1999 Honda Civic EX

Your Questions Answered

Valve Cover Leakage
First off, let me say I love Honda Tuning magazine!! Every other magazine is trying to focus on Honda content, but you guys are the only ones that nail it every month with the best cars! I have a problem with my 1991 CRX Si. I recently completed a B16 a swap in my garage (my first one, 100% of the work was done by me!). I'm having an issue with some oil leaking around the valve cover. Now I purchased the motor used, and I never removed it. I went to change the spark plugs today and I noticed there was a oil in there. Am I screwed? Please help me out, I love this motor, but I'm afraid I might have blown it before I even got a chance to get it tuned.
David, Knoxville, TN

Thanks for the support David, and we agree with you, we get some of the best Honda features around! First off, congrats on completing your first swap. There's nothing like that feeling that comes from hard work and finally hearing your car fire up after a transplant. And don't stress, the problem you're having is very common, especially with older motors. Your valve cover and spark plug seals are probably worn or brittle and just need to be replaced. Pay a visit to your local Honda parts counter and order the gaskets (some people order Del Sol VTEC, others order the '99 Si version). Carefully remove your valve cover and the old gaskets, clean the surface and install the new ones. Go ahead and use a little sealant like Honda-bond or RTV to complete the process. Simple and effective, you'll be leak-free in no time my friend.

Street-Legal Exhaust Notes In Socal
What up, Honda Tuning! My question is about street legality in Southern California. I always hear horror stories about officers issuing tickets for modified exhaust systems. I have a 1999 Civic EX with springs, wheels, and an intake. My next purchase will be a quality cat-back exhaust system. I really like the JDM mufflers that I see online, but I don't see anything about them being street-legal. If I keep my cat, and the exhaust isn't really loud, do I have anything to worry about?
Big Sheldon, Chula Vista, CA

Sheldon, this is a subject that goes back and forth quite a bit during discussions about laws and guidelines. Essentially, if the exhaust you purchase doesn't have a CARB E.O. number with it, it's not legal for street use in California. The JDM exhaust systems you see online are, in most cases, intended strictly for track use only. There are legal cat-back exhaust alternatives available from well known industry icons like Greddy and DC Sports. Not only do they offer high-quality kits, they're 50-state legal. That's an important point for someone living in a zero-tolerance city like Chula Vista.

A Wide Stance Might Cost You More Than Just A Set Of Wheels
Honda Tuning! I love your magazine more than any other. I've been a subscriber for years and I'm begging you, PLEASE help me out!! I've seen a lot of guys running crazy offset wheels on their Civics and Integras. I love the look and I want my car to rock the wide look, but I'm wondering if this type of wheel setup will hurt me in the long run, especially since my car is slammed. With such a massive offset, won't my wheel bearings or axles tend to give out sooner than later? I drive my car daily and I would hate to have to pay for some major repairs, especially after I drop a bundle on new wheels. Also, what about tires? Doesn't the camber mean I'll wear through them too fast? Thanks for any advice you can give me, you guys rock!!
Devon, via the Internet