Easy Motor Swaps

What is the easiest engine to install in 88-91 civics. I am thinking about a D15B V-tec.

The easiest swaps for the 4generation Honda civics would be any D-series engine. They will bolt right up, although there will be some wiring you'll have to do if you have a D-15.
I recommend finding The Civic Engine Swapping Guide. It's a huge post in a thread on this forum. Read that, and you can avoid your next 375 questions.
Flunky

Originally posted by 90cIvIcSiR
What is the easiest engine to install in 88-91 civics. I am thinking about a D15B V-tec.

first off...nice to see another person from oregon :jump: . we're having an event on may 10th....you're welcome to join. there is info in the May 10th thread ;) :D

d15b vtec? :confused: you mean slap a vtec head on your d15? in my opinion, not really worth it. for around the same amount of money you can swap in a dohc zc or sohc vtec.

check out the engine section at: www.4thGenerationCivic.com

Originally posted by LadyNRedSi


d15b vtec? :confused:

I believe thats the 5th gen vx motor. i think it has 72 hp:p

Originally posted by mellowboy


I believe thats the 5th gen vx motor. i think it has 72 hp:p

that's right, it's the vtec-e (economy) version. at least it's MPFI :hehe:

d15z1 92-95 Civic VX
1493cc
4 cyl, 16 valve
sohc vtec-e
9.3:1 compression ratio
PGM-FI (MPFI)
power: 92 bhp @ 5500
redline: 7000 rpm
torque: 97 lb-ft @ 4500

those specs are too close to the stock d15 to be worth the effort, IMO

Instead of a D15 Mini-Me go and get a JDM SOHC VTEC ZC, it has the same specs but already built and works together as it was designed for that.

DOHC ZC is also a very easy swap, you will need to do MPFI swap but that is easy.

theres a jdm d15 vtec and i think it has about 130 hp apparently

I really wish some of you would quit saying JDM this and that. Why buy a "JDM 1.5 liter vtec", pay assloads on shipping, plus cost of motor, plus all the other hassles of "JDM" when you can simply buy a ZC (88-91 integra) or a SOHC VTEC from any civic EX from 92 and up. It makes no logical sense. The only "JDM" engine I would consider would be the B16A. The parts are readilly available for the USDM motors and for the 130!!!! hp the JDM sohc vtec ZC bullshit, you can easily find a good used USDM motor for less money and less hassles. Please take into consideration these things before you start saying JDM JDM JDM. That phrase is getting a bit overused.

you want a tissue?

i was just stating what motor he was referring to..

Originally posted by ihaveanSTD
I really wish some of you would quit saying JDM this and that. Why buy a "JDM 1.5 liter vtec", pay assloads on shipping, plus cost of motor, plus all the other hassles of "JDM" when you can simply buy a ZC (88-91 integra) or a SOHC VTEC from any civic EX from 92 and up. It makes no logical sense. The only "JDM" engine I would consider would be the B16A. The parts are readilly available for the USDM motors and for the 130!!!! hp the JDM sohc vtec ZC bullshit, you can easily find a good used USDM motor for less money and less hassles. Please take into consideration these things before you start saying JDM JDM JDM. That phrase is getting a bit overused.

:cry:

imo....JDM engines are better than USDM and just as easy to find and most places in the US already have them....i personally would rather have jdm over USDM.....not sure how JDM could be over used seeing that we have japenese cars and we all know that JDM engines always have more hp....

JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated: JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM JDM :bloated:

Honda Motors (http://www.hmotorsonline.com) last time i checked he had a JDM d15 SOHC VTEC

Originally posted by ihaveanSTD
I really wish some of you would quit saying JDM this and that. Why buy a "JDM 1.5 liter vtec", pay assloads on shipping, plus cost of motor, plus all the other hassles of "JDM" when you can simply buy a ZC (88-91 integra) or a SOHC VTEC from any civic EX from 92 and up. It makes no logical sense. The only "JDM" engine I would consider would be the B16A. The parts are readilly available for the USDM motors and for the 130!!!! hp the JDM sohc vtec ZC bullshit, you can easily find a good used USDM motor for less money and less hassles. Please take into consideration these things before you start saying JDM JDM JDM. That phrase is getting a bit overused.

First off, lets fill you in on some info.

