My original motor is getting to the point of needing replacement. I have a 91 civic 4 door lx with the 1.5 (D15B2) OBD0? I would like to know what other motors are able to be swapped in and what is required.

I would like to put in a 92-95 vtec motor (D16z6) OBD1, what do I need to modify? Or can anyone suggest a better swap? Refer me to some good threads I am sure this has been discussed, I'm just learning about it.

My intentions are good gas mileage, I drive 100 miles a day at least 5 days a week, I do drive through mountainous areas so power would be nice but not necessary. Let me hear suggestions on what motor to use and why. Thanks

 

Well, a bunch of motors can be swapped in fairly easily. Is your car manual, or automatic (j/w)? What's your budget? Do you want more performance out of the next motor or just something that will move the car so that you can get to work etc?

Here's a few choices:
D16z6/D16y8 - Both are basically the same. The z6 was in 92-95 Civic EX's and Si's. y8 was in 96-00 EXs. They are SOHC Vtec motors. It would be much cheaper as you would not need to change out shift linkages (if manual), or buy new engine mounts. You'll end up spending about $500-$700 on a decent d16 vtec motor/trans with low miles.

B16 - A little more power, but not much more torque. Would require converting to B series mounts/shift linkages etc etc. You can get a B16 motor/trans (b16A, b16a2) for about $1300-$1700. The most commonly referred to B16 is the b16a2 (vtec = yes) from the 99-00 Civic Si.

B18 - More torque than the b16, but would require switching to B series just like a b16. B18b (no Vtec) comes from a 94-01 Integra LS, B18c1 (vtec = Yes) comes from an Integra GSR, and a b18c5 (Yes to vtec, but expensive) comes from an Integra Type R. A LS motor/trans would run you about $900-$1200. A decent GSR motor/trans would run you about $1500-$2000.

H22 - Hails from the mighty Prelude. Vtec = yes (well most of them do, some don't, but I'm not too keen on H series motors) More expensive than B series.

K20/K24 - 02-05 Civics SI's/Acura RSX. Vtec = yes More expensive than H series.

D series swap = ~$1000, B series swap = ~$2200, H Series Swap = ~$3500, K series swap = ~$5000. Hope this helps with a rough estimate about how much it'll cost. The prices just mentioned include having the timing belt/water pump/tensioner replaced, and all fluids drained and re-filled, new spark plugs/wires/oil filter/air filter (all types of things you would want to have brand new when putting a new motor in a car).

 

I can get a d16z6 for 800 imported from japan, supposedly has less than 30k miles on it. I am thinking this would be my best option.

Now will my ac compressor bolt to this motor correctly, I have the original R12 refridgerant and I would rather not discharge it by swapping the compressor. Will my power steering pump fit as well? I am guessing this is the same block just a different head right? Do I need a new ECU or can I modify my existing harness to work?

 

^ that's a good option. I bet you can find someone in your local Craigslist that may have a motor for you cheaper.

I have no idea about the A/c and refridgerant. Hopefully, someone else will chime with that. Well, the block is different as it is a 1.6, not a 1.5. The heads are different as well. You cannot use your existing tranny (at least I don't think you can). You would want a different ECU. I would suggest buying a P28 (stock d16z6 ECU). You can find one for about $90. You would also want an OBD0 to OBD1 conversion harness (~$70).

 

A/C and P/S should bolt right on. You can R&R the engine without discharging A/C; unbolt the compressor from the engine and lower it down, leaving lines attached.

You will need to change your ECU and harness, the new engine will be MPFI (one fuel injector for each cylinder) instead of the DPFI (throttle body injection) setup on the non-VTEC '91. This also means you need the intake manifold, injectors, etc. with the new engine and also may need to move a few vacuum lines. Your existing stock fuel pump and filter will work.

 

So will I need a different transmission? I currently have a manual 5 speed.

If I order this engine from the local importer... What do I need to make sure the engine has with it? Distributor, Harness, intake, ???

 

Yes, you would probably need a new tranny as the current one you have isn't set-up for vtec (If I am wrong, someone please correct me). If you opt for a d16 vtec motor (z6/y8) I bet you can find a complete longblock + trans. for under $700. If you go B series, you'll need a B series trans.

 

no you wont need a new trans it will bolt up
you will just have to put your flywheel and everything on it
listen just get a new head/block
put all your stuff on it from your old engine Intake,exhaust,trans/flywheel,

you can convert your dpfi to mpfi later it dont have to be done right away i have done this swap before on my 91 hatch

(ninja e*) and im talkin about a d" series engine

 

to swap from dpfi to mpfi you will need complete mpfi intake manifold with injectors and a resistor box from a 88-91 (obd0) also you will need the fuel line that goes from the fuel rail to the fuel filter.
a mpfi dizzy, pm6 ecu(obd0) and some xtra wires and a few pins from a ecu from junkyard and alot of patience

 

Would all the B series fit a 95 sedan? I am thinking when I would be able to afford a swap, I'd like the best one with as much torque possible.