I just bought a 1990 civic , its a base model 4sp with no options. My plans are just to drive it and auto X it, so I dont need a lot of power I just want a cheap easy swap with a 5sp and some potential for future modding. I dont know a whole lot about honda (FF stuff) so can you please give me a suggestion on what would be the best bet for a small amount of cash.

 

Well, the best bang for the buck would probably be a DOHC ZC, which is rated at 130 hp (roughly double what your car has). It will bolt up to the mounts and tranny, but it requires a DPFI to MPFI conversion (there is a write-up available in the DIY section) and a different ECU. The best part is it shouldn't cost you more than $700.

For autocross, I would say maybe go with a B16A1. It's a very inexpensive swap for the amount of gain you would get (close to 100 hp) and again, it will bolt in. It does require a different tranny, axles, a few cables, ECU, VTEC wiring, as well as the MPFI conversion, so there will be extra costs associated with the installation.

 

I have a friend that has a motor out of a 89 or 90 si with the tranny, wiring harness. would it be worth $200 for everything, and would it be a direct swap?

 

yes it would be worth it for the price, power wise a d16a6 from a 90-91 si only made 116hp your car i think had like 75hp. it would be a very noticable difference, especially with intake, header, and exhaust. it should drop right in but you will probably need the 5spd shift linkage. and will have to wire up mpfi.