ZC DOHC engines...now I'm confused.....????

wheelgaragewheelgarage Band Wagon
in Engine & Drivetrain
From reading a sheit load of websites for research, the USDM 86-89 Integra engines will not drop into an EF chassis. The JDM CRX ZC engines will......

Am I correct???? I might have found a rebuilt USDM ZC (from what is stated).

HELP!!!!

Comments

  • wagodizzlewagodizzle Council Member and EDM expert
    JDM ZC is a direct drop-in bolt on into the EF chassis..

    as far as a "USDM" ZC...uh, never heard of it
  • wheelgaragewheelgarage Band Wagon
    Concur from my notes, the DOHC Integra engines are not drop in's. I read a post, in an odd forum, that stated "Integra" engine.

    Damn, I was hoping for a USDM version "type" for California smog....

    If not.....B18a1 it is then.....
  • wagodizzlewagodizzle Council Member and EDM expert
    88-89 Integra DOHC D-series engines are not really considered the "ZC" they are the D16A2 (???i think)

    the true DOHC ZC was JDM only. it came out of the DA Integra and CRX/Hatchback Si models.

    since you have to deal with smog.... you might have a problem :(
  • duckie8310duckie8310 Senior Wagonist
    wheelgarage wrote:
    .....86-89 Integra engines will not drop into an EF chassis.....

    correct. this is the browntop ZC. this will only bolt into 3rd gens. the DOHC ZC you're looking for is the blacktop.

    there's a lot of debate over the term "ZC" i saw a 8+ page arguement on H-T once over the ZC. people just dont know what's what. there isnt just one ZC, there are many engines that have this name attatched to them. i'm not gonna get into anything. but getting back on topic, i believe the one you're looking for is the blacktop DOHC ZC. as WagoDude mentioned, its a bolt in to the Ef chassis. cheap, healthy numbers, and to me is a good choice.

    oh, and that rebuilt USDM ZC might be some random SOHC VTEC ZC....just a heads up
    Wago Dude wrote:
    88-89 Integra DOHC D-series engines are not really considered the "ZC" they are the D16A2

    its the D16A1. just some clarification :D
  • nominousnominous familEE
    ZC1 is the brown top euro varient I think it's just called ZC in JDM land.
    ZC is the black top JDM engine.

    D16A8 or D16A9 is the black top but with Euro designation.


    IMHO, it's not a bad swap, certainly rips, but for the money you'd be better spending it on building the D16A6 you have already.
    eg: I bought a shuttle with a DOHC and I'm removing it for a SOHC cos there are more SOHC parts available.
  • superhatchsuperhatch Moderator
    I agree with nominous. I have a D16a8 in my wagon now, and while it does make the car quick, I could find an A6 for 50-100, and then P&P, mill, and cam it and have just as strong of a motor for 1/4 of the price. Or you could always build your own junkyard turbo and boost the D for under 500, and have way more power than either. I'm a big fan of the A6 as one of the most under-rated Honda motors of all time.
  • HaydzHaydz Moderator
    duckie8310 wrote:
    wheelgarage wrote:
    .....86-89 Integra engines will not drop into an EF chassis.....

    correct. this is the browntop ZC. this will only bolt into 3rd gens. the DOHC ZC you're looking for is the blacktop.

    there's a lot of debate over the term "ZC" i saw a 8+ page arguement on H-T once over the ZC. people just dont know what's what. there isnt just one ZC, there are many engines that have this name attatched to them. i'm not gonna get into anything. but getting back on topic, i believe the one you're looking for is the blacktop DOHC ZC. as WagoDude mentioned, its a bolt in to the Ef chassis. cheap, healthy numbers, and to me is a good choice.

    oh, and that rebuilt USDM ZC might be some random SOHC VTEC ZC....just a heads up
    Wago Dude wrote:
    88-89 Integra DOHC D-series engines are not really considered the "ZC" they are the D16A2

    its the D16A1. just some clarification :D

    The browntop ZC has the ZC label on it. A ZC is not a ZC unless it has ZC stamped on the block tag plate. The numbers below "ZC" are what determine the version, aside from the physical appearance. :P

    You guys are thinking of the D16A1 - the USDM equivalent of the "Browntop" DOHC ZC.

    SOHC ZC
    SOHC VTEC ZC
    DOHC "Browntop" ZC
    DOHC "Browntop Carburettor" ZC
    DOHC "Blacktop" ZC
    DOHC "Blacktop OBD1" ZC

    All of which have "ZC" stamped on the block where on the USDM equivalent you'd see "D16A1, D16A6" etc.

    The EFI browntop also came in both electronic (later) and vacuum advance ignition (earlier).

    So to finalise this, you need the DOHC "Blacktop" ZC which came in 1988-1991 JDM EF3 and EF7 Si's. Try and get one from a car the same year of manufacture as yours.
  • davensdavens familEE
    Please see sticky:
    http://www.hondacivicwagon.com/board/vi ... .php?t=957

    Anything usdm is NOT a ZC.
    The usdm integra D16a1 came with both brown(86-87) and black(88-89) valve covers.
    But so did the ZC...so you can see why they would be confused. The D16a1 will NOT bolt in...it can be fabbed to fit but it is so not worth the trouble for the +10 hp it offers over a stock usdm CRX/Civic D16a6.
  • wheelgaragewheelgarage Band Wagon
    Thanks guys for the info and additional links.

    The JDM ZC and D16a1's are off of the list. I need to comply with California smog laws and the CHP. In addition, the "Integra" engine is out of the question, fabrication. I do not need any issues. My goal is for a simple swap.

    I found a CRX with a B18a1 swap. I am going to make him an offer today for just the swap. I am already a fan of this block. The b16-b18 heads are interchangable. AND there are a sheit load of parts!.

    This is a good thread for future reference, which compares the ZC and USDM 86-89 Integra engines.

    :D :D :D :D :wink:
  • duckie8310duckie8310 Senior Wagonist
    i'm useless :oops:

    haha well good luck with your swap, keep us updated
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