Brisk20

I was wondering if this would work... hopefully somebody knows the answer to this... I was considering buying a 89 crx si for cheap with a mint body... I want to get rid of the existing engine though... What engines will actually fit... I wouldn't mind something with v-tec like a 93 civic si has... I know that it can't just be dropped in that there are certain modifications it would need but how drastic are they and is this realistically doable???

imported_loudsubz

D series will drop right in.

Good idea, drop in a D16Z6 or D16Y8 from a 92-95 si or 96-00 Si 127hp, 109 tq, VTEC.

You just gotta change a few things like the distributor and either convert to OBD1 for p28 ecu or use a rpm activated switch for vtec.

Brisk20

How much money are we talking to do that sorta install?? from what my friend was telling me a D16Z6 would cost around 750-1000 ... how much would it be to get that installed and all the necessary conversions done aproximate?

imported_gatherer

thats sort of question (the how much question) might get a better result if you asked the afiliates directly most have a website with contact numbers on them.. but the 750-1000 looks like a good price...

imported_loudsubz

D16Z6 can be had for around $300 or even less if you wana do a rebuild, but around $300-400 for a good working one with around 100,000 km's on it.

The swaps labour go for around $600 or so, thats just labour, if you get timing belt and water pump done its about another $150 or so for parts.

Rice Burner

If your going to stay with a D-series, I would definatly recomend a ZC motor. Get the dual over head cam one, it make's 135HP and more torque than a b-16. You can get them as cheap as $600 or $700 installed. You should talk to Dented DX about where and how much and how happy he was with his.

Brisk20

The ZC motor lacks vtec thou doesn't it?

imported_dented dx

yes it does, but vtec isn't everything, ask surferboy!

SilverCRXSi

The better question is how much do you want to spend?
You can swap just about anything in a CRX, even an NSX engine.

imported_loudsubz

Watch out if you Go ZC route, theres so many diff ZC models that each range from like 110hp to 140hp. You cant tell unless you know what car it came out of, and the year.

Theres also SOHC ZC and DOHC.

Id stick with D series (Z6 or Y8) as theres more parts avaiable for them.

imported_SylverCivic

I have a 95 si engine in my crx. It fits in nicely.

HAPPY

Don't wory about the motor...ask yourself where you are going to get a CRX body that is mint and cheap... that will be harder than any motor swap.

imported_loudsubz

Yep. I forsee a trip to a nice warm climate where they dont get snow for a mint body.

In canada to get a mint body is really hard to find.

imported_Hybridtheory

im running a b16


VERY fun

Mandy22

i did this with my old civic and paid 900

Mandy

SilverCRXSi

The ZC is a D-series engine. I forget the engine code though.
ZC is a good route(direct swap) as is the b16(JDM and EDM had them afterall)

barrieciv

ZC is the engine code.

imported_Clayton

You have been given great answers up to this point, so what I am going to do is give you some of the plusses and minusses, to each of the variants.

D16Z6 From 1992-1995 Civic Si 125 hp SOHC VTEC. Great engine, Honda designed and built to be in average everyday cars. These have been built, and taken well into the 11 second range in the 1/4 mile. There is actually a shop in Toronto that has almost got one into the 10's (Maxwell Automotive in Missisauga

D16Y8 From 1996 2000 Civic Si 127 hp SOHC VTEC same properties as the Z6 except that you'll pay a little more. Alos the combustion chamber design on this engine is slightly different than the Z6, some people say this is the reason for the extra 2 hp. Alos it has been said that the head design on the Y8 is superior to the Z6 due to the fact that it is designed in the same way as the Integra Type R. The intake manifold also flows a bit better on this engine.

Good things about these two engines are that both have a great aftermarket of parts available for them, and there isn't really many parts that you cannot get for them. Including, cams, pistons, rods, turbo kits, superchargers, and pretty much anything else you see in any catalogue of parts.

Down side. Neither one has great torque, and the VTEC changeover is not very noticeable. The power on these is great in a CRX (I have done this swap myself for my best friend) don't expect to go hunting 5.0 litre Mustangs, but for zipping around, they're great.

ZC From too many possibilites but basically from a 1988- I think 1995, in SOCH and DOHC non VTEC cars. Power is very subjective, as I have heard anywhere from 108-140 hp. Great engines if they are taken care of. Purchasing one now will mean the buyer needs to think of replacing certain things right off the bat. These engines have in the past been known to have baad distributors. Also finding the proper pasrts can be a bit of a chore, as Honda used different parts throughout. Such as parts from 88 Preludes, as well as CRX parts, and Integra parts. So it can be a bit of a chore to get the right information so that you don't end up buying parts twice. Also there is a lot of conflicting information out there which makes things alot more difficult. Aftermarket support for these cars is there, but not as easily as the D16's or B16's. Cams are almost impossible to find (it can be done but it;s tough) and other parts are a pain as well. You can use other D series parts, with some slight modifications to them However the power delivery from a ZC CAN be amazing. I have done a couple of these swaps, and they can be an absolute blast. I have seen ZC powered CRX's whomp on B16 Powered CRX's. Not every time, but it can be done.

B16A from the original SiR 1991-1992 CRX (yes they had a 92 CRX is JDM/EDM cars, and not the Del Sol) DOHC VTEC 160 hp and 111 ft/lbs tq. Another great engine that really shines in certain areas. If you expect off the line grunt, you're looking in the wrong place that's for sure. However once 5000-5500 rpm comes along, hang on. In a CRX this engine can be extremely potent, and can be an absolute blast to drive. Also aftermarket support is great for these, as basically this engine was still produced until 2000 (in the Sir) Great engine, and VTEC crossover is much more apparent.

You can also look into other B series engines for the CRX, as almost anything will bolt in either with Honda mounts, or Mount kits. The options are endless, but the one piece of advice I'll give is do your research, and ask all the questions you have. There is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to spending your money. None of these swaps are cheap, but you can spend way less if you do your research, and ask all the right questions. IF you for an instant think you are being taken for a ride, ask people you trust, and get their opinions. Hopfully it will make your engine swapping experience a more pleasurable experience.

Clayton

gcivic

when you guys said that a d16z6 is around 750-1000, does that price includes the tranny or the ecu?

SilverCRXSi

Best swap to do in a CRX I'd say is the b18c5.

Clayton:you're right, except the ZC comes in 2packs. SOHC ZC which is about good for 120hp and the DOHC which is good for 130-140hp.