Wagovan dropped a rod. Need opinions please?

NastyN8sSlamvanNastyN8sSlamvan New Wagonist
in Engine & Drivetrain
Okay, so after three months of scouring the state of WI, I found an 89 Civic Wagon D15b2. Bought it a week ago.

It dropped a rod and now theres a hole in the block.

I want to do a motor swap but this is only my second Honda. I've got a good feel for all the motors, I just want to know what is the most logical. It will be a summer driver.

D16z6? B18C? ...H22a? :?

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I just wanted to say that its really great to see a Honda Civic Wagon forum and when my car is done I'll have to show up at some Midwest meets and get to know some of you guys.

Comments

  • leWolfleWolf Senior Wagonist
    D16z6 is pretty easy and is fairly cheap. Hard part is the mpfi conversion and the obd1. You could also just use a ZC and only do the mpfi.
  • Dash-N-CarsDash-N-Cars Senior Wagonist
    ^^ Agreed

    Stick with a D series, saves you from buying mounts, axles, ecu, shift linkage, etc. That's what I plan on doing.
  • NastyN8sSlamvanNastyN8sSlamvan New Wagonist
    oh jeeze. see this is my first actual swap. I only entertained the thought of one back when I had my coupe. So If i stick with D series I can keep using my D mounts?

    And the ZC, I haven't really caught any knowledge on that motor. How does it compare to the z6?

    Oh, and thanks guys!
  • leWolfleWolf Senior Wagonist
    NastyN8sSlamvan wrote:
    oh jeeze. see this is my first actual swap. I only entertained the thought of one back when I had my coupe. So If i stick with D series I can keep using my D mounts?

    And the ZC, I haven't really caught any knowledge on that motor. How does it compare to the z6?

    Oh, and thanks guys!

    Almost the same HP and it will use your stock mounts. I mean the SOHC ZC no vtec either.
  • NastyN8sSlamvanNastyN8sSlamvan New Wagonist
    Will a DOHC ZC fit on a D16y8 block by any chance....???
  • NastyN8sSlamvanNastyN8sSlamvan New Wagonist
    dohc ZC Head*** fit on a d16y8 block
  • Dash-N-CarsDash-N-Cars Senior Wagonist
    As far as an aftermarket, z6>zc by far. That's why I'm going Z6 instead.
  • JakerJaker familEE
    NastyN8sSlamvan wrote:
    dohc ZC Head*** fit on a d16y8 block

    No.
  • NastyN8sSlamvanNastyN8sSlamvan New Wagonist
    What kind of block could I mate a dohc ZC head to? I know a guy thats got one for sale. I just don't know anything about those motors.

    And would I also need to swap out the ecu?

    all input is still appreciated. I can't make any moves until I have my mind set on the exact motor.

    Thanks!
  • NastyN8sSlamvanNastyN8sSlamvan New Wagonist
    nevermind, it will only fit on a zc block.
  • NastyN8sSlamvanNastyN8sSlamvan New Wagonist
    Looks like I'm hunting for a d16z6. Thank you guys for your help and please pardon the posting tidal wave from the forum noob.
  • bam-bambam-bam Council Member
    We're here to help. If you just need the car to run, get somebody's old stock d15b2, slap it in there with no mods, and THEN collect swap knowledge and parts. D16Z6 is a great way to go, I just bought one myself, but it will require some serious wiring. Of course, you can buy harnesses from Rywire and the like that are nearly plug-n-play...but you'll pay.
  • NastyN8sSlamvanNastyN8sSlamvan New Wagonist
    Of all things in the world of cars, wiring is by far my favorite thing to do. That isn't sarcasm either. It all clicks with me.

    I'm waiting on a price of a B18A1 with a Greddy turbo set up not far from me. Its coming out of a 1990 civic wagon.

    Still no word on price yet but I think its around $2K
  • Dash-N-CarsDash-N-Cars Senior Wagonist
    If you have the money go for it, but coledge kidz lik myself don't not have that mad cash.
  • NastyN8sSlamvanNastyN8sSlamvan New Wagonist
    I'm only a senior in high school. I work 9 hrs a day on weekends and 6 hrs after school on a dairy farm. Not your average spoiled Daddy bought me a civic for my 16th birthday teenager. Thats my only pet peeve in this life.

    Blood sweat and tears friend.

    I'd be way farther ahead if I hadn't owned an 01 1.8T Jetta. Problems every 300 miles. Worst investment in my 18 years of life. VW = Trash.
    I used to hate on Hondas... I'm embarassed and ashamed that I ever did.
  • Dash-N-CarsDash-N-Cars Senior Wagonist
    I understand that man, I worked everyday of my life since i was 14. But with college, can't work... lame. NO money
  • NastyN8sSlamvanNastyN8sSlamvan New Wagonist
    ooo not quality. I'm avoiding college because I can't be a full time student and financially support myself at the same time, its impossible. No free rides in my house. HA
  • suspendedHatchsuspendedHatch Wagonist
    I love wiring also. I don't understand why so many Honda-heads look at wiring like African tribesmen look at fighter jets flying overhead.

    Sorry for the bad analogy.
  • NastyN8sSlamvanNastyN8sSlamvan New Wagonist
    it was a dead on analogy lol
  • NastyN8sSlamvanNastyN8sSlamvan New Wagonist
    Okay I have two options:
    $850
    -d16z6
    -p28 ecu
    -lsd tranny 5 speed (If it doesn't work I get a crx si tranny instead)
    -header
    -shift linkage
    -Has 80,000 miles and all new Honda seals have been put in.

    OR

    $300
    Junkyard d15b2.
    Mileage unkown.
    But I do get a 30 day warranty.

    What would probably my best deal? The z6 isn't in a car or anything but supposedly this guy was going to put it in his crx if it didn't sell.

    What do you guys think?
  • HaydzHaydz Moderator
    Just to throw a spanner in the works, you actually can put a DOHC ZC head onto a D16 SOHC block, it requires a bit of work though. Wouldn't bother at all unless you're experienced at building engines.
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