I did my first major bit of engine work this past weekend on a friend's driveway. Well, it's a D16Z6 head with a D15Z1 block. I just swapped the head only for right now and will get the intake, exhaust and P28 ECU later on.
I'd like to point out somethings that came up in this install that I found interesting:
1. It was a piece of cake taking stuff of and putting stuff back on! Way easier than I thought.
2. The D15Z1 has an EGR system that I connected to the D16Z6 head even though there is no EGR port in it and everything still works fine: no CEL... yet.
3. After weverything was installed, I turned on the ignition and ..... nothing. Engine turns, but won't start AND no CEL. Now I am pretty upset because it was 10 at night. So I called it a day. Woke up Sunday and redid the timing belt twice and same thing all over again. Then I decided just to keep the ignition cranked for a while continuously. And then the engine turn rate picked up with each passing second until about a minute later it cranked up and started purring like I knew it should. Why was that? I think it is because of the lost lubrication during the swap (all fluids were topped of before cranking)
Now the engine runs great. Even better than it used to. Like the cooling fan used to be on all the time. Now it cycles like it is supposed to. And the engine picks up rpms when the AC comes on, it used to dip before.
All in all a great experience. Sense of satisfaction that I felt when it started up was well worth the pain.
I'd like to point out to everyone who does a swap to find out that their car doesn't start (and no CEL) to keep turning the crank for a minute to let the engine lubricate and it should start up. If this doesn't do it then go to the other dianostic methods.
Everybody, thanks for all the advice and help for my various questions.