I have a 98 civic four door with a pile of miles. I assume the motor will need to be replaced sooner than later..

What are my options here? Let me start by saying the function of this vehicle is not to be a racecar. I purchased this pig to save me on gas and since gas prices will never likely drop with any significance, I would like to keep this car around a while.

I am not opposed to a JDM motor, and I am not opposed to dropping in a motor with more power, but I do not intend to get all crazy. I want to continue getting the 35MPG that I can currently getting in this girl.

that said, Autozone sells a crate motor for 2k... seems pricey for a crappy little motor though. Seems like I should be able to drop a quality motor into this car for less than that.

thoughts?

 

Check your local craigslist. That would be the cheapest option.

 

If you have the ability to drop in your own engine, would you consider doing the rebuild yourself? I mean, what exactly is wrong with your current engine?

 

i just foound a d16z6 for 500 on craigs list...there were cheaper motors...but i wanted one from the same make/model,so i was picky.i didnt want to mod the harness,etc...and she runs so smooth now,no leaks,yea.

 

Honda engines are known for their longevity. I drove a Civic with 275K miles on it. Still starts up, runs smooth, and gets 34 MPG. I also drove one with 178K last I checked. It's getting 39 MPG somehow.

Is there anything wrong with your current engine other than high mileage? Is it burning oil? Getting bad gas mileage? Does it have low or uneven compression numbers? If not, I wouldn't worry about it. But if you wanted to have a spare in the garage just in case... well, can't fault you for that. I had one sitting in my bedroom for awhile.

 

I believe the D16Z6 motor is the EX model on the the 5th generation Civic. I had a 94 EX Coupe and it didn't get more than 26 mpg on the highway at an average of 70 mph. I now have a 97 EX that gets me an average of 35 mpg.

If there's nothing wrong with your current motor, leave it alone.

 

I just want one on standby and I like having a plan. i dont like getting caught with my pants down when a problem does arrive.

 

You could upgrade to the D16Y8 (EX) motor, which is the motor that came stock in my 97 Civic EX. Like I said, it gets me an average of 35 mpg. It helps when I have to drive 300+ miles a week with gas at $4 a gallon.

 

i drive nearly 700 miles a week for work... thats why i bought the civic to begin with, my tahoe wasnt cutting the mustard anymore! What is the number on the SI motor ?