i currently drive an 01 7.3 powerstroke excursion. its rockin 550 hp and 900 lbs of tq. before that i was a tuner kid. had my 03 eclipse and loved it. just got tired of it. Never liked civics much until the past few months. NOW this is where my civic experience begins. I found an 91 hatch civic. which is nice...to me lol. it has a b16 out of another 91 civic (the motor i want, or what i think i want) 5spd, full exhaust (doesnt say what kind...hmmm), rims (nothin special but not bad, skunk2 cam gears, gsr cams, obd1 type r head, pwo ecu, needs battery and grounds (grounds? maybe im not familiar with this, ground wire maybe?) car weighs 2150 with the current owner in it. body is a little rough but nothing too bad seeing its a 20 year old car. what the add says. owner said it died on him the other day and hasn't bothered to look why it died. told him i would get it off of him for $800. couple friends say this is a sweet deal. what do you as a civic owner think??? thanks!

 

800$ isnt a bad buy IF the thing hasnt been dogged to death and he killed the motor.

 

see i dont think it has been but im fixin to drive up on friday and look at it and get it if its in dec shape. is there a decent way to check and see if its completely blown?

 

diagnose why it isnt running, check that the fuel pump humms when you turn the key on, check for spark. check timing belt, you can open oil cap and have someone turn engine over is cams dont turn then belt is broke. look at back bumper for exhaust stains. if bumper is black then motor is worn.

 

good news. i have heard of all of those. i can do most of them on the spot real quick which is good. is there any way to tell if the motor is just completely locked up or shot?

 

you can try starting it, the timing belt inspection, if it wont start you can put it in 3rd, hold clutch in, push car and pop clutch. you can also inspect oil for a glittery look, which will tell you metal shavings

if not then just bring a buddy who knows about vehicles and can look over things for you

 

which is my game plan! i have a good friend, who is being kind enough to loan me the trailer to haul it back 3 hours home, coming with me. he builds little mini drag cars and other little go fast things so im sure he may be able to tell me if its a good risk or not.

 

you can do a compression test there before you buy it, pretty sure your buddy will know how to do it if he builds engines