Looking to buy a del Sol, Need some advice

[CAguilar]

I intend to buy one within the upcoming few months. I'm interested in a VTEC model, really. I have a few questions.

1) What good resources are there for finding used del Sols? Autotrader is about all I know of, right now.

2) Is it more cost efficient to buy a VTEC model Del Sol or to buy an S/Si and upgrade the engine?

3) What other engines actually fit into Del Sol? I've heard the b18 that comes in integras might fit, but I really don't know.

That's for whatever help you can provide.

[Plastic_Fork]

1) I found my car on Autotrader.

2) I would buy the VTEC if you can get one. Everything you're looking for comes stock. Putting everything on it from an Si platform requires a lot of money and work. The S I wouldn't even bother with.

3) Any B-series or D-series motor will fit with little modification in the engine bay. It's mostly just wiring. Just be sure you get a manual transmission Del Sol - makes it easier.

[Hybrid_Sol]

Any B-series engine will bolt right into the engine compartment. The VTEC comes with a B16A2 or 3. You can put a B18C in from a GS-R or Type R.

You can also put in a B18B or B20 from an Integra or CRV. Those are not VTEC motors, but the VTEC head fits nicely on it if you tap the block and add an oil feed for the VTEC.

You can also put a H or F series motor in with little difficulty, but you do have to change the motor mounts and sometimes the axles. Its more work, costs more, and weighs more and unless you're Stephen Papadakis, you probably won't get too much more power out of the H22 then the B20.

If the motor mounts are the same on all the trim levels (and I think they are), get the cheapest Del Sol you can find and build a new motor for it from a B18C or B20-VTEC then put it in later. Just get the tranny from a GS-R, Type R, or Del Sol VTEC - you'll want the short gears, especially if you want big rims.

Look on ebaymotors.com and cars.com for more listings.

I have a Del Sol VTEC and I want to use the head I have on a B20 block, but that means I'll be out of a car while all the work is being done. I may end up buying another B16 or B18 for the head and tranny to minimize downtime.

If you have a lot of time, money, and another car for a dialy driver, you could always try to drop a C32 motor in there. It'll fit in the trunk. You'll baiscally have an NSX :o)~

[s2Ksol]

Just some helpful info on years and VTEC models.

1994 the VTEC model was introduced, but 93-94 sols didn't have power door locks, trunk release, and a low fuel light. They were introduced in 1995 as a standard options in the Si and VTEC models.

AC and ABS was an option for 94 VTEC models, but became STANDARD in 1995 for VTEC models.

The 93-94 targa top rubber gaskets were poor in design and were improved upon in 1995. The old rubber gaskets allowed water to leak inside the del-Sol.

93-95 the bumper had aux lights/fog lights in the bumper. The bumper was redesigned in 96-97.

The 94-95 VTEC model has the b16a3 with an OBD 1 computer.

The 96-97 VTEC model has the b16a2 with an OBD 2 computer (more emissions restrictive) (the same engine/computer you would find in the 99/00 Civic SI.

VTEC models ONLY have a rear control arms that allows for a sway bar to be attached. The bolt pattern that allows for it is not offered on the S or Si.