imported_dr.drew1987

ive been saving money up for an engine swap, i have quite a bit, now im also going to be getting a bank loan. i will have approx. 10 thousand to rebuild as much of my 1991 hatch as i can. i was wondering if anyone here knows how much of this can be done in a home garage and me not having to spend the whole 10 thousand on labor at a local garage. i like to get rid of my engine for sure since i have a d15 with minor bolt ons. also i would like the get the body back to looking good and no dents. new suspension parts, gut the interior and get 2 racing seats. custom dash. and im praying i can afford a decent b16a2.

anyone have ideas or can help.

thanks Andrew

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

ummm.... use that $10K to buy a newer Civic, like a 02~ish Civic.

I say this as an experienced DIY-er.

don't EVER blow borrowed money on something that you'll never be able to cash in!!!

imported_kIeRaN

i agree with bruno, could be a bad idea to attempt this

imported_Blougheed

yeah there not kidding i watched a close firend spend over 12grand on his 91 and now its sitting in the yard forsale with no lookers.
good lookin car but its still sad to see the money go....get an EK!!!!

k_r_a_c_k_e_r

iTrader: (3)

It can be done, just depends on what you want to do and what you want someone else to do.

Paint - 3000+
Motor - 3000+
Seats - 500+
Rims - 500+
Tires - 400+
Dash - ???

also depends on the money you wanna spend, brand name or knock off.

bbarbulo

iTrader: (2)

no one said it can't be done.... just not smart to do it with BORROWED money

imported_t_dot_SiR

only borrow money when you're getting a house or a brandnew car... not borrow money to work on an old car that no one is gonna buy it unless its dirt cheap even if its good looking...

Cynikal.Mindset

PM brett

imported_mikepasini

dude a b16a2 turbo maybe... you can buy a b16 swap for 800-1000 now... they are dirt cheap. put at least a b18c1 in there.

kwasley

dude, dont waste that 10 grand,
buy a new car

chris_si98

you're nuts

Gallagher

10 grand into an ef, jesus!


As everyone else has said, buy a new car!

Cynikal.Mindset

check this thread out y0!

http://torontocivics.com/tccforums/s...threadid=70355

szuberi

+1...or buy an old audi in that price

Nova_Dust

If the Civic has a sentimental value to you, knock yourself out. Or you know for a fact that you are going to keep this car for another 7 to 8 years or longer, then the money could be justified. But if you are thinking of fixing it up to sell it, stop right there.

Otherwise, I would look for a newer modified/upgraded Civic or other vehicles.

imported_meSIR

I would only do this if I LOVED the EF hatch chasis, i'm assuming you do. Bank loan is a bad idea, but thats your prerogative.
Take less of that money and take your time looking for a clean, rust-less body (although you might have to travel for this, but its obtainable with patience).
Also, why a b16a2? that is the USDM version of the second gen...hydro tranny...you want b16a1, cable tranny (i think). Correct me of i'm wrong, but I think they are cheaper than 2nd gen b16s.
From what I see, your goal can be obtained for roughly 1/2 price

imported_plzbeleiveit

agreed 5 grand is more than enough of what u wanna do.

imported_starboy869

You'll never see the money back for it. Who would pay $10G for 1990 Civic even if it's fixed up? I would rather spend the money on a RHD CRX with the glass top & a b16a already from the factory (around $10k to Canada btw) Also for $10k you're almost in the 99/00 SiR price range.

To me fancy rims + engine swap + new this & that = beat on

Nova_Dust

There is nothing wrong using a loan to do what you want. We all do at some point, buying a car, buying a house, using your credit card... etc. These days, average joe don't have too much hard cash on them. By the time you saved up hard cash, you have also lost chances to gain interests off of them by investment.

But often time, it is the loan amount vs. end result, getting the best bang for your buck, and whatnot. If you can justify the 10K by yourself, and only yourself, then that's all you need. Because at the end of the day, when you need to pay back loan on a monthly basis, it is you either make it or you don't. And that should be well thought out before you take the first step.

imported_ludesrv

I've spent only 3500$ into my EF, including purchase price of 1000$. It's seen 3 different engine (D15, SOHC ZC, B16A now). I sold the ZC for 4 times what I bought it for. For less then 2000$ and my own labor, I built an LS VTEC that has 11.8:1 (daily driver) CR and it lays down over 200whp.

For 5500$ it's a low 13 second monster that toys with S2000 and such other cars. It's fun. Will I ever get my money back? Hell no. I took a HUGE *** loss on this car. Is it fun to say your 91 Cx is faster then an S2000, hell yes. Was it worth the whole 5500$? Only to me, and my ego.

Do it if you think it's worth it. Don't buy anything newer then 01, slow *** cars except for the 06 Si, but 10000$ ain't getting you that!