My first Car and engine swap!

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91ed6

New Member
Whats up guys, I just recently bought my first car, Honda of course. Its a 1991 Honda Civic Hatchback STD. The Problem is that its DPFI, a.k.a slow ass f*** with a D15b1 and 4 speed tranny :thumbsdown:. I was thinking about swapping in a d16z6 since it pretty much bolts right in and its got good power. I know I need to convert from DPFI-MPFI, I have printed out the Massive Write up(very helpful), I plan on replacing the water pump, timing belt, starter. I also know that am going to need a obd0-obd1 jumper harness to plug my engine harness to the obd1 ecu. I am going to get a complete d16z6 swap, just no ecu for $500, is that a good deal? I plan on using the stock P28 so that I can BAR the swap. For those who don't know, in California you must get your engine swap inspected by a referee. I also have sum questions.

1) Is there anything I am forgetting or am I missing parts?

2) Should I stick with my axles or upgrade the axles?

3) I plan on hooking the d16z6 with a 91 Si tranny, can I use my current flywheel and clutch its 91 and newish?

4) To what specs should I make the engine so I can pass the Reff. Should it be to
1992-1995 Honda Civic Si
1992-1995 Honda Civic EX, EX-V
1993-1995 Honda Del Sol Si (US)

5) Do you have a d16z6 for sale?
 
:wave: Welcome to HondaSwap!

1. Sounds like you have a good plan already, and it seems like you have all the right major components.

2. I'm pretty sure that the STD hubs are smaller than the DX and Si, so if you want to upgrade axles you'll have to upgrade your steering knuckles too. The HF definitely has a smaller outer shaft/spine set... pretty sure the STD matches it, but I'm not 100% sure without looking it up- and that's your job. ;) The info is easy enough to find. The stock axles will hold the D16Z6's power just fine though.

3. Yup.

4. Dunno, Cali people chime in!

5. Nope, not sure if anyone online does right now either. Check Hmotorsonline. Lots of people here have bought from them and have had good experiences, myself included.
 
:wave: Welcome to HondaSwap!

1. Sounds like you have a good plan already, and it seems like you have all the right major components.

2. I'm pretty sure that the STD hubs are smaller than the DX and Si, so if you want to upgrade axles you'll have to upgrade your steering knuckles too. The HF definitely has a smaller outer shaft/spine set... pretty sure the STD matches it, but I'm not 100% sure without looking it up- and that's your job. ;) The info is easy enough to find. The stock axles will hold the D16Z6's power just fine though.

3. Yup.

4. Dunno, Cali people chime in!

5. Nope, not sure if anyone online does right now either. Check Hmotorsonline. Lots of people here have bought from them and have had good experiences, myself included.

:thankyousigna2: for all the info, since am kind of on a short budget I am going to stick with my axles since they can handle the power, but I already have contacted Steve at Hmotorsonline and they're going to get back at me. I also just realize that the JDM D15B Vtec is almost identical to the D16Z6, so I am might just get a D15B. Anyone in Cali who has ever BAR'd either of these engines, can you guys give me sum pointers or tips. If all goes well, I might post a Massive How-To write up with HIGH RES PICS!!!
 
If you call the ref line...they will most likely tell you that you cannot do it (they're a-holes) But if you find a referee near you and take it to him all correct....no hacked and running correctly....you can get lucky but you might be effed. JDM motors need to have been available in your car in the US.....thats the technical rule but you can risk it.

If you get USDM (the D16Z6)....then you can make it work but...as you have investigated....your swap has a variety of obstacles and you would need all the bugs worked out. If you can.....Keep everything stock for the BAR ( including intake/exhaust manifold)
 
chances are you can take it to a smog station and just smog it... it looks stock so there is no reason to question it
 
I have done more research, I know the D16Z6 and JDM D15B can be BAR'd, but I don't know to what specs I should bring it up to, some say to 92-95 del sol si using a P30 ecu and some say 92-95 civic si using a P28 ecu. I know I need to convert to mpfi and obd1. From what I heard, the local ref knows alot about Hondas and he's one of the best and coolest Refs. I also talked to someone who said they can do the complete swap and BAR it for me for $500, which is pretty cheap since my friend got charged by a shop $250 to just drop in a d16a6 into his Si, they didn't even hook it up or anything. Now he. As for just taken it to a Smog station, the D16Z6 is obd1 and has VTEC stamped on the head, I can also just pay someone under table to smog it.
 
