first-time honda user, long time-old import wagon driver (1990 rt4wd)

CamoCivicCamoCivic New Wagonist
in New User Introductions
I've had my Honda for a year now, but I'm still just getting used to it and getting it all fixed up. I've never had a Honda so it's a new engine form me. My first car ever was a Subaru and I'd driven old 80's 4wd Subie wagons until my last car, an Impreza Outback Sport. I got the Honda by default and accident, literally, but I'm happy with it. I like old cars. I like the 6speed tranny, the 4wd (although I like the old Subaru option where I could shift in/out of 4wd and into 4WD-lo; makes more sense since you don't need 4wd all the time).

As I drive it (32k miles last year) I'm working out it's kinks and starting to learn how to do bits of things on it myself.

Happy to find this forum, to have helpful heads work with me on issues as they come up. I appreciate it!

I moved to CA and don't have a garage or 1/2 my tools, but I'm getting by and doing the best I can.

As my dad would say as I pulled out--keep the shiny side up.:smug:

Comments

  • driftin90driftin90 Senior Wagonist
    welcome to the site. there should be instructions under the visor to disengage the 4wd and go to 2wd. there is a switch on the transmission held in by a bolt. basically if you look down from the fuel filter, you should see it. looks like a quarter circle with a slot for the bolt.

    theres lots of info on the site like this and much more.
  • bam-bambam-bam Council Member
    I know what you mean about 4wd being selectable from inside. I may add a cable to mine...

    Welcome again and keep us posted.
  • MyFirstWasAnEF9MyFirstWasAnEF9 Wagonist
    Welcome to the site and to CA. I live in ventura,ca. I drive a FWD wagon so I don't know anything about 4wd the only one I ever owned was a toyota 4runner and I rarely used the 4wd because I live in southern california :)
  • jasnalljasnall Wagonist
    I mean lets be real here, it's not really 4wd ever until the front wheels slip. Is it even a 90-10 split? It has been documented however that switching the lever over to 2wd can get you around 10 hp. At least that's what bam-bam found. I ran with mine in 2wd for a while and noticed it accelerated slightly different, however my gas mileage stayed pretty much the same.

    Welcome!
  • 503Wagon503Wagon moderator
    jasnall wrote: »
    I mean lets be real here, it's not really 4wd ever until the front wheels slip. Is it even a 90-10 split? It has been documented however that switching the lever over to 2wd can get you around 10 hp. At least that's what bam-bam found. I ran with mine in 2wd for a while and noticed it accelerated slightly different, however my gas mileage stayed pretty much the same.

    Welcome!


    There is zero rear wheel help until the VC engages. It's 100% FWD on the highway unless you drop the clutch from a stop light or you're in snow/ice/off road.

    Welcome to the forum, I encourage you to read up and get as much info as possible to help you on your wagon.
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