Engine swap for '87 Civic DX

I am just starting to get into Honda performance. I am wondering if there is a fairly easy swap I can do to keep my beloved Civic from
winding up as a statistic on post-consumer waste recycling. I am not too worried about cost, but I would like to be able to run in the 14's at least.

Some statistics on my Civic: 1987 Civic DX Carburated motor 1.5L
it has 188,000 mi on it so I am going
to replace the entire suspension
system and upgrade brakes while
I am at it. Any suggestions?


Thanks for any info you can give me.

The D16 from the 1st generation integra and ZC engines are common swaps.

You could also but in a B16A and get a few bolt ons and that should get you to run in the 14's.:D

I am in the same boat. I just picked up a 87 CRX with carbs as well. I am looking at running a carbbed ZC. That way you dont have to mess with the fuel injection shit.

Well, rather than swap, you could consider rebuilding the EW 12valve engine with performance parts. I've seen them do 150bhp at the flywheel reliably, without stressing the engine. On of the more popular all-motor swaps for 1G civics over here is the EW2 with twin 40mm webbers, mugen cam, extractors, upped capacity, bored etc to produce this figure. In a 660kg car the engine is a rocket.

If you want to swap, the JDM Si CRX of that vintage was ZC powered -have a guess what bolts straight in? Ecu, wiring, gearbox, axels etc would need to be sourced at the same time.

B16A would go in, but is going to mess with weight distribution etc requiring suspension upgrades plus re-engineering the mounts etc.

My suggestion is ZC with turbo added later. Tons of power and a pocket rocket to boot.

Do you have any idea what the cost would be for a EW2 build up of the level you mention as opposed to buying a JDM B16A1 swap? I would love to avoid the hassle of what I have heard is a "wiring nightmare" to convert the carbed car to a MPFI ECU setup. Thanks.