d15b7 to d15b swap

[caniborrow50cnts]

I have a couple questions regarding the swap between the 16valve 1.5L engine and the VTEC 1.5L.

It has come down to the point where I have to change the engine in my 93 civic lx because it is beyond repair. I found cheap Japanese import engines which I know have different pollution systems and such but that is not the question. My knowledge about civics is limited, but I am told that I will have to replace the intake and exhaust, which should fit perfectly since the block is the same size. I was also told that I should still have the extra 30hp that the d15b engine has even though I may not be able to hook up the VTEC actuator. I'm not too worried about the actuator unless it is vital, but I will get to that later. Other than that, the engine should be an exact swap..I hope.

Now, could someone please tell me if what I have been told is correct? It would also help if I knew if specific parts are different on the d15b engine such as water pump and timing belt. One last question though...I know in some cars, it is easier to pull the tranny out with the engine and swap outside the car and some it is easier to keep in...by experience, on civics (also noting that this is a standard), which would be easier?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[snowman2005]

pull the entire engine and trans out then swap it outside the car and put the new engine in. as for the vtec "actuator" its vtec solonoid u would need to hook it up if u want the full potential out of the d15b. its not very hard to do its 3 wires. the exhaust and intake u do not have to change at all they will bolt up to ur stock ones

[caniborrow50cnts]

Since this engine is only on the japanese versions, how would I be able to cross-reference part numbers. For instance, I have a new timing belt for the civic lx which has the d15b7 engine. Would the parts listed for the d15b7 be the same as d15b since the block is the same?

[snowman2005]

use the 92-95 vx timing belt and waterpump. vx and jdm d15b has the same teeth count. if u wana make sure it works take ur old timing belt to honda and compare them.

[caniborrow50cnts]

I have noted that the teeth on the old belt on the d15b engine has only 103 teeth, which is the same as the VX model's belt. Though the pulley on the water pump appears to be the same, the inlet side is a couple mm shorter than LX model's. So again I got a water pump for the VX engine. However, I also found out that the distributor rotor button is different. I couldn't compare them though because it was missing. I would like to know which one to get because I checked part numbers for Si, VX, HX, CX, DX, and etc. I couldn't find one that would fit. Actually, the only conclusion I could come up with was the regular rotor on the LX distributor would fit, but the screw hole was on the wrong side of the flat side. This would make it 180 off. Again I ask for help. Is there a specific type to get or can this be "afro"-rigged to work flawlessly?

[snowman2005]

the distributor rotor. if u can get ur hands ona z6 one and check if it fits that might be ur best bet.

[caniborrow50cnts]

They all appear to have the same part numbers, but that is just according to autozone and discount auto but I will try the dealer and maybe they can tell me if I atleast figure out what type distributor I have.

[caniborrow50cnts]

I am not sure why that distributor was different but I went to the shop I got it from and swapped it and pointed out the difference. He too was baffled.

Simply put, this is the rotor that is supposed to fit on there. Where the screw is supposed to go, there was no hole on that side opposite where the end was flat. The new distributor I got has the hole going all the way through.


Maybe some Japanese prankster desided to change it before departing his or her car. Anyways, I hope it is going to run now.

[snowman2005]

good luck with it