D16 Engine Swap

[RustyH]

I've bought a used D16 SOHC JDM VTEC motor and am gettting ready to swap out my daughter's tired old 94 Civic DX non-VTEC motor. Outside of replacing the timing belt, waterpump, front and rear main seals and new clutch assy, including new flywheel, what else should I be looking at. Orginal motor had over 160K before the head gasket went.

Other items I have are new headers, muffler, OBX intake, aftermarket air cleaner (located behind front grill) MSD cap, rotor and external coil, new motor mount inserts and transmissions shifter bushings.

I'll be changing out the starter and possibly the alternator, although the old one never gave me any problems.

I know I've got to change out the cpu and wire it for VTEC, but there's a shop here that will do that for about $200.00, so I may farm that out.

I've done chevy's and fords, and have the tools, but this is my first honda. Any tips or suggestions on how to make this swap as simple as possible.

Thanks....

PS...GIVEN THE PARTS LISTED ABOVE, WHAT SORT OF PERFORMANCE SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THIS SETUP AND IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I COULD DO, OUTSIDE OF TURBO OR SUPERCHARGE TO GET MORE HP. DO AFTERMARKET FUEL RAILS OR THROTTLE BODIES MAKE ENOUGH DIFFERENCE TO WARRANT THEIR COST.

[sonictronic]

Well, since you say the headgasket went on the old D15B7, id check the radiator. Have it flushed and make sure to use a new thermostat in the new 1.6L motor as well. Also keep an eye on the cooling fan to make sure it is running when the motor reaches operating temp. There had to be a reason for that gasket to go and you dont want the new motor giving the same trouble.

As far as the mods go, that looks like a pretty standard list there, except if your daughter drives in the rain a lot id probably just keep a Short ram intake on there to prevent hydrolocking, (i know it doesnt say you have a cold air intake, but im seeing an "interfooler" setup if its behind the front grille of the civic's bumper).

If you want a lot more hp, you are gonna need to go the Forced induction route. Just be prepared to spend an additional 2000-2500 for a good kit.

[RustyH]

Thanks for the input. I forgot to mention there's a new radiator and thermostat. The old radiator cracked at the top and I replaced it and the thermostat a few weeks before the head gasket blew....guess I should have seen it coming....and that's when my sweet daughter decided to keep driving, even though there "seemed to be a lot of white stuff" coming from the exhaust.

Oh well, another life lesson learned.

Living in Phoenix, rain isn't much of a problem, except during monsoons, but I did put a bypass or one way or whatever it's called on the tubing for the air induction.

After my first post, I thought of something else.

Should I replace or rebuild the axles? They look okay, don't rattle and the rubber doesn't appear to be cracked or broken, but they do have over 160K on them as well.

thanks again

[kommon_sense]

Originally Posted by RustyH

I've bought a used D16 SOHC JDM VTEC motor and am gettting ready to swap out my daughter's tired old 94 Civic DX non-VTEC motor. Outside of replacing the timing belt, waterpump, front and rear main seals and new clutch assy, including new flywheel, what else should I be looking at. Orginal motor had over 160K before the head gasket went.

I would change the headgasket, cam seal, distributor o-ring, and valve cover gasket as well. Might want to inspect the input shaft bearing in the tranny too.

Don't forget to do a valve adjustment/lash.

Other items I have are new headers, muffler, OBX intake, aftermarket air cleaner (located behind front grill) MSD cap, rotor and external coil, new motor mount inserts and transmissions shifter bushings.

I'll be changing out the starter and possibly the alternator, although the old one never gave me any problems.

I know I've got to change out the cpu and wire it for VTEC, but there's a shop here that will do that for about $200.00, so I may farm that out.

I've done chevy's and fords, and have the tools, but this is my first honda. Any tips or suggestions on how to make this swap as simple as possible.

Thanks....

PS...GIVEN THE PARTS LISTED ABOVE, WHAT SORT OF PERFORMANCE SHOULD I EXPECT FROM THIS SETUP AND IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I COULD DO, OUTSIDE OF TURBO OR SUPERCHARGE TO GET MORE HP. DO AFTERMARKET FUEL RAILS OR THROTTLE BODIES MAKE ENOUGH DIFFERENCE TO WARRANT THEIR COST.

don't waste money on tb or rails. the stock rail is good until about 300hp. The d15b vtec is a great little motor, but you will only get so much out of a 1.5L. I would just focus on making it fun to drive (like suspension, good radio, etc.)

[sick_civic]

hey besure to take a look at your pcv hose on the intake, mine had a big slit in teh back, i thinks thats wat did my head gasket in

[RustyH]

thanks for the input so far....you guys (or gals) have given me some good ideas about what to do next.

the suspension is lowered about 1.5" all around and she's already got a good sound system, with sirius as well.

i'll be putting the new motor up on the engine stand next weekend, so i can do as much prep work as possible before pulling the old motor and replacing it

ill let you know how that goes later on.

[kommon_sense]

also since it is a 94, consider replacing the bushings while you are doing the engine transplant. replacing worn rubber will breath some new life into the chassis. you could also get a set of front lower control arms form an ex model along with the stock sway bar from the ex. Any junkyard should be able to get those pieces for you for probably no more than $150, tops.

[ksniperfox]

Originally Posted by RustyH

I know I've got to change out the cpu and wire it for VTEC, but there's a shop here that will do that for about $200.00, so I may farm that out.
.

the ECU needed is a P28, and for 200 that sounds like a solid deal. the p28 would be like 100 and the vtec solenoid idk, and then labor, sounds like its worth it, as long as they do it right.

dont expect a lot of power from hondas unless you go turbo/SC/nitrous. think about it, how much power is a 1.6 all motor car going to make? itll get you around, lil zippy, but it isnt fast..its fun. and if you swap a dohc vtec motor, lots of fun its not like fords and chevy v8s where you put in a K&N and gain like 30hp. sounds like a pretty badass civic though..hope your daughter enjoys it.

[RustyH]

Originally Posted by ksniperfox

dont expect a lot of power from hondas unless you go turbo/SC/nitrous. think about it, how much power is a 1.6 all motor car going to make? itll get you around, lil zippy, but it isnt fast..its fun.

im not looking for a racer, just a good solid car that hopefully will last until my son gets his license, in a couple of more years. by then, my daughter will have moved out and gotten her own car. the si vtec motor should have more hp than the old dx motor, but no enough for her to get into too much trouble. (i can hope, anyway)