I am interested in an engine swap or maybe that header swap. But I was wondering which engine would be best to swap in my 88 dx hatchback. By best I mean least hassle, least expensive, most hp for the money. And which would be a better idea, the head switch or an engine swap? Also with either of these what else would need to be modified or changed. And can anyone give me an approximate amount for how much each would cost please. Thanks alot guys.

 

look into a zc, it is dohc and has 130hp and is still a d series. it just drops in no mounts needed and they are cheap.

or if you want vtec, look into a d16z6 or d16y8.

on both setups you will need to convert to mpfi since you have a dx. also the vtec engines may stay obd-0 and activate the vtec via rpm switch, or convert them to obd1 and run a p28 ecu. www.rywire.com www.boomslang.us

 

Thanks but I don't know what anything in the last paragraph means... mpfi? obd-0? activate vtec? p28 ecu?

 

Well what I have in my 90 civic hatchback DX is a D16z6 that is an OBD-1 engine. Its a Single Overhead Cam VTEC engine. I paid around $600 for the complete long block(thats everything included, p28 ECU, ect.) About $450 to get it dropped in and wired all correctly. Its 127 - 130 to the flywheel, And I dynoed at 103 whp. So I say get a d16z6 or if you want OBD-2 get d16y8. No difference in HP i think(if there is its not much). You can also get a SIR B16 for around $800 and thats what, 160 to the flywheel. Anyway the B16 you will need to buy engine mounts $160 - $700 (just depends on were you buy them). Shift linkage $? 1990 Acura Integra LS transmission $? Thats about all i can think of at the moment for what you will need to do a B16 swap. Also If your car is manual you might as well get a 1990 CRX/CRX SI or 1990 CIVIC/CIVIC SI transmission they are alot better transmissions than the 88-89. I dont know why but they are.

 

Don't bother putting a SOHC OBD-I or -II motor in a 4G when you can just get a SOHC VTEC ZC that puts out bigger numbers and will bolt right in for less money.

As for the B16, an SIR-I will also bolt right in (no mounts req'd) with harness mods and an ECU, as well as some axles, cables, etc. It'll cost more than $800 though. And you definitely wouldn't want to throw a long-geared LS tranny on it.

For ease/gain/cost effectiveness in a 4G, a DOHC ZC is almost always your best choice if you're on a budget. It'll put down a tad more power than a Z6, a Y8, or a SOHC ZC, and doesn't require VTEC wiring. The entire swap will literally consist of a DPFI to MPFI conversion, then bolting the new motor in. You can use all your stock parts, but the 88-89 Integra 5 speed ECU (PG7) and the SI or ZC tranny would both be good ideas.

Terms
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DPFI: Dual-Point Fuel Injection: Uses two injectors mounted in the intake plenum, rather than a single injector per cylinder.
MPFI: Multi-Point Fuel Injection: Uses one injector per cylinder, mounted in the intake manifold.
ECU: Engine Control Unit: Computer that controls fuel mapping, speed governor, and rev limiter on almost all fuel injected cars. .
OBD-0/I/II: On-Board Diagnostics, generation 0, 1, or 2: A diagnostic method used in cars that allows the ECU to generated codes based on readings from its many sensors. Reading and interpreting these codes will allow you to determine a number of problems that may be present in your car.