1995 Honda Accord Project
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 5
1995 Honda Accord Project
Hey guys, so I'm new to this forum, or any forum for that matter so bare with me. I just went out and bought a 1995 Honda Accord for $1200. Everything seems to run fine on the whip. (Aside from interior accessories such as the radio, A/C..etc. It idles quieter than my last car (2006 Focus) which is crazy... With 200k miles. This thing seems to have cheated father time himself inside & out. I am in no way mechanically inclined (aside from a few oil changes and headlight/blinker fixings) Its all internet from there. My goal is, for this car to be fast, quiet and reliable. Mind you I am only 21 & on a budget(This doesn't mean Im against pricey replacements IF NEED BE) . Any advice from you fellow motor heads and enthusiasts would be greatly appreciated I have provided pictures below, If you would like any more information to aide this project of mine, I will be happy to provide it. This is something that I have wanted to get into for a long time. (Modding or Suping up cars) however you guys like to put it. I want in. Thanks 
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,398
From: Wisconsin
Welcome!
What do you know about the maintenance history?
First, I'd bring everything up-to-date with normal maintenance. Especially the timing belt. Fresh brake fluid because it gets corrosive with age & moisture.
Then carefully think about your goals for the car, in detail. That'll help prevent duplicating a lot of work as you go.
What do you know about the maintenance history?
First, I'd bring everything up-to-date with normal maintenance. Especially the timing belt. Fresh brake fluid because it gets corrosive with age & moisture.
Then carefully think about your goals for the car, in detail. That'll help prevent duplicating a lot of work as you go.
Been Around A Long Time Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,572
From: Kimball MI
Welcome.
I have to agree 100% with Jim. Get the mechanicals up to proper spec first, then think about what you can mod. Living in California, you might find you're limited in what you can and can't do, so keep that in mind as well. Good luck with your project, as there's quite a few of us here that own or used to own a 5th gen Accord, so they're very well liked on here.
I have to agree 100% with Jim. Get the mechanicals up to proper spec first, then think about what you can mod. Living in California, you might find you're limited in what you can and can't do, so keep that in mind as well. Good luck with your project, as there's quite a few of us here that own or used to own a 5th gen Accord, so they're very well liked on here.
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 5
Thank you all so much for your feedback, I will try my best to keep this post alive. I've just purchased this car and so I've been working on registration/insurance/ & smog once that is all up to date. I plan on getting the car mechanically sound (so to speak) in the past two days of driving it I noticed a loud growl which I'm 90% sure is coming from the front right bearing and a little transmission slippage as well. I'm planning on pulling one from a near by pick n pull this Friday, and maybe swap it in over the weekend. Along with a complete flush of all the fluids. Some brake work for sure, oil aaaaand maybe some other replacements. I don't have any service records on the car so I'm trying to identify the most critical elements of that car that will need replacing. These are just a few starter things that I've noticed that this project car will definitely need before any aftermarket parts/performance upgrades are complete. Also, if you have any suggestions on what I should replace said parts with. Maybe brand wise or what have you. I'm open to any options
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 5
Welcome.
I have to agree 100% with Jim. Get the mechanicals up to proper spec first, then think about what you can mod. Living in California, you might find you're limited in what you can and can't do, so keep that in mind as well. Good luck with your project, as there's quite a few of us here that own or used to own a 5th gen Accord, so they're very well liked on here.
I have to agree 100% with Jim. Get the mechanicals up to proper spec first, then think about what you can mod. Living in California, you might find you're limited in what you can and can't do, so keep that in mind as well. Good luck with your project, as there's quite a few of us here that own or used to own a 5th gen Accord, so they're very well liked on here.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,398
From: Wisconsin
I'd say "specs" means the maintenance SCHEDULE. Since you don't know when anything was done last, the safest thing is to do EVERYTHING. (see how easy I can spend your money?)
OK in practical terms, you can change all the fluids and spark plugs because that's pretty easy and they are needed fairly often compared to 200k miles.
Manual or automatic transmission? Slipping manual means a worn-out clutch, which isn't a job for someone who's "not really mechanically inclined".
Auto transmission should use Honda fluid (it's different). Drain & fill, because it doesn't like "power-flushing". Unlike most cars, Honda automatic fluid level is checked with the engine warmed up but turned off.
Honda power steering fluid is different. Make sure the bottle says "FOR HONDA" and not "for all makes".
Camshaft timing belt is important because it's an interference engine. Having a shop change the belt is expensive, but bent valves are much more expensive. Unfortunately, it's not at all reliable to inspect the belt. It'll look pretty good a few weeks before it breaks. If there's any way you can find out when it was last done, it's worth your effort.
OK in practical terms, you can change all the fluids and spark plugs because that's pretty easy and they are needed fairly often compared to 200k miles.
Manual or automatic transmission? Slipping manual means a worn-out clutch, which isn't a job for someone who's "not really mechanically inclined".
