I just joined this forum. I just picked up my daughters 96 civic ex 5speed w/170,000 miles from the side of the road. She said the battery died. I towed it home and put the charger on it. I decided to check the oil, no reading. Daughter said no oil light came on. My father-in-law checked it and said it is frozen. It has the D16y8 engine and my research shows that a replacement engine is rather expenisive ( it is a commute car for my daughter in college). The D16Y7 can be fond used for $300-450 in my area. Should I replace the d16y8 with a used d16y7? Should I have someone revuild the current engine or take it to the junk yard and buy a different car. She will need a commute car for 3 more years while in college. Any and all input is appreciated

Tman

 

The D16Y8 can be had for realatively cheap too, you just gotta look. I dont think converting to a D16Y7 would be too much of a good idea. You will have to swap out the ECU for sure. Btw, just because the oil light doesnt come on that doesnt mean it didnt have oil. This is not too bad. But if you look you can find a used one for $600-700 easy.

Oh, rebuilding the current motor is going to be way more expensive. Along the lines of 1k in labor. We are talking about a completly reconditioned D16Y8 for $800

 

If it's just a commuter I'd get the cheapest thing I could. If law is not a concern in your state (inspections, emissions and such), you might look into older engines as well.

 

a y7 is a good engine and you can definitly use it. make sure you get a y7 ecu though. should be a direct plug in. You might want to use the y8 intake and exhaust manifolds.

 

Actually, I agree 100% that is a way better idea. If you snag a Y7 make sure the ECU is for the transmission also.