Got D16a1?

I just picked up an '88 D16A1 to swap into my '86 CRX SI...

YEEHAWW!

Looks like I'll be swapping a motor this fall (I gotta rebuild it first)!

I was contemplating getting a D16A1-ZC, but I got a really good deal on the D16A1 and I figured that after I rebuild this engine and swap the cams that it will be better (and cheaper) than a 60,000mi ZC motor (especially since I've got a turbo to install on it!).

My goal for this engine is to get 200hp out of it without spending an arm and a leg (well maybe I can part with my left arm since I don't use it that often, but definitely not the left leg since I need that for shifting). I've seen these motors produce up to 250hp w/turbo and other mods so I feel that 200hp is a realistic goal. I am also rebuilding an '89 Integra trans w/LSD (not the hallucinogenic type) to mate up to this motor.

I just heard I have (possibly) problematic piston rings / head and that I need a new engine.

How much did you get yours for? How will you rebuild it (how much time/money is that) and what do you need to accomplish that as far as tools go?

hey Alexander, if you need a really good cam grinder let me know. the one in my area is excellent. i can assist in drop-off/delivery if you want as well.

I picked it up locally through the classifieds for $100 (blown head gasket and all!). Fortunately, the guy had just rebuilt the head before the gasket blew (he installed it himself and screwed it up) so that saves me some $. All I'll have to do is resurface it a little.

I don't want to put more than $2,500 into this rebuild, but that will include an aftermarket intake plenum, cams, pistons, rods, turbo exhaust manifold and exhaust system. I'll have someone else do the machine work, but I'll do the porting, piston balancing, assembly, and construction of the turbo system and exhaust. I will be adapting a Garrett turbo from an '89 SAAB 900 that I got from my local junkyard for $16.50 (score!), this is partly how I plan to get it up to 200hp.

Here's my inspiration:
http://www.muller.net/sonny/crx/

I'm not planning to build my engine exactly the same as the one in the link, but similar. I'm sure in the future I'll want to see just how far I can take this motor, so I plan to build a strong bottom end first, then focus on the head, then the intake. This should give me a good foundation to build on as time goes on.

I just heard I have (possibly) problematic piston rings / head and that I need a new engine.

How much did you get yours for? How will you rebuild it (how much time/money is that) and what do you need to accomplish that as far as tools go?

I'm sure that you can rebuild your motor for ALOT less than I'm planning to spend. A rebuild kit for your car will probably cost about $400, but that doesn't include the cost of any needed machine work. I know that autoparts stores will sell a rebuilt engine for my car (CRX SI) for about $1,500, so you could probably pick one up from your local autoparts store for a little less. Also, a while back a friend of mine picked up an imported motor an 84 CRX for $400, and it was guaranteed to have less than $60,000mi, this may be the best option for you.

hey Alexander, if you need a really good cam grinder let me know. the one in my area is excellent. i can assist in drop-off/delivery if you want as well.

I might take you up on that!

thx, I have to agree with you. I wonder if I can find this same deal...