Thinking of swapping in a ZC

swaiteswaite New Wagonist
in Engine & Drivetrain
If anybody is knowledgeable, I have a few questions. I've been looking on eBay for a while for a replacement and the DOHC engines are harder to come by than the SOHC and usually a few hundred dollars more. And it seems like every DOHC on eBay right now has a friggin tranny attatched to it. Would I be missing out on that much if I opted for the SOHC? Also, my mechanic was trying to feed me some line that with the wagon being 4wd and all that it would involve quite a bit more labor. Is there any truth in that?

Comments

  • evol911evol911 familEE
    The SOHC and DOHC are rated the same horsepower/torque. The SOHC is the exact same motor as the D16A6 with a "hotter" cam. DOHC or SOHC ZC will make you happy, both are great motors and usually the DOHC is a little more. Have you tried to locate a motor on Skagit Craigslist? Also, this place is usually cheap and they are right across the ferry in Lynwood, its called Foreign Engines, Inc.. I've dealt with them before, 5 years ago or so. Not a bad company to deal with.

    As for more work than a 2wd, not much that I can remember: unbolt the driveline which is (4) 12 point 10mm bolts, cable trans linkage instead of the rod but its actually easier to remove the RT4wd linkage due to not having to deal with the "bitch" pin, some skidplates that could be a pain in the butt... I don't think that there is really that much that is difficult.

    And seriously, if you need help, I have a two car garage, all the right tools, bins and boxes of spare Honda parts including a torn apart DOHC ZC(lost cause for rebuilding, strictly parts) and a running D16A6 plus a passion for working on Honda's! PM me if you want.
  • Jim2Jim2 Band Wagon
    Wow. Thats a super nice offer. I may have my engine shipped up there and come visit for a weekend. :D
  • swaiteswaite New Wagonist
    Sorry for making such a n00b post. I really am beating a dead horse here. Most information has already been covered at least three times. Looking for a DOHC ZC now. Or a SOHC for the right price.
  • swaiteswaite New Wagonist
    I might hold off on this until the engine actually dies. I (mostly my wife) have been rolling around on three cylinders for a few thousand miles now. :P
  • CharbCharb Administrator
    swaite wrote:
    I might hold off on this until the engine actually dies. I (mostly my wife) have been rolling around on three cylinders for a few thousand miles now. :P

    When I bought my RT as a 'winter beater', it had 135k and smoked a little. Had some extra money randomly one week so I bought a DOHC ZC from a local importer for a rainy weekend. 2+ months later I was cruising home and my clutch exploded (wish I still had picks). Felt that was a perfect time to put it in.

    Hands down the funnest year round car I've ever owned. Thing absolutely kicked ass in our great inland NW winters. Having the DOHC and 4wd makes people attempt to call bullshit frequently. It's fun to pull picks of the driveshaft installation lol

    I'll likely go with a Z6 next time specifically for my plans. But I wouldn't hesitate to put a DOHC ZC in another daily driver RT at some point.

    ps (edit)- just read evol's post...I got my ZC from Foreign in Couer d' Alene, ID (same company, great to deal with... they even delivered for free)
  • 949949 Senior Wagonist
    how does the DOHC z6 install? whats involved with that mod?
  • evol911evol911 familEE
    949 wrote:
    how does the DOHC z6 install? whats involved with that mod?

    Do you mean DOHC ZC?
  • swaiteswaite New Wagonist
    After trying to contact multiple companies multiple times it looks like I'll be going the eBay route. I managed to find a ZC automatic ECU (PP5?) on eBay and also got the distributor adapter, so all of my electronics are hopefully taken care of. Just waiting on the engine now!
  • swaiteswaite New Wagonist
    Bought a D16A8 off eBay. Hopefully it will be here early next week and be running by Thanksgiving! Taking it to Integrity Automotive here in town for warranty puposes.
  • swaiteswaite New Wagonist
    Holidays were crazy. Anyhow, FINALLY picked up the engine today and have a shelf full of parts that need to go on. evol911, if your offer for help still stands, I'm gonna need it.

    592.jpg
    8)
  • evol911evol911 familEE
    swaite wrote:
    Holidays were crazy. Anyhow, FINALLY picked up the engine today and have a shelf full of parts that need to go on. evol911, if your offer for help still stands, I'm gonna need it.

    Ok :wink:
  • ragenasianragenasian Moderator
    By the looks of that valve cover you have the DOHC ZC out of a Rover (no worries, same motor). Good luck!
  • evol911evol911 familEE
    ragenasian wrote:
    By the looks of that valve cover you have the DOHC ZC out of a Rover (no worries, same motor). Good luck!

    Yes definitely the Rover motor. Exact same thing as the ZC except for the valve cover,cams and possibly higher mileage than the Japanese import but it will still put a smile on your face. Good thing it came with the PS, that will save you some trouble.
  • ragenasianragenasian Moderator
    Maybe high mileage but usually better taken care of. Usually :mrgreen:
  • NengchangNengchang New Wagonist
    Good luck on the swap.
  • The_HeadThe_Head familEE
    Good luck. For 3 years I owned an '87 Teg with the D16A1 (with vacuum advance). I had the browntop ZC cams, a DC sports header and a VAFC, and it ran pretty good.
  • CharbCharb Administrator
    evol911 wrote:
    ragenasian wrote:
    By the looks of that valve cover you have the DOHC ZC out of a Rover (no worries, same motor). Good luck!

    Yes definitely the Rover motor. Exact same thing as the ZC except for the valve cover,cams and possibly higher mileage than the Japanese import but it will still put a smile on your face. Good thing it came with the PS, that will save you some trouble.

    evol is the ZC samurai lol

    How much did you pickup the motor for?
  • swaiteswaite New Wagonist
    $785 shipped from jdmenginezone on eBay.
  • swaiteswaite New Wagonist
    42.jpg
    Awesomeeee. Couldn't have done it without evol911.
Sign In or Register to comment.

© Vanilla Keystone Theme 2025