My new 88 Wagon RT Project

HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
in Rides & Builds- Civic wagons
So I picked up this 88 Wagon RT 4wd last night in the pouring rain in Columbia SC. it was about a 2 hour drive there and back. Along with the Wagon the guy gave me A DOHC ZC swap with crx Si trans, shift linkage, 2 Sohc (non vtec) heads, 6 axles, 7 ecu's, and a bin full of misc parts like suspension/ throttle bodies/ alternators and all kinds of stuff. Also an engine hoist and engine stand for $1500. He said he wanted out of the honda game and was to old for it. Now it's my project and so far the engine turns over but there is a sound like a flywheel bolt is loose so looks like I may have to pull the engine. http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mark_mckenzie1/media/wagonRT3_zps0afef06d.jpg.html?sort=2&o=2
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Comments

  • MY_EEWagonMY_EEWagon Wagonist
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  • killa_ef_uatkilla_ef_uat Wagonist
    What is the black stuff that looks like it is dripping down the front fender, rear bumper,and passenger door handle? Looks nice and straight. You got a great deal, engine hoists alone costs a pretty penny.
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    It's actually water from the rain/lifting up the hood.
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    So no new pics, (i should have taken some) the past two days has been an all out mad rush to see if I can use the current motor in the Rt. Sunday I began trouble shooting the "rebuilt" motor. What I found was a strange sound that would occur when turning the engine over (with starter). The pervious owner said he rebuilt the motor with PM7 pistons and a SOHC ZC camshaft. He said he thought the pressure plate was hitting the bell housing of the trans. At first I assumed that was the issue when I first heard the sound but after I turning it over a few more times I knew what the sound was EXACTLY! The Intake valves were hitting the pistons. Yay. I took the head off to inspect what was going on, and sure enough marks on the top of the PM7 pistons. Good news was the engine had never been started so there was no real damage to anything. The OEM head (D16A6) was in the trunk of the wagon so I put the OEM head on to make sure the valves would clear. Sure enough after torquing the head down I turned the motor over a few times and it sounded perfect. So I'm not sure if the ZC head was shaved or the SOHC ZC camshaft had to much lift. Anyone have any ideas? (D16a6 block/PM7 pistons/ZC head and cam)

    So after getting all that straight I then put everything back together in the engine bay, getting everything ready to start the motor. Then I ran into an issue of no CEL or OIL light. However that was remedied by a 10a fuse that was in the dash fuse box. Replaced the fuse and then everything came on as normal. Except for no fuel pump loading up. It seems like the previous owner drained the gas tank and theres no fuel in the tank but I couldn't really check because it was getting dark. I'm definitely getting spark out of the wires so I'm good there. Just gotta get this fuel system going. more pics soon!
  • drfinkdrfink Wagonist
    I would guess the head has been milled.
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    Had a friend hook me up with a lip. But it won't go on until I can clean and get this thing clean on the road. More rain today and decided to take a break I'm sure I'll be back at it again over the next few days. This thing will Def get a paint job and some wheels once it can resume a DD status.
    http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mark_mckenzie1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140422_185358_zps3b9a4c17.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0
    http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mark_mckenzie1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140422_185300_zps6bd74086.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1
    http://s1278.photobucket.com/user/mark_mckenzie1/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140422_185200_zpsd06cf1b6.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2
  • MY_EEWagonMY_EEWagon Wagonist
    when you upload to photobucket, they give you 4 options to links. use the last one that says IMG.

    20140422_185200_zpsd06cf1b6.jpg

    20140422_185300_zps6bd74086.jpg

    20140422_185358_zps3b9a4c17.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    Thank you!!! SIR! sorry i haven't updated in awhile but I will uploading a Bunch of info in the next day or so! thanx
  • debrisdebris Wagonist
    Is that a J's Racing replica lip notched for the wagons front bar?
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    Pretty much. I got it from a buddy who trimmed it.
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    [IMG][/img]20140503_160216_zpsa770c4f9.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    [IMG][/img]20140503_160435_zps22afc54a.jpg[IMG][/img]IMG_0549_zpsb54a6688.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    [IMG][/img]IMG_0057_zpsaa321194.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    [IMG][/img]20140508_194016_zps597704c1.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    [IMG][/img]20140508_194005_zps99e9ee56.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    boom[IMG][/img]20140510_164439_zps260a2e71.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    [IMG][/img]20140513_181811_zps08e7be3f.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    [IMG][/img]20140514_173101_zpsfa68a3fc.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    ok so her's my progress so far. Had to pull the original motor because it wouldn't get any oil pressure. Had a ZC Ready to go in. I used Inovative mounts which I love. Also cleaned and touched up the engine bay. Made some GEHTTO amber corners lol! still got a lot of future plans.
  • MY_EEWagonMY_EEWagon Wagonist
    progress looks great man! the bay cleaned up really well. i like it. though a heat shield would be cake!
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    Trying to find one around here is proving to be tough. I would paint the valve cover if would ever stop raining. Picked up some junk yard parts today AC lines, Air box, and an armrest. Need to order wheels... Took the car on the highway last night, it great but after about 20 min I heard a loud rumbling sound like flat tires. I pulled over checked everything and seemed fine got back on the highway and after about 10 min I heard the sound again. Started thinking it was the rear diff. So here's the question... I got 13's on the front and 14's on the back currently. So could this be bad for the rear Diff? or could it be fluid related?
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    [IMG][/img]20140517_143941_zps0e9e6c83.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    [IMG][/img]20140517_144019_zps13903d2a.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    [IMG][/img]20140517_144032_zps432c3562.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    Installed the AC back on because it gets hot as hell in SC! and stuffed a dual point air box in there. I got to find a shorter tube or cut it. have a header cover on the way and wheels have been ordered and on the way then paint.
  • gnarwhalrobgnarwhalrob Band Wagon
    Do you live in Columbia? Don't see too many wagon owners around and it serves well to stay connected.
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    got wheels in..[IMG][/img]20140529_174156_zps5f276562.jpg
    [IMG][/img]20140529_174131_zpsa9fe2556.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    had to install new head gasket and radiator.[IMG][/img]20140529_203737_zps399d8d7b.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    [IMG][/img]20140529_203749_zps6e943d0d.jpg
  • HSG MarkMHSG MarkM Band Wagon
    [IMG][/img]20140523_141546_zpsd82015dc.jpg
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