BoneStock'88er

Ok I am looking to do a motor swap on my '88 hatch.. I've been looking for a B16 or something along thoes lines but their a bit much for me at the moment.. So I figured I could buy a cheep car with the motor already in and have the motor and the whole car for parts. I am fairly competent in the ways of the mechanic but doing a whole motor swap. As long as I have a manual.. torque specs and an extra set of knowledgeable hands at my side this should be fairly eazy right?? The only hard part should be lifting the motor right (thank the lord for engind hoists)?? Now I do have some serious questions. First off would it make sence to swap something like a ZC or B16 in to my car with it being kinda old and I really don't have the money to fix the body or anything, would it be better to find a used stock 1.5 or 1.6? Second if I do swap to a ZC/B16/1.6 what are some of the extras I will need?? I am aware of a few things such as a trans, half-shafts, motor mounts and so on.. I think also ECU and wiring harnes. Anything else? Also how hard is the ECU and wiring harness to do?? Should I do most of grunt work and have a pro do the ECU and W/H?? Or is that something I am able to do if I follow how I removed the old one?? Uhh what else.. Ahh will the motor fit into my car?? I won't have to bang out the firewall or anything along thoes lines?? Last but not least Would this be best left to a pro, if so anyone know someone that will do a good job quick and for relatively cheap??

Any and all comments and help is welcome, heckling and mocking is not. Thank you all!!

zeeman

iTrader: (1)

well i am sure that you and a couple of buddies could do it, just make sure to have beer and food.
You should probably change the water pump and timing belt while the engine is out, also check the clutch and see how much life is left b/c its way easier to change the clutch with the engine out of the car.

imported_91SiRacer

The easiest swap into an EF (88-91) are the ZC engine's.There have more power then the stock motor's, there cheap, and you don't need custom stuff like mounts, axles, harness, etc... I you have an Si it just bolts in but if you have a DX you do need to modify your harness.Here is how to http://www.thezcr.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6592 If you want any more info on the ZC's this is the best place www.thezcr.com As for the B16 you will need custom mount but it's not a hard swap, I did mine with a few friends in my garage.