"just buy a zc" Well, the true ZC motor is "JDM" While the D16A1 (88-89 Integra motor, thats right, 89', not 91'. In 90' they switched to a b18) Is not the same motor.

The SOHC VTEC (D16Z6-Y8) setup can be had for usually $6-700. While the "JDM" D15B can be had for the same price, and is easier to get. :rolleyes:

Now, take this into consideration. Have yo ever called up an engine importer and asked for a USDM motor? lol, I doubt it. The availability of JDM to USDM motors is insane.

Just go to a junkyard and get a motor .. my friends 95 LX died, so he went to the local place and picked up a 2000 civic dx motor for $400 that only had 15k miles on it ... the car he got it out of was rear ended and totaled.

the JDM D15B is a rare engine. It has 2 (3) stage VTEC. It combines both VTEC-e and normal SOHC VTEC. and yes, it has two vtec selenoids this is how it accomplishes this. below 2500rpm or so, it runs in 12 valve mode. (vtec-e). @ 2500, it switches to 16 valve mode (normal) and then @ VTEC (4800-5500rpm) engages the wild cam profile and it has the characteristics of a normal SOHC VTEC engine. it came out in the JDM Civic EK3 VTi

130hp and 1.5L displacement with both vtec-e & sohc vtec.

Originally posted by kris


First off, lets fill you in on some info.

"just buy a zc" Well, the true ZC motor is "JDM" While the D16A1 (88-89 Integra motor, thats right, 89', not 91'. In 90' they switched to a b18) Is not the same motor.

The SOHC VTEC (D16Z6-Y8) setup can be had for usually $6-700. While the "JDM" D15B can be had for the same price, and is easier to get. :rolleyes:

Now, take this into consideration. Have yo ever called up an engine importer and asked for a USDM motor? lol, I doubt it. The availability of JDM to USDM motors is insane.

no, i never have called an engine importer to ask for a USDM motor...why? Because it's not imported, genious. $6-700 for a USDM motor, shit, you need to find new sources. Why the craze for JDM motors when the availability for the USDM counterpart of the same family and same power rating (D15vtec D16vtec) is readilly available. I'm not saying I don't like some JDM stuff, I would love to have an SiR front clip, back bumper, side skirts, spoiler, yadda yadda. But, on the motor issue, he asked about easy swaps. Call the local junkyard, not an "engine importer" half way across the states. I'm not trying to flame. Just wish you guys wouldn't be so sold on the JDM because SuperStreet and others are flogging it.

Wow, the 88-91 SiR had side-skirts. I had no idea. There is at least one good reason that I know of to call an engine importer and that is if all the junk yard in your area try to screw you. I went looking for a D16Z6 in my area and did not get a quote for less than $1500 for the engine alone. So yes it seems like JDM is going the path of Ferrari side panels (old Kaminari kit). But local is not always the best way to go. Besides no matter where you get you engine D-series are going to be the easiest swap for the 4g. I beleive that was the original question.

yes, that is the simple answer. Guys, I'm not trying to flame here, just stating my $.02.

ok, come on guys, everyone just chill for a bit, this guy just wanted our opinions on which motors are easy to swap, not our opinions on what we like, so whats easy for him to do?
and no more jdm arguments

Originally posted by ihaveanSTD
I really wish some of you would quit saying JDM this and that. Why buy a "JDM 1.5 liter vtec", pay assloads on shipping, plus cost of motor, plus all the other hassles of "JDM" when you can simply buy a ZC (88-91 integra)


the integra motor from the us won't fit in rex's the mounts are completly different.

Your right the motor itself wont bolt directly in, but, Hasport does make the mount kits for the motor to bolt in along with the 94 and up integra motors!

the whole point of the thread was "easy motor swaps"

whether it be D series from here or overseas, its the easiest swap for a 4th gen

Originally posted by thahatchbackkid89
Your right the motor itself wont bolt directly in, but, Hasport does make the mount kits for the motor to bolt in along with the 94 and up integra motors!

they make a mount kit for the 90-93 teg motor, not the 86-89 teg motor.

Originally posted by ihaveanSTD

Because it's not imported, genious. $6-700 for a USDM motor, shit, you need to find new sources.

Sources, like what? Joe smuck in Georgia selling a "complete, excellent condition, perfect running motor" for $400? Then when it gets here its a pile of shit?

Have you even called a junkyard looking for a US market motor? I doubt that too. Most junkyards charge upwards of $1k for a motor trans setup.

