I am going to tune up my mothers 99 EX with the VTEC engine and have a few questions. First, can timing be adjusted on these engines or is it computer controlled? What plugs are recommended on this engine for best overall performance (fuel economy and smoothness are preferred over power and acceleration in this situation)? What is the torque spec for the plugs? What wires would be a good choice? Does the fuel filter need any special tools to release any clips like on the American cars that I am used to working on? Other than the above mentioned items I am going to buy a PCV valve, air filer, cap and rotor. Am I missing anything? Does this engine use a breather filter? Anything I should or shouldn't do to this car? Any and all responses will be appreciated.

 

Install only the basic OEM NGK plugs recommended in the Owner's Manual.

Torque the plugs to 14 lb/ft after coating the threads with anti-seize grease.

Install (OEM) Honda plug wires.

 

Thanks for the reply Ron. I do not have the jumper plug referenced in your writeup, so I will probably skip the timing adjustment and do everything else. Which NGK plugs are the originals? The cheapy V-series, the G-series, Iridium or Laser Platinum? As far as wires go, the dealers near me are all closed tomorrow when I go to do this work...are the Autolite professional series wires any good? What about a breather filter...is this car equipped with one? Also, should the car be cold, warm, or hot when I take the plugs out? Any tips will be appreciated.

 

If by breather filter you mean that thing everyone attachs to their valve covers...no, you don't need one.

Autolite is terrible. For anything mechanical like this, just stick to the OEM recommended parts. They're recommended by manufacturer's for a reason.

Google is your friend: http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/part_fi...uv/default.asp

 

The special tool mentioned is not anything elaborate that you must have. Instead you can just use a paper clip, piece of wire, etc. to jumper the plug. It is only necessary to short the two pins together. You will know you have a good connection when you start the engine (step 3) the check engine light should come on steady because the jumper is in place.

 

nice post Ron was looking for something similar.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I am wondering if an aftermarket (BWD) cap & rotor are recommended for this engine? I have heard people say that the distributors on these can do some funky things sometimes and I am wondering if I may be smart to get OEM parts for the dist. As far as wires go, someone mentioned that VTEC wires are different. My local Advanced Auto recommends a set of NGK HE76 wires and I am wondering if anyone here has used the NGK wires and has an opinion.

 

With spark plug wires as well as distributor parts, your best bet is to stick with OEM Replacement Parts.

You don't need anything to be aftermarket in these categories until you're running some serious HP #'s