Woohoo!!!! D16Z6 head installed!

[RedBetta]

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.

[RedBetta]

One more thing: what spark plug should I use? I installed recommended D15Z1 plugs. Should I get ones that are recommended for the D16Z6?

Let me know.

Thanks

[RedBetta]

UPDATE: I set the timing at the factory recommended 16 degrees BTDC and now the car feels slow. The mods so far: CAI, D16Z6 head (just installed D16 plugs, the D15 ones were fouled), EGR delete. Should I go for 18 degrees BTDC?

Please help.

[SilverY2KCivic]

I'm not sure what would be best as for timing. But perhaps setting back to what it was before you adjusted to factory?

Sounds like the install went well, good work. The Z6 head is a good choice, as is the Y8 of course, and the A6 as well. I'm seriously considering swapping out my Y7 head on my D16 for an EX Y8 head to gain VTEC and the extra 20hp. Also sounds like you made your engine "better" with the swap, good work on that as well. And also excellent work for not throwing a CEL.

As for the plugs, I'd say run the Z6 plugs just to be on the safe side. Better plugs never hurt anybody anyways.

[RedBetta]

Thanks SilverY2KCivic! I had a good time doing the swap considering that it was the most involved mechanics I've ever attempted. I am hoping to see more results when I do the complete swap, ECU and the waorks that is.

That's what I am hoping the new plugs will do.

As for the Y8, that's a great choice and VTEC... can't beat that. I got the D16 based on economics and avalablity. Good luck with your mods!