There are lots of direct bolt in motors, that are easy. ANY D series, thats including the ZC, is easy.

I don't know what kind of junkyard you have wherever you are...but the yards here dont' generally charge a grand for a motor/tranny set...the most I've seen anyone pay was $800...and that was for a 94 LS with a GSR Tranny...we get great deals here...:devil:

Originally posted by kris


Sources, like what? Joe smuck in Georgia selling a "complete, excellent condition, perfect running motor" for $400? Then when it gets here its a pile of shit?

Have you even called a junkyard looking for a US market motor? I doubt that too. Most junkyards charge upwards of $1k for a motor trans setup.

There are lots of direct bolt in motors, that are easy. ANY D series, thats including the ZC, is easy.

I know you are a moderator but frankly I don't give a shit. Because this time, I know I am right. I bought my D16Y8 from a LOCAL junkyard in Pensacola Florida for $550. That was them pulling the motor, delivering it to my LOCAL performance shop and it also included intake manifold, exhaust manifold, alternator, water pump, timing belt, oil pump, and every other accessory that was on the motor in a USDM 96 civic EX. Ok, it is now in my 91 honda civic Si. Direct bolt in using Si wiring harness, Si intake manifold, HP Racing header, Si distributor, Integra ECU, and stock exhaust. IT WORKS!!!! It was only $550. Once again, this was them pulling the motor included. I guess that does mean I called a local junkyard, got a perfect running motor, all for $550. Does this clarify anything, would you like scanned receipts. Now what.

times like these i wish i had a dick so i could whip it out and join in the pissing contest :evillaugh

it all depends on your location. i have heard the z6 found from $250-500....and the y8 from $500-900 (depending on the year & mi)

i personally try to get my engines from engine places. unless the engine in the junkyard has very little miles, they are genrally cheaper through engine suppliers. you can get both usdm and jdm spec engines through those places as well.

but when talking junkyard prices.....it's all relevant to where you live. they want $125 for a USED radiator at my local junkyard. :bloated:

location location location and who you know, that's where you save money. kris, don't think I'm hating on you. That's not what I'm here for.

U-Wrench-It in Kansas City, MO.....

"ANY COMPLETE ENGINE... $599"

if only they had GSR's and Del Sol VTEC's

Originally posted by ihaveanSTD


I know you are a moderator but frankly I don't give a shit. Because this time, I know I am right. I bought my D16Y8 from a LOCAL junkyard in Pensacola Florida for $550. That was them pulling the motor, delivering it to my LOCAL performance shop and it also included intake manifold, exhaust manifold, alternator, water pump, timing belt, oil pump, and every other accessory that was on the motor in a USDM 96 civic EX. Ok, it is now in my 91 honda civic Si. Direct bolt in using Si wiring harness, Si intake manifold, HP Racing header, Si distributor, Integra ECU, and stock exhaust. IT WORKS!!!! It was only $550. Once again, this was them pulling the motor included. I guess that does mean I called a local junkyard, got a perfect running motor, all for $550. Does this clarify anything, would you like scanned receipts. Now what.


It works without vtec hooked up? :hehe: Why did you buy it then?

all it takes to activate VTEC is a toggle switch :P

Originally posted by ihaveanSTD
I really wish some of you would quit saying JDM this and that. Why buy a "JDM 1.5 liter vtec", pay assloads on shipping, plus cost of motor, plus all the other hassles of "JDM" when you can simply buy a ZC (88-91 integra) or a SOHC VTEC from any civic EX from 92 and up. It makes no logical sense. The only "JDM" engine I would consider would be the B16A. The parts are readilly available for the USDM motors and for the 130!!!! hp the JDM sohc vtec ZC bullshit, you can easily find a good used USDM motor for less money and less hassles. Please take into consideration these things before you start saying JDM JDM JDM. That phrase is getting a bit overused.