Auto transmission should use Honda fluid (it's different). Drain & fill, because it doesn't like "power-flushing". Unlike most cars, Honda automatic fluid level is checked with the engine warmed up but turned off.
Honda power steering fluid is different. Make sure the bottle says "FOR HONDA" and not "for all makes".
Camshaft timing belt is important because it's an interference engine. Having a shop change the belt is expensive, but bent valves are much more expensive. Unfortunately, it's not at all reliable to inspect the belt. It'll look pretty good a few weeks before it breaks. If there's any way you can find out when it was last done, it's worth your effort.
Super Moderator
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 16,331
From: Houston, TX
You may want to call a local honda dealership and give them the VIN (vehicle identification number). They may be able to search their records to see if they did any service on your accord.
I'd hold off changing a transmission right now. Change the fluid using Honda's automatic transmission fluid. You should be able to drain 3 quarts, then add fluid till you get to the full mark.
You should also check for engine and transmission codes. Its very simple to do. The CEL code retrieval link in the thread below gives a description on how to do this.
https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/for...threads-40780/
I'd hold off changing a transmission right now. Change the fluid using Honda's automatic transmission fluid. You should be able to drain 3 quarts, then add fluid till you get to the full mark.
You should also check for engine and transmission codes. Its very simple to do. The CEL code retrieval link in the thread below gives a description on how to do this.
https://www.hondaaccordforum.com/for...threads-40780/
Been Around A Long Time Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,572
From: Kimball MI
Again I have to agree with both Jim and PAhonda. Proper spec is getting the maintenance caught up. These cars are built so well that their PO (Previous Owners) don't keep up or take care of those things. In fact most only replace something IF it failed, that's how well these cars are built. Myself, I prefer to get it ALL caught up as close as I can. It helps eliminate things that might leave you stuck alongside the road (I hate that). Like Jim mentioned, the timing belt is expensive to pay someone to do, but is cheap insurance against having a major engine failure. I put it right up there next to an oil change. However, once it's been done, it's good for 60K miles or 6 years. Spark plugs are also a good thing to do, and I usually time them to be done when I'm doing the timing belt, as they need to be out so you can roll the engine over while setting the timing. Also look over the brakes (pads up front, and pop the drums in the rear (you want a nice fat/thick 1/8th of an inch) of pad material on the shoes. If it's under that, plan on replacing them.
Like PAhonda said, do a drain and fill on the trans, as it might be do, and you might also be low. On your 95, you've got a much better AT than the later cars got (98-02), so you want to try and keep it around if you can. The drain and fill is similar to doing an oil change, except there's no filter to deal with.
If you're hearing what sounds like a wheel bearing going bad up front, you might want to take it to someone and get a 2nd opinion, as that's a labor intensive job.
Under the edge of the glove box, there should be a connector with a blue cap on it. Using a paper clip, that's how you read for any codes that are posted in the ECU.
I hope this helps.
Edit, I forgot to mention that RockAuto is a good place to shop for some parts online. There are some parts however that you'll want to get from Honda though. I like RA's Timing belt kit for example, as it's a complete kit, and has a very nice set of instructions in it. Also, they sell NGK plugs cheaper than the Zone or O'Reily's, so I tend to buy them there. Same applies with using their Felpro gaskets and getting a Dorman balance shaft retainer kit (a must have, since Honda left it out). Also, you're going to want to figure out whether you have a VTEC engine (F22B1, or a 16 valve engine (F22B2), as it does make a difference on tune up parts. Use quality parts like Denso whenever possible too.
Like PAhonda said, do a drain and fill on the trans, as it might be do, and you might also be low. On your 95, you've got a much better AT than the later cars got (98-02), so you want to try and keep it around if you can. The drain and fill is similar to doing an oil change, except there's no filter to deal with.
If you're hearing what sounds like a wheel bearing going bad up front, you might want to take it to someone and get a 2nd opinion, as that's a labor intensive job.
Under the edge of the glove box, there should be a connector with a blue cap on it. Using a paper clip, that's how you read for any codes that are posted in the ECU.
I hope this helps.
Edit, I forgot to mention that RockAuto is a good place to shop for some parts online. There are some parts however that you'll want to get from Honda though. I like RA's Timing belt kit for example, as it's a complete kit, and has a very nice set of instructions in it. Also, they sell NGK plugs cheaper than the Zone or O'Reily's, so I tend to buy them there. Same applies with using their Felpro gaskets and getting a Dorman balance shaft retainer kit (a must have, since Honda left it out). Also, you're going to want to figure out whether you have a VTEC engine (F22B1, or a 16 valve engine (F22B2), as it does make a difference on tune up parts. Use quality parts like Denso whenever possible too.
Last edited by The Toecutter; Mar 9, 2017 at 06:42 PM. Reason: Added extra info.
Been Around A Long Time Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,572
From: Kimball MI
Yeah, I noticed that, but then 3 were upside down too. Yes, he mentioned it had an AT, but I forgot he had a VTEC engine.
