Hi everybody! New owner here
 

Hello, not sure if you guys do introductions but just wanted to say hello to everyone in the area! After many years of searching I just picked up a nice clean GPW from CT. I'm usually around Port Jervis and Middletown (though I hop down to NNJ now and then) - I hear Formula H is the best local place to go for any work I may need? Could probably use a once over and maybe some minor dings cleaned up. I'd love to head out to Billman's but it's more of a drive than I would prefer.

Haven't taken any good shots yet but here's my new baby with my buddy's 86 after picking her up.
https://preview.ibb.co/dF0tdA/20181016-L1007329.jpg

Congratulations on the buy. Hope you can enjoy the car as much as we do.

Car looks great in the photo! But don't they all? :) About time to put her in storage for the winter?

2006 and later cars (with the DBW throttle) are notorious for engine damaging tight valves and Billman posted a ***Warning*** thread a couple of years ago that you should heed. Valve adjustment is a DIY project only requiring some simple tools and a couple hours on a Saturday morning. Other than that there are pages of maintenance tips, photos, and videos here for your reading and viewing enjoyment.

2006 and later cars can be FlashPro tuned for some astounding increases in mid-range power by lowering VTEC to 3600rpm.

-- Chuck

Yeah, it's a pretty clean 07. No TCT noise yet, but it's on the to do list.

Thanks! How dangerous are the tight valves? I'm thinking of just enjoying it as is for now, putting her away once we see snow, and come spring freshen everything up nicely and have Billman take a look and fix whatever's needed.

FlashPro does sound appealing but I've been quite content so far.

A Gernby FlashPro tune with the VTEC set to 3600 rpm will spoil any contentment you currently have with the car. :) It's that much of an improvement. Requires a high flow cat or cat delete. My Berk 63.5mm high flow cat passes emissions in Ohio and I suspect it would in New York as well.

-- Chuck

I suppose that it all depends on what you want to do with your car.

I'm perfectly happy with a stock '04 and have no reluctance to running it on track as evidence by this photo from last Friday.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.s2k...7d6781c8fa.jpg

Was my car that clean? Or has it been photoshopped? I'll have to give some koodos to Shaun Pierce for making the car look so good.

I can't remember what Billman's recommended service interval on the valves might be. For the drive by wire care, it may be as low as 15,000 miles. If you do a search in the "Under the Hood" forum, I'm sure you will find the answer.

You won't know your valves are tight until they are checked. So don't stop enjoying your car. Be reasonable though and do not abuse it until you have it checked out.

Recommend waiting on the FlashPro if you are enjoying the car as it is. I've never felt the need for a lower VTEC engagement point, although I am sure that makes it more exciting. At some point you may feel the need for enhancements and it is best to upgrade to a FlashPro then.

One critical item for this car in my opinion are the tires. Always ensure you buy good tires and ensure they have adequate tread depth. If this is your first Rear Wheel Drive car, perhaps get to an autocross or a track day and learn the limits of your car in a safe environment.