new civic owner want to do a ZC swap
 

hey every one i have a 1989 civic dx i bought it a couple months ago.lately i have been thinking of doing a low $ swap then some one told me that they have a ZC SOHC for $400 and it would drop right in.i want to know if this is true and i also want to know if it will give me that little extra power that the stock 1.5 lacks


so if you guys could help my out here that would be awsome

yeah it will fit right in NP. you have wiring to consider since ts a civic dx.

Welcome to TCC

I'd go SOHC vtec. For $400 you can get a D16Y8 or a JDM D15, I've never really seen a nice set up on a ZC, but thats me, someone correct me if im wrong, is there alot of aftermarket support for the ZC??

Search the performance section.

My brother has a DOHC ZC (because there were two versions of that motor) and its peppy. Wiring is a bit more difficult than other new swaps.

Its a good motor, however the downside is, because of their age, its difficult to find parts for it. Some USDM 1989 Integra parts are interchangeable with the ZC, but some parts are quite hard to find. And again because of their age, finding a low mileage one will be difficult. Even if you did find one with low mileage, that still wouldn't sway me to buy it over something newer.

For this reason alone, I'd suggest a new d16z6/y8/d15.

welcome to the club!

do a mini-me... a6 block + z6 head + S20 tranny = you'll be happy!

The SOHC ZC is basically the same as the D15/D16 so parts on the SOHC are easy to find. It's a peppy little engine and imo well worth the $400 or so if it's good to go.

BTW Some B16A are just as old as the ZC and most likely more beaten on.

Some stuff to add on while the engine is out

T-belt
Tensioner (maybe)
Water pump
Any seals that seem to be leaking (maybe)
New Clutch kit
New Exhaust manifold gasket
New Intake manifold gasket


I had an SOHC ZC in my old 90 HB with the DPFI intake and it still worked pretty good.

I've read that 'ZC' is just a JDM D15, D16 or B16 from 1991 or older cars. Based on that, for the money you are better off with a newer D15 or D16 motor (Since you said it was an SOHC ZC, not a DOHC).

Check the affiliates or other JDM importers and i'm sure for $400 you can find something as good or better and newer.

DJM:>