Raceweasel

Just as title says. I am thinking about swapping the stock EW4 12V 1.5L for a 1st gen B16A in my 86 civic Si. I have heard that this Vtec engine in this lightweight of a car is too much power. Though would like to know if anyone in here has this combo and what you thought of it? I would be using it as Street Mod car (scca solo2) and weekend fun car

TreWatts

i wouldn't say 160hp/111tq would be too much power at all. it weighs just about the same as a 2nd gen crx.
i'd just be worried about what a pain in the *** it'll be to install. i almost bought an 87 si planning to drop a zc in, but after researching, i found that even such a simple swap would be an incredible headache.

if you have the time and patience, definitely go for it. a b16 in that car would be fun as hell.

E-AT_me

wow! thanks for mis-informing the original poster! ZC's are extremely easy to drop into these cars.

the b16a isn't bad. the hardest part is the wiring. the physical-ness is pretty easy. but then it's the parts selection that gets things difficult. like if you want an aftermarket radiator, you've got to fab something up. well, there is a drop in now.


there are a few of us on redpepperracing.com that have b series. mine is in the car, but i've barely had nearly enough time to do the wiring. so as such it sits without running. i've got a few other projects in front of it.

also, depends on which "2nd gen rex" you are talking about. the 86 civic Si is right about 2000lbs. close to an HF, about 200lbs lighter than a CRX Si, though.

the only thing that is bad about the b16a is the extra weight it will add. it's not nearly as bad a swap as an H22 in an EG, but it does add some more weight up front, so you should expect to upgrade your brakes and definately your suspension to handle the extra weight/power. (two mods that i'd do BEFORE you drop in the motor. )