Could also be wires.

 

Have you tried different types/grades of gas? Have you checked your timing?
How about fuel filter and air filter? Fuel pressure??

That gives you some more things to check out if you want. Good luck and keep us posted.

Cap - OEM
Rotor - OEM
Coil - OEM (usually coils either work or they don't)
Wires - OEM or NGK

I know that the 96 Civic had a very simular problem and Honda issued a TSB on it. They replace the wires, plugs, cap, rotor and do an oil change.
I don't know if that helps or not.

 

an upgraded ignition isnt really needed until under over stock boost(8 psi or more). the reason for an upgraded ingnition system is because the higher the pressure is in the cylinder at about 14 past tdc or the normal firing point, the harder it is for the spark to jump. misfires occur because of a short or obstruction in the system from the start to the end. this is why you wont get spark when the electrode is too far away from the ground. if you upgrade the full system then you are more likely to get a more powerful spark under normal conditions and under boost conditions. you dont want too much of a spark though because the ground will actually bend out of tune and cause misfires. the farther the spark has to jump the more powerful it will be. credit given to the honda builders handbook. very informative book. read and learn these are my 2cents on this subject.

 

yeah msd's on stock motors rock woo hoo :chuckles: heh

 

I agree, usually it's something dumb like wire or fouled out plugs. But try that and then check cap/rotor

 

To check the wires, you can start the car when it's dark outside, then mist some water on the wires with a spray bottle. If you see blue sparks, you probably have bad wires.

 

Wow that sounds smart, mix water with electricity But then again i don't think anyone's died from car battery shock. You can actually lick a car battery, it'll just make you feel all weird for a while

 

Alternator won't kill you either, but it'll make you very very unhappy.


Anyways, I'd start with new plugs and wires and then move to distributor stuff.

 

Thanks for all your advice!
I guess I'll change the wires first -
I found an Import auto parts place nearby that says they sell OEM wires for Honda - as long as they call it 'OEM' does that mean I can be sure of getting the same quality part as a Honda Dealer would sell?

Thanks again.

 

Ask them what brand it is.

You either want something that's blue and says NGK, or comes in a bag with Honda on it.