D16Z6 vs B16A

Ok, now I'm thinking, save some money and go D16Z6... still a very nice upgrade from my DX engine (which, by the way, was passed off to my mechanic as an si engine, the model number is actually scratched to look like D16).

D16Z6

Pros: Less expensive, plenty of aftermarket parts, 125HP, and I still get VTEC, should pass smog in CA?

Cons: Not as fast as b16a - but do I really need that extra 35HP for daily driving (I know, I'm asking for it saying that!)

B16A:

Pros: Faster than the D16Z6... DOHC (again, how much does this matter on a daily no-drag driver?)

Cons: Cost more, trouble passing smog in CA.

Thoughts on this???? I plan on keeping the car for at least 3 more years, maybe longer.

Which engine or upgrades you do should always be based upon how much money you plan to spend, You could probably go d16z6 for under 1000 total. Unfortuneatly b16 wouldnt be even close to that cheap. You MIGHT be able to get a b16 in your car for that much but that would be without a lit of things that would be nice to have. One thing is DOHC engines feel more powerful, I have a 110HP mr2 and it feels tons faster than my hatchback because of those dual cams just something to think about.

i swapped the d16 into my 91 hatch and i love it.My best friend has a 99 si and we usually race to where ever were going.Sometmes he wins sometimes i win- an extra 35 horse wont make a whole lot of difference in my opinion.Yeah the b16 has more potential...but are you gonna use that potential???

well, it doesnt make much of a difference over a long distance but in a short race he would take you.

also with a b16, parts are more expensive so like if you have to buy a new tranny for your b series, its more expensive. with the d16 all you have to find is a d series tranny which is really cheap.

Originally posted by gunnmen01
- an extra 35 horse wont make a whole lot of difference in my opinion.Yeah the b16 has more potential...but are you gonna use that potential???


You have clearly never seen a B16a in a 4g. The USDM Si is a really poor car to measure yourself against. Its a heavy underpowered dog of a car sold by Honda to keep the possers who want a DOHC VTEC badge on thier new Civic happy.

The B16a in a properly sort 4g is something else entirly. I do things to ZC powered 4g's that woud have most of you crying to your mommys, and even a ZC powered CRX poses no challange what so ever.

That 35hp makes a huge differnce! And as it happens I use it quite regularly. But you have to know what to do with it. Point it in the wrong direction and you can get in serious trouble.

And thats the got to be the biggest differnce between doing a B16a or D16z engine swap.
The US spec Civics simply dont have the factory brakes or suspension set up to handle the power of a B16a.
They will cope with a D16z or a ZC but your stretching it on the lower spec drum braked models.
But to put a B16a into even an Si requires at least a suspension upgrade to handle it safely and properly.

So this needs to be taken into condsideration when decieding how much money you can afford to spend on a swap.

Its no good having a B16a if you cant get the power to the raod, and point it in the right direction. You might find you were better off going with the D16z6 and spending a little on suspension and brakes and end with a Faster and safer car.

My B16A is stuck in customs, but we're definitely going for it. I have the money for the swap and some other safety upgrades...

suspension upgrade:

I've already upgraded to KYB shocks (model? I need to check, had it done last summer). Also upgraded from 13" to 15" '00 Si rims, the tires are fine for now (plenty of tread), eventually I'd like to get Pirelli or Yokohama rubber.

I plan on adding tower sway bars front/rear and Eibach Prokit springs.

I recently learned that I can replace my bushings. Is this considered suspension?

What else would be considered suspension? We're also upgrading the brakes.