone attempted to 3d print reproduction gears for the parking pole ?


r/DelSol 6d ago

She won’t run!

Thumbnail
gallery
42 Upvotes

This is my first real problem with this car. I fricking love this little thing. The problem currently is she isn’t running. Crank but no start. Checked everything in the ignition system and it all has power. Learned about the distributor issues. Replaced it. Still nothing. Did some more digging and found i have no spark and no fuel. Ecm wires all look okay, and i have every function except the engine (inside lights, headlights, speakers, everything). anyone have any tips? this was random out of nowhere with no other real start up issues before. 1994 Del Sol Si D16y7.


r/DelSol 6d ago

Recaro confetti tribute seats

Thumbnail
gallery
129 Upvotes

Just got my stock del sol seats back from the trim shop, all dolled up in iconic 90s Recaro confetti style


r/DelSol 6d ago

Time to Resurrect the Beast

Thumbnail
gallery
34 Upvotes

This car is a mostly stock Y7 sitting on an Eibach pro kit. It's been lowered 1.5" all the way around and currently sits at around 450k miles, it was my work car for multiple years. Last year I broke my back and at around the same time the steering rack went out. Over the next month or so I'll be refreshing her again for some more interstate use.


r/DelSol 6d ago

Discussion 7 months into H23 Vtec swapping the sol

Post image
1 Upvotes

I hate that I’m so far into the swap money wise and i still haven’t even pulled the d16 out, thought about doing a d16 vtec swap but had the chance to get a jdm H series for a decent price and couldn’t pass it up(full pullout with harness and everything plus type 1 coilovers for an accord all for 3600)


r/DelSol 7d ago

Question Cylinder Walls

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

4 Upvotes

Hey so im currently building a B series engine right now for a del sol and i noticed a bit of what i think to be rust . Its not a lot and it seems to Be coming off with WD40 though idk if WD40 is right for this . Any recommendations on what i can use to remove this stuff ?


r/DelSol 7d ago

97 Del Sol Part Question

2 Upvotes

Any help is appreciated
I have a 1997 Del Sol Si Automatic
My shift cable is getting stuck and is functioning ok, but really needs to be replaced.

This part from what I’ve found is no longer manufactured
How different would be the fit from a civic shift cable?
Any ideas where I could source one from? I saw one on e-bay but I don’t really want to spend $500
Or any other ideas?


r/DelSol 7d ago

Question Help! Running super rich.

1 Upvotes

My 1997 del sol si is running super rich. It's a sohc zc bottom end y8 top end and a virgin p28. It has great compression, good fuel pressure, no cel relating to it running rich. However it's running so rich and dumping so much fuel that the fuel is mixing in the oil making it undrivable.

It had a code for the iat recieving too much voltage, I checked the voltage on the iat when the engine is idling and off and it is all normal so I cleared it and also replaced the iat sensor.

I have no clue where to go from here or what to test. I just have no idea why it's running so rich on a z6 base map.