d16a1 hp

acme1 · 03-10-2008, 03:17 AM

What ways are there to make more power for an 87 d16a1 without having to do a swap? It is in an 87 CRX si so I dont have alot of aftermarket parts to choose from for this engine, everything is 88 and up. Any links on where to find parts for the first gen d16 would be great also. Thanks.

lxndr · 03-12-2008, 05:54 PM

Unfortunately aftermarket parts availability for this motor is pretty slim, but here's what I would do:

1) Have the fuel injectors professionally cleaned, install new spark plugs, new plug wires, oil change, check the timing, check the compression, check the belts and hoses, check valves, replace timing belt (if necessary), etc. Basically, make sure your motor is in the best running condition it can be in. This alone should give you a little extra HP!

Any modifications to a motor that is blowing smoke, overheating, consuming oil, leaking oil, leaking coolant or making excessive noise will be piontless since any performance mods you do will only exagerate these problems and you will end up with premature engine failure.

2) K&N air filter, and not the canister type, get the stock replacement.

3) Remove all the air intake ducting leading up to the stock air box from under the car, and remove the perforated plate from the inside bottom of the airbox.

The reason for this is because the traditonal "cold air intake" is really a hot air intake unless you can route the intake ducting out of the engine bay. By removing all the ducting leading up to the air box you are letting the engine breath with less restriction and allowing the motor to draw cool air from inside the fender.

4) Find a header

I think Pace Setter is the only manufacturer still making a header for the D16A1. I used a SOHC D-series DC Sports header but it is not worth the added fabrication needed to get it to fit right.

5) 2" exhaust system

Your motor will breathe alot easier if it is not trying to exhale out of the stock pea-shooter exhaust.

6) Find a set of DOHC ZC cams (preferred), have your stock cams re-ground, or buy an expensive set of aftermarket cams.

With these mods your motor will put out more power than a stock DOHC ZC.

If you want to go crazy (like I did) then rebuild the entire motor, port the cylinder head, shave the head for more compression, 3-way valve grind, install 88-89 Integra domed pistons, use adjustable cam gears (Prelude/Accord F22 cam gears bolt right on), use an "88-91 Civic" DOHC ZC intake manifold which is the largest available (port that too while you're at it), lighten the stock flywheel to 12 lbs. and install an aftermarket underdrive pulley. Then add an adjustable fuel pressure regulator and fuel pressure gauge, go to 2.25" exhaust with a hi-flow catalytic converter, pull as much weight out of the car as you can, upgrade the brakes to 86-89 Integra 4-wheel disks, then install an LSD in the tranny along with an Accord 5th gear.

From there you can convert the motor to OBD1 (88-89 D16A1) or run a run a Megasquirt ECU and an EDIS-4 (all D16A1). Then re-grind those ZC cams for more lift (or buy aftermarket) and install larger injectors. Or in addition to everything above you can tear the motor apart and install Eagle forged connecting rods along with Endyn low compression forged pistons, then bolt a turbo onto the motor.

That will get you movin'!