8wrench
New Member
Hey, I've been reading the forums for a while now and some of the articles inspired me to start my own project. I just bought a 1990 Civic SI with 250,000 KM, which took a $1500 bite out of my total budget of $4000. Out of my remaining budget, I plan to spend around $1000 on the engine, and this is where I need the advice.
For a bit of background, I'm a 19 y/o business student in Edmonton, AB, so this car will be my daily driver and will go through some intense winter conditions. I'm not looking for much more power, but definitely more than my bone stock D16A6. Forced induction isn't an option due to my budget, so I'm looking for bang-for-buck N/A power. Nothing crazy, but ending up with around 120-135 HP would be nice.
Keep in mind that I have only basic knowledge of the engine, and a Hayne's manual to guide me along. So for most things labour costs will have to be factored in, or the cost for the rent-a-garage with tools for any items I can tackle on my own.
I've been doing a lot of researching and have come up with a few options for the engine, not sure which would be the best based on my needs and budget:
1) Clean up my stock engine; replace the timing belt, drive belts, valve cover gasket, etc., and then throw in a few add ons
2) Mini-me
3) D16Z6 swap with whatever addons I can afford
4) Drive this thing through the winter, fix the engine and little things here and there, sell it for $2500 in summer and put profits toward a gen5 civic, 90+ MR2, or 1G DSM
The muffler is broken, so I'm planning on adding a catback exhaust once I decide on which engine option I'm going to do, and find out what my end-project power will be.
Another thing is my rear brakes, which are completely done. Anyone know if it's worth it to convert to disc brakes? Or should I stick to replacing the drums, rotors etc?
I've included a few pics of my car and the inspection report from my mechanic, if anyone could point out any alternatives or DIY jobs that aren't too tough and could save me some money it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Ryan
For a bit of background, I'm a 19 y/o business student in Edmonton, AB, so this car will be my daily driver and will go through some intense winter conditions. I'm not looking for much more power, but definitely more than my bone stock D16A6. Forced induction isn't an option due to my budget, so I'm looking for bang-for-buck N/A power. Nothing crazy, but ending up with around 120-135 HP would be nice.
Keep in mind that I have only basic knowledge of the engine, and a Hayne's manual to guide me along. So for most things labour costs will have to be factored in, or the cost for the rent-a-garage with tools for any items I can tackle on my own.
I've been doing a lot of researching and have come up with a few options for the engine, not sure which would be the best based on my needs and budget:
1) Clean up my stock engine; replace the timing belt, drive belts, valve cover gasket, etc., and then throw in a few add ons
2) Mini-me
3) D16Z6 swap with whatever addons I can afford
4) Drive this thing through the winter, fix the engine and little things here and there, sell it for $2500 in summer and put profits toward a gen5 civic, 90+ MR2, or 1G DSM
The muffler is broken, so I'm planning on adding a catback exhaust once I decide on which engine option I'm going to do, and find out what my end-project power will be.
Another thing is my rear brakes, which are completely done. Anyone know if it's worth it to convert to disc brakes? Or should I stick to replacing the drums, rotors etc?
I've included a few pics of my car and the inspection report from my mechanic, if anyone could point out any alternatives or DIY jobs that aren't too tough and could save me some money it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Ryan