Hate to break it to you but ZC is a JDM engine, it's not the same thing as the 86-89 Integra engine.

be very carefull if you are wiring MPFI if its a multi pointed motor, i have spent 2000 dollars on a damn ZC for my DX hatch. :(

Originally posted by kris



It works without vtec hooked up? :hehe: Why did you buy it then?

who said anything about the vtec not being hooked up. Alright, who let this moron be a moderator? He obviously doesn't think before speaking. I DO have my VTEC activated by using an Autometer RPM activated switch. This way, I can change my activation points by utilizing the RPM pills that you purchase separately. This gives me control of my activation point, is more reliable than a toggle switch, and is a simple, affective way of activating vtec. Don't try me.:flipa: :flipa: :flipa:

Originally posted by ihaveanSTD


who said anything about the vtec not being hooked up. Alright, who let this moron be a moderator? He obviously doesn't think before speaking. I DO have my VTEC activated by using an Autometer RPM activated switch. This way, I can change my activation points by utilizing the RPM pills that you purchase separately. This gives me control of my activation point, is more reliable than a toggle switch, and is a simple, affective way of activating vtec. Don't try me.:flipa: :flipa: :flipa:

i doubt kris is a moron and im sure he was playing.....moderators can have fun too

it's all in good fun. Kris, I'm not after you buddy.

Originally posted by 91civicDXdude
all it takes to activate VTEC is a toggle switch :P


But he didnt say anything about that. :)

Originally posted by ihaveanSTD


who said anything about the vtec not being hooked up. Alright, who let this moron be a moderator? He obviously doesn't think before speaking. I DO have my VTEC activated by using an Autometer RPM activated switch. This way, I can change my activation points by utilizing the RPM pills that you purchase separately. This gives me control of my activation point, is more reliable than a toggle switch, and is a simple, affective way of activating vtec. Don't try me.:flipa: :flipa: :flipa:


You didnt say anything about that, when you went on your rant about your $550 motor. :)

I prefer to run a vtec motor with its correct ECU, or stand alone unit. Not ghetto rig it. ;)

Originally posted by kris


I prefer to run a vtec motor with its correct ECU, or stand alone unit. Not ghetto rig it. ;)

slow down speed racer. i perfer the p28 ecu way however, there are people out there that perfer the rpm activated switch because you can switch up the pills and choose where vtec activates. example: they choose 4800 for daily driving but switch it up to 5200 for the track. changing the pill is as easy as a fuse...pull it out and pop it in.

the toggle switch alone is the "ghetto rig" way :silly2:

Originally posted by LadyNRedSi


slow down speed racer. i perfer the p28 ecu way however, there are people out there that perfer the rpm activated switch because you can switch up the pills and choose where vtec activates. example: they choose 4800 for daily driving but switch it up to 5200 for the track. changing the pill is as easy as a fuse...pull it out and pop it in.

the toggle switch alone is the "ghetto rig" way :silly2:


People prefer all sorts of ways.

I prefer to try and run the ECU for the motor. Maybe I am just basic, but oh well.

Originally posted by kris



People prefer all sorts of ways.

I prefer to try and run the ECU for the motor. Maybe I am just basic, but oh well.

i hear ya...the ecu is more efficent and reliable way. it's just not fair to call the rpm switch ghetto when some people run that way with reason.

Zdyne (http://www.zdyne.com/) there! ha!

rpm activated switch = the ghetto way no matter how you look at it.

If you want to adjust the vtec activation, get a vtec controller. with an rpm activated switch, you dont have the additional fuel and will run lean at vtec, even with a pg7 ecu.

I used to ahve an rpm activated switch VTEC, but only because i couldn't afford a VTEC controller at the time. yes it will work, but yes, it is ghetto.

Originally posted by 91civicDXdude
rpm activated switch = the ghetto way no matter how you look at it.

If you want to adjust the vtec activation, get a vtec controller. with an rpm activated switch, you dont have the additional fuel and will run lean at vtec, even with a pg7 ecu.



Thank you! Someone out there agrees. ;)

Originally posted by 91civicDXdude


I used to ahve an rpm activated switch VTEC, but only because i couldn't afford a VTEC controller at the time. yes it will work, but yes, it is ghetto.

now that is gh3y. sorry man but you were all cool with the rpm switch. the after you could "afford" the vtec controller you changed your mind :rolleyes: so now are you going to save up and "afford" a b16 and call the sohc vtec "ghetto"

Originally posted by LadyNRedSi


now that is gh3y. sorry man but you were all cool with the rpm switch. the after you could "afford" the vtec controller you changed your mind :rolleyes: so now are you going to save up and "afford" a b16 and call the sohc vtec "ghetto"

lol

Okay, now we all know the D series is the easiest swap out there. I think its time the thread dies..