Potential problem with my new engine/transmission in my civic

[Matt Timion]

So I drove my civic today. I figured I could drive 2 miles to Autozone without much of a problem.

here were the issues:

1) During idle the engine shakes. It used to be worse when the idle was 650RPM. Now I have it set at 1000 RPM and it still shakes. It acts fine when under load.

2) Acceleration. Holy crap... I can't accellerate for anything. I was getting passed by EVERYONE. Is the HF transmission REALLY this tall?

3) Heat. The engine bay is REALLY hot after adding this catalytic converter. Just saying.

Now, some ideas.

When I was doing the swap I was so desperate to finish that I just kind of cut a few corners. As a result the engine still has spark plugs from Japan in it. (JDM SPARK PLUGS!!!). I should replace them next and see if one is bad. I imagine a bad spark plug would cause me to have less power (slow acceleration) and could explain the shaking too.

I've also never timed it. The timing could be off and would also explain both of the above.

I still need to replace the thermostat (just for good measure) and fix the drivers side axle seal. I'm really not looking forward to removing the axle again...

Anyway, your input would be appreciated. If I can't get it to accelerate faster and let me do more than cruise around in 1st gear without the engine bogging, I'm going to pull the engine and put my old DX transmission back in.

[SVOboy]

If you floor it to redline how long does it take?

[Matt Timion]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

If you floor it to redline how long does it take?

In first gear? I'll have to try tomorrow to find out.

[SVOboy]

I can usually get there pretty quick. The HF tranny isn't really that slow I don't think. Not in first at least.

[Matt Timion]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

I can usually get there pretty quick. The HF tranny isn't really that slow I don't think. Not in first at least.

Give to give you an idea of what I'm dealing with, I can't shift into second until I'm at LEAST at 3000rpm. When I shift into second it drops down to 1400RPM and starts to bog a little.

[MetroMPG]

I don't think the engine would bog if it were tuned right. FI cars shouldn't bog.

The Blackfly transmission is TALL. I've done a bit more driving in "normal" traffic, and the first gear starts are clutch-slippy things. But other than that I just have to stick my foot in it a little further and wind it out a little more to get going. But it never bogs, and I can keep up with a smart car (could probably beat one still...)

EDIT: by BOG I assume you mean you push the pedal until it doesn't accelerate any more, and if you push further, it in fact starts to lose power and slow down. As well as make that bogging sound.

[SVOboy]

Your gearing sounds like teh suckness. Definately not the same as mine.

Slipping clutch?

[Compaq888]

I remember when I messed up my timing on the altima. Had no low end whatsoever. The car wouldn't go past 107mph even going down a hill.

Timing fixed the car accelarated normally and went 120mph.

[SVOboy]

As bad as it sounds you could be a tooth off.

[MetroMPG]

No, the clutch isn't slipping - I have to slip it more to get going in first gear is what I meant. My new first gear is more like gear 1.5 compared to the stock tranny. It's noticeable on hills, and when trying to accelerate quickly from a stop. Normally I pretty much idle away from stops with no problemo.