here's a ? that I need some help with.

[vamp8267]

Ok guys, got a new keyboard so nobody gets a migrain trying to read this.
Anyways, I've got an '88 DX civic 4door. it's got the hamster mill 1.5 in it with almost 250,000 on the odometer. (DAMN these motors last!)
But seriously, I am still in the "deciphering" stage for all these engine numbers (I.E. di6, b15, zc, vtec, etc.) I am looking for a swap that isn't going to dent the federal defecet (S.I.C.) I would like to go junkyard surfing for an engine that I can drop in this car without getting custom motor mounts or patching in a wiring harness(I HATE wiring!) so what I'm wondering is what years-makes-models-etc. that I need to be looking for to find my swap. thank you all for reading this (and hopefully not laughing ) any info would be appreciated. thanx again.

[Redline_civic91]

you might want to go with a zc engine or a b-16, but you will need wiring for the b-16 so not sure if thats what you want, but definetly the best choice if going for performance. zc you can use your current harness but i would suggest you go with a teg harness. basically if your not gonna put the same engine you got in it right now your gonna have to do some wiring and mounts. but there is exeptions as in the zc.

WARNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

if you want an engine thats gonna dependable please save some more money and buy a good used engine, cause chances are a junkyard would not be your best bet. i'd wait alittle to make sure your getting a good engine

[91zc]

Hate to burst your bubble but any motor other than the d15 already in there will require wiring changes. The d15 runs 2 fuel injectors while other honda motors run 4. The ZC will require you to either modify your harness or buy a harness to run a b series, zc, or any other honda motor.

[FourthGenHatch]

Well you have plenty of options but since you don't want to break the bank I would suggest the following...

ZC; this is like 130hp DOHC. Thats pretty good. You could get a complete swap for under $1000. These bolt right up and you will have to convert from DPFI to MPFI which you can do from an HAsport harness for $199. The only problem I have with this is reliability. You are supposed to rebuild the whole engine and that will cost another $1000 for parts and gaskets. So to make a long story short this is a waste of money.

D16 SOHC VTEC; these engines have like 125-127hp and come from 92-95 EX and Sis, and newer EXs. They bolt right up (except for the front mount, but I think you can use your old mount and it will work). Wiring on this shouldn't be that hard if you use a VTEC Controller or an MSD RPM Activated Switch. You can find these engines for pretty cheap, I would suggest finding someone with one of these cars who is getting a DOHC B-series swap or something because they would probably sell the engine for cheap. Also you will need to use your old Tranny because these engines are Hydro clutch and ours are cable. But no big deal. Just buy a new clutch and you will be ok with the added power, and clutch would cost probably the same as a used tranny so you'll be ok. When I do my swap I plan to do this engine swap. Since these engines probably won't be sitting around as long as a ZC they will be more reliable.

[vamp8267]

Originally posted by 91zc
Hate to burst your bubble but any motor other than the d15 already in there will require wiring changes. The d15 runs 2 fuel injectors while other honda motors run 4. The ZC will require you to either modify your harness or buy a harness to run a b series, zc, or any other honda motor.

Ok. so anything I do is gonna req. some harness manipulation.
Here's what I'd like 2 do. Go to a junkyard. get a rebuildable engine out of a honda. (cheaper that way if your gonna gut it anyways!) build it up into something that will move and that isn't gonna require "turbos" or a "$2500 ecu chip" you know. I'd actually like to know that when I spend 800 bucks on a part it's for some hardcore pistons and not for something that is expensive just because. Sorry for having this attitude toward a motor swap but I am a recent convert from V-8 land. so hopefully SOME understanding in this line of questions. So, I guess my actual question would be : What would a reliable engine be to start with for my build up. I'd like something that's common, "like a 350 is to a chevy" but sturdy. and what vehicles, years, models, etc. would I find it in? thanks again.

[91zc]

Well the d series motors are the easiest to find but the b series are sturdier in stock form. I would be on the lookout for 88-91 Civic/crx Si, 90-up Acura Integra. Those 2 would be your best bets. Otherwise import a motor from Japan.