:thankyousigna2: for all the info, since am kind of on a short budget I am going to stick with my axles since they can handle the power, but I already have contacted Steve at Hmotorsonline and they're going to get back at me. I also just realize that the JDM D15B Vtec is almost identical to the D16Z6, so I am might just get a D15B. Anyone in Cali who has ever BAR'd either of these engines, can you guys give me sum pointers or tips. If all goes well, I might post a Massive How-To write up with HIGH RES PICS!!!

You're welcome. There are several different D15Bs though since JDM-world didn't have numbers on the ends of their block codes. You could have a D15B without VTEC, a D15B with single stage VTEC that's similar to the USDM D16Z6, or a D15B with dual stage VTEC from the JDM VTi that has 3 cam profiles.
 
One more question?

You're welcome. There are several different D15Bs though since JDM-world didn't have numbers on the ends of their block codes. You could have a D15B without VTEC, a D15B with single stage VTEC that's similar to the USDM D16Z6, or a D15B with dual stage VTEC from the JDM VTi that has 3 cam profiles.

Yeah I just realized that when I was reading up on how to hook up the VTEC. Instead I have decided to swap in a D16Z6, I am picking up the complete motor for $300, just no dizzy. Now all I need is a P30 or P28 ECU, 0bd1-Vtec Wiring Harness, ecu jumper, dizzy and transfer some of my parts over. I still had one more question, would a D15B1 exhaust manifold work on the D16Z6.
 
I forgot to add this to my last post. I was wondering if I can still use my original cat to pass smog.
 
you can get away with swap cali rule is motor has to be offered in same car but has to be newer than car also convert car to obdo1 you need 4 wire o2 sensor and jumper makes it run alot better and you can tune that p28 tigerjap is the best for importing jdm motors not alot of markup i've imported 10 drops since dec with no prob
 
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you can get away with swap cali rule is motor has to be offered in same car but has to be newer than car also convert car to obdo1 you need 4 wire o2 sensor and jumper makes it run alot better and you can tune that p28 tigerjap is the best for importing jdm motors not alot of markup i've imported 10 drops since dec with no prob

Would this apply to a B18A1 swap as well, I Know that I am going to need Hasport Mounts.
 
If its a USDM 91 B18A1 or a B18B1 (not JDM) then you can actually get it BAR'd even if the ref is picky
 
If its a USDM 91 B18A1 or a B18B1 (not JDM) then you can actually get it BAR'd even if the ref is picky

Exactly what I mean. To be more clear and exact, I want to swap in a B18a1 obd0, I have searched and found this reply by Dark91zc on HondaSwap. Its a part list to swap in a b18a1, does this seem to be correct.

Parts B16A B18A
Hasport Mount Kit Hasport mount kit, p/n # EFB1
Shift Linkage Hasport custom linkage, p/n # EFBLINK
ECU PR3 (90-91 Integra XSi or RSi), PW0 (89-91 Civic/CRX SiR) or ZDYNE one wire conversion ECU PR4 (90 91 Integra LS,GS) ECU
Engine wiring harness For port injected models use Hasport wiring conversion p/n #EFSi-VTEC

For dual point injected models use Hasport wiring conversion p/n # EFDX-VTEC
For dual point injected models use Hasport wiring conversion, p/n # EFDX-VTEC
Other electrical parts For dual point injected models, you will need an injector resistor box p/n # ------ (buy used) For dual point injected models, you will need an injector resistor box p/n # ------ (buy used) Can be used from the donor car of the B18A
Axles EFBAX, or the EFBAX-Y1

Upper radiator hose 92-93 Integra GSR, Acura part number 19501-PR3-000. Trim to fit. 90-91 Integra, Acura part number ----Trim to fit.
Lower radiator hose 90-91 Integra, Acura p/n # 19502-PR4-A00. Trim to fit.
Throttle cable 90-91 Integra, Acura part number 17910-SK7-A03
Misc. parts If your car is a CRX HF or Civic Std (4 speed) you will need Knuckle and hubs from any other model Civic or CRX except the 90-91 Civic EX. If you want to use knuckle and hubs from the 90-91 EX, you will also need the calipers, rotors and brake lines. The EX has larger brakes.
Optional parts to be replaced before installation
Clutch 90 Integra Clutch parts:

Pressure plate pressure plate p/n #22300 PR4 020
clutch disc p/n #22200 PR3 030
throwout bearing p/n #22810 PS1 01
Pilot bearing p/n #

Timing belt 94 Del Sol VTEC p/n # 90 Integra
Water Pump 94 Del Sol VTEC p/n #
Alternator belt 90 Integra, p/n # 31110-PR3-003
Distributor cap 90 Integra, p/n #
Plugs
Plug wires 92 Integra GSR p/n #
 
Looks good from what I can see. Just make SURE its the same year as your car or newer and USDM if you want to be legal with the B18A or B18B

Edit: Have you found out how much the engine harness is?
 
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Exactly what I mean. To be more clear and exact, I want to swap in a B18a1 obd0, I have searched and found this reply by Dark91zc on HondaSwap. Its a part list to swap in a b18a1, does this seem to be correct.

Looks good from what I can see. Just make SURE its the same year as your car or newer and USDM if you want to be legal with the B18A or B18B

Edit: Have you found out how much the engine harness is?

Rywire has the one I need STD-B18a1 for $160 and Hasport has one but only for Si.

But it seems to be too much for my first swap, sure it would be nice to have a B18a1 as my first swap, but I can't do it alone or have the money for it rite now. I have to be realistic, and to me It seems best that I go for a JDM D15B for $600 from Hmotorsonline, because not only is it straight bolt on, but its also legal. I have heard that all I need to do is add a EGR valve to the intake manifold and get it BAR'd as a D15z1. I really appreciate all the help you guys have given me and my last request is that if anyone has ever swapped and BAR'd a JDM D15B to please reply or PM me. I am willing to compensate you if you help me out with my swap.:thankyousigna2::thankyou2:
 
Yeah B18's cost more out the gate and...you'd need the mount kit, rywire harness, shift linkage, and axles (b/c the used ones are worth replacing while you're there).

And no matter what swap you get.....you should put a new clutch in and re-surface the flywheel
Plus at least look at the timing belt and water pump (or...if possible, change them)

Good luck with the swap. Sounds like you've investigated it pretty well, keep us updated :thumbsup:
 
Yeah B18's cost more out the gate and...you'd need the mount kit, rywire harness, shift linkage, and axles (b/c the used ones are worth replacing while you're there).

And no matter what swap you get.....you should put a new clutch in and re-surface the flywheel
Plus at least look at the timing belt and water pump (or...if possible, change them)

Good luck with the swap. Sounds like you've investigated it pretty well, keep us updated :thumbsup:

There selling me a B18A1 complete swap for an EF for only $650, the driver was in an accident, friend of my friend, and the cars body was totaled and now needs the money to pay his tickets and fees. The engine is in good condition and ran great until the accident.
 
There selling me a B18A1 complete swap for an EF for only $650, the driver was in an accident, friend of my friend, and the cars body was totaled and now needs the money to pay his tickets and fees. The engine is in good condition and ran great until the accident.

Let me correct my last couple of posts, First of all I am going to wait at least 2-3 months before I do any engine swap, during this time am going to save my money, sell some stuff and work on the interior and outside of the car. Interior wise is excellent, just the front seats a bit tore up, passenger side is the worst and I want to install cup holders. On the outside I have those rubbery not so sporty looking bumpers which I want to paint to look like regular bumpers. Secondly it turns the engine there selling me is a 96 B18B obd2 and it coming from an integra, not an EF and he wants $750 for it. It sounds to me to good to be true that his car was completely wrecked and thats there's no damage what so ever to the engine or tranny, especially since the first impact was in front of the car on the passenger side between the front bumper and fender meet and not to mention obd0 to obd2 is going to be a pain in the **s to wire. I'll start to post some pictures of things that I do to my Honda and maybe I will soon post a photo of a B18A1 sitting in my EF.:thankyousigna2: to Calesta,eg6sir, dateg513, and CARFROG for taking the time to look at my thread and replying.
 
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