b18a or d16z6?

[jam4484]

I am currently trying to find out what motor i should go with on my 89 lx. I would love to go with a b16 but everyone has one and i would like to build the engine up my self and see what i can do. i wsa thinking going b18a for a long time but then i remembered all of the extra things iw ould have to buy like mounts and axles and things like that...so my question now is should i just go with the d16z6 or even the zc...i would prefer the d16 because there are a lot more parts for it and they are easier to come across. i know i woul dhave to run a 88-91 tranny so it will fit but what else can i do to it to get mor epower...i wanna go na so no boost. any help would really be appreciated because i am torn with what engine i should get formy car.

[Civic Jim]

i'd go for the d16 coz its gunna be a lot less work and easier to get bits for

[amy@af]

i went with a d16y8 (sohc vtec). i think the z6 might be slightly easier with the MPFI part of it.

if you want to build i would get a thicker head gasket. port n' polish the head. hit up the bottom end with some new pistons and rings. performance cam. or you could hit up some of the basics: intake, header, exhaust.

since you're going to do a swap you should seriously consider getting a 88-91 Si tranny. it's best to do it while the engine is out. and very worth it

[4GZChatch]

This is a subject that I am torn on. while I drive a ZC myself, and like the way my car is currently driving, I have had some fits with it. Also, I really like the way a DOHC looks in the engine bay. If you want to go the easiest route, the ZC is a straight drop in. It would be a great add to put in an Si tranny. I sure wish I had. There is an enormous difference. (I kinda hope mine goes out soon! :sun: ) On the other hand, the SOHC motors are easy to get parts for, and easy to upgrade, but much more involved to install. I have to say that you just have to weigh your options and decide if you want easier install or more options later.

If I was to do it all again, I would probably do a D16Y and put in new rods, pistons, bearings, and do some head work before I put it in. Do I make any sense? Probably not.

[sastanley]

yeah...what that dude said /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\

I currently have a ZC (yet to install it) with an Si tranny, that I got for cheap and am currently rebuilding...

If I was to start this process all over again, i'd prolly get a young d16y8, and instead of rebuilding a 10 year old motor.

[Melt]

How much longer you think its gonna take, I wanna see that bad boy IN!

[sastanley]

well dude..the motor is DONE! - I just saw my baby last night as a matter of fact up in my StepDad's garage, sitting there on an engine stand, waiting to be fired up..

I just moved (an unplanned move ), so all that car shit has been put on hold...I am back to living in a townhouse where they won't even let us wash our cars.

I will do it tho..I've put too much time and money into that engine to not do it...just gotta find time. My plan as we were moving was to look for a house with a 2-car garage, and do the swap before I filled the gargae with junk. But the market for reasonable houses was terrible here in Dec/Jan, so we are renting a townhouse while we wait for a house we want to buy instead of need to buy. So..it will come..in time. Damn, I want that bitch in there too...every time I open my hood and toss another quart of oil in my tired ol' 1.5 I want it in there

[amy@af]

Originally posted by 4GZChatch
On the other hand, the SOHC motors are easy to get parts for, and easy to upgrade, but much more involved to install.

i disagree. if you get the p28 ecu (92-95 Si/EX) you can also get a wiring conversion harness. that makes it almost plug n play. all you need to do is extend 8 wires

4 to 4 wire o2 sensor
1 to vtec
1 to ecu (makes your check engine light flash rather than ecu L.E.D.)
1 to knock sensor
for the life of me i can't remember where the last goes...i don't have my instructions anymore either

with the conversion harness it makes the install as easy as replacing the stock motor