got some questions on what to do? 96 civic hatch.

[burnt_outV8]

I just got a '96 civic hatchback, i've always wanted a good 4 banger but never had one. Here's the scenario, i got this car for $500, runs great, 5spd. and the body's great (i think it has 2 dings, minor). I figured if i ever hopped up a four cylinder it would probably be like an integra or an si, but i figure with the deal i got on this car i might as well make this the one. So i have a couple of questions....1) about how much does this car weigh, i mean is it light enough to make it decently fast?...2) i know the motor currently in the car must go if i want to go fast, what should i look for. i was thinking generally somewhere along the lines of a B18C of some sort, but feel free to let me know what you would do...3) Also the current gauge panel doesn't include a tach, how or where could i go to get a gauge panel with a tach. I wouldn't mind having the tach as a separate gauge, but i really like the look of a tach in the gauge panel...4) Last question is there anything i should know about this model/type of car before i start investing time and money? thanks for any replies.

[CivicSpoon]

1)Depending on which model you have (CX or DX) the weight should be around 2222 or 2242lbs respectively.
2)Depends on what you want to do with it. If you're looking for just a motor swap and have no plans for turbo in the future then the GSR or Type R motors are probably the best of the easier swaps you could do. But if you are thinking about turbo then probably either the LS motor (b18b) or the GSR would be your best bet.
3)I believe you should be able to swap in any gauge cluster from a coupe 96-98 (I'm guessing from the 99-00 too but I'm not positive on that).
4)The hatchbacks are the lightest of the civics, so if you're looking for a 96+ civic to work with then you made the right choice. And for $500 for a running great body condition car; it's a steal.

[mellowboy]

Yeh damn how u get it for 500?? Anyways get yourself an EX gauge cluster and it'll bolt right up. I'd go with the type r motor or gsr. Stay away from 1.6...torqueless. I had a b16 in my rex and i swapped the blocks out with an ITR short block. BIG DIFFERENCE.

[civicHBsi91]

Originally Posted by mellowboy

Stay away from 1.6...torqueless. I had a b16 in my rex and i swapped the blocks out with an ITR short block. BIG DIFFERENCE.

Finally they see the light...!

A buddy of mine has a 97 cx with an ex guage cluster (even the auto's will work but you'll have the gear indicator strip) and a gsr with bolt on's its a decent car. he aslo has a type r tranny with lsd deff great off the line and quick acceleration. hell they even make k20 swap kit's now

[burnt_outV8]

well as far as turbo goes, definitely. So i'm assume an ls integra motor would be good. My buddy offered to sell his to me it would be out of a '94 integra, but the thing is it has like 170,000 miles on it. So here's the deal should i take him up on his offer and rebuild the motor, or should i just look for a newer less used motor and tranny. And the car model is a DX.

[mellowboy]

Well how much is he givin it to u for? If its dirt cheap then i'd say get it and rebuild it.

[LECKEY73]

I have a EJ Civic that is automatic I have purchased the left engine mount bracket from the 00 SI what rear mount or mount bracket do I use for this swap I have heard people saying use the rea Si mount bracket but thatis 4 the 5 speed so I am lost. can somebody help me?