New to Honda and need help

[robsvsu]

I just recently bought a 1997 Civic EX Auto. The engine has bottom end damage and what I am finding out now is that used replacement D16Y8 engines are hard to come by at a decent price. I bought it with 83K for $325 and just want to put a used engine in and sell the car. My question is can one take a D16Y7 Block, put my D16Y8 head on and install it in my vehicle? Are the D16Y7 and Y8 blocks the same? Can it work without modifications? I can buy a D16Y7 Engine from '96 Civic or Del Sol for $400 versus $750-$1100 for D16Y8. Also, does it matter when looking for an engine wether you specify having auto/manual? I would think not but everytime I ask if one is available they ask auto or manual. I appologize in advance if I am asking questions that have been asked/answered many times. I tried searching quickly and didn't find anything. I am pressed for time as I hope to get this car fixed by the weekend. Thanks

[crxlsvturbo]

y7 block and y8 head will work

[prolifictwinkie]

thehead swap should work however the only thing that you might have to work on is your throttle cable since the throttle bodypully on a y7 is a overhead pull system were as the y8 has the cable going under as well as possibly buying some longer vacuum hoses for the vacuum sensors on the intake manifold which is all pretty cheap to do unless your not doing the swap yourself.