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92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

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Old 05-13-2016, 10:06 PM
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Default 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

Hey guys what would happen if I put in a jdm motor without swapping anything from the old one to the new one. Assuming I don't have to worry about emission test. Would it give me any advantage of anything? Would it still be the same? Could I get a ticket?

1992 honda civic vx. Getting the d15 vtec obd1.

Long time honda owner never really went through any engine replacement up until now.

Things I'm looking to replace are: t-belt, w-pump, tensioner, cam seal, rear crank seal, front crank seal, all the top end gasket kit, spark plugs, coolant, oil, oil filter, thermostat, clutch, resurface flywheel, transmission fluids.

Is there anything I left out?

I shop around for labor prices and anywhere from 500 to over a thousand. I wish I know how to do it myself.

Please help I need your opinions. Looking to get this done soon. Thanks.

Last edited by G2_Fella; 05-13-2016 at 10:43 PM.
Old 05-13-2016, 10:28 PM
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Default re: 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

C.A.R.B. wish they'd 86 that already.

Obd1 over here, you'd most likely have no problems.

As for those jobs, I'd say the clutch n t-belt would be the most time consuming.
Everything is pretty doable with basic skills.
Save a little $ by finding a backyard tuner mechanic, or ask around some auto techs if they know anyone who does work on the side

I usually just get some beers n call some buds over.
Old 05-13-2016, 10:51 PM
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Default re: 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

Originally Posted by StokelesS_g2
C.A.R.B. wish they'd 86 that already.

Obd1 over here, you'd most likely have no problems.

As for those jobs, I'd say the clutch n t-belt would be the most time consuming.
Everything is pretty doable with basic skills.
Save a little $ by finding a backyard tuner mechanic, or ask around some auto techs if they know anyone who does work on the side

I usually just get some beers n call some buds over.
What do you mean by the first line, CARB 86. How can you tell if they install new parts for you, that's my real main concern.

I realized now a days time is money. Nobody wants to hook it up. Or maybe I don't know the in crowds.
Old 05-13-2016, 11:22 PM
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Default re: 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

86 https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/86_(term)

Buy the parts or have em' show you receipts. Or watch em' do it, and learn a little along the way.
Youtube is pretty good for DIY videos.

Time pretty much is like money, especially for us older guys with families and such.
SD has or had a big tuner crowd.

Team Stokeless
Old 05-14-2016, 07:00 AM
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Default Re: 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

You should mention whether you plan to swap in a JDM D15B VTEC-E (similar to VX D15Z1) or a performance JDM D15B VTEC engine (similar to the D16Z6).

Originally Posted by G2_Fella
I shop around for labor prices and anywhere from 500 to over a thousand. I wish I know how to do it myself.
What's holding you back? Lack of tools, lack of expertise, or both?
Old 05-14-2016, 08:09 AM
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Originally Posted by RonJ
You should mention whether you plan to swap in a JDM D15B VTEC-E (similar to VX D15Z1) or a performance JDM D15B VTEC engine (similar to the D16Z6).



What's holding you back? Lack of tools, lack of expertise, or both?
Thanks for correcting the title. It would be the one similar to the D16Z6.

It would be both. That's a big job. To some it's a sinch. I know if I do it myself it would be a perfect clean job. Other people they don't care about your car.

Another question also; would it be risky to put the engine and transmission in the back seat of my trunk? Would it fit. Trying to save some money here.

When I ask for parts do I ask for the vx model or the ex.

Last edited by Former User; 05-14-2016 at 09:22 AM.
Old 05-14-2016, 09:13 AM
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Does your 92 Civic VX still have the original D15Z1 engine or was it swapped?

If you have the original engine, what is your motivation for the swap?

What is the general condition of the car? Is it bone stock?

Originally Posted by G2_Fella
Another question also; would it be risky to put the engine and transmission in the back seat of my trunk? Would it fit. Trying to save some money here.
Do you have another car besides the 92 Civic? Isn't the 92 Civic VX a hatchback?

Originally Posted by G2_Fella
It would be the one similar to the D16Z6
Originally Posted by G2_Fella
When I ask for parts do I ask for the vx model or the ex.
The swap gurus will likely chime in now that they know you plan to swap in the performance JDM D15B VTEC engine. Being in CA, you will also need to address emission hurdles.

I know if I do it myself it would be a perfect clean job. Other people they don't care about your car.
This would be ideal, if you can make it happen. I think that there are shops that you can rent with access to tools. You might want to look into it.
Old 05-15-2016, 06:33 AM
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Default Re: 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

Originally Posted by RonJ
Does your 92 Civic VX still have the original D15Z1 engine or was it swapped?

If you have the original engine, what is your motivation for the swap?

What is the general condition of the car? Is it bone stock?

Do you have another car besides the 92 Civic? Isn't the 92 Civic VX a hatchback?
Yes it still does have the original motor in there.

It's a very tough decision for me. I have 3 options. It all started with a head gasket problem. Do I want to go ahead and do the head gasket, which is the cheapest route. Or do I want to do an engine over haul(rebuilt). A rebuilt cost almost the same as a jdm motor, including S20 tranny. Both options 15+.

The car is hitting close to 450k miles. Please let me know your opinions guys. The car is in good original condition not modified with excellent interior.

This is the only car I have and yes it's a hatchback.
Old 05-15-2016, 06:55 AM
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Default Re: 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

Swapping to a different engine will require some rewiring and another ecu.


You need to tell us what you are expecting out of this new engine in order to give you a better response...
Old 05-15-2016, 07:07 AM
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Default Re: 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

Originally Posted by tony_2018
Swapping to a different engine will require some rewiring and another ecu.


You need to tell us what you are expecting out of this new engine in order to give you a better response...
I expect this engine(jdm or rebuilt)to last a long time. It will be my daily driver as it was. No plan to boost or add ons.

From what I've heard, they said no rewiring or ecu require. It's a direct fit.
Just swap over intake and manifold.
Old 05-15-2016, 01:37 PM
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Default Re: 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

450K miles is a lot and an achievement. Prior to the head gasket blowing, did the engine have any other problems? Did it run poorly? Burn or lose engine oil?

When the head gasket blew, did the engine severely overheat?
Old 05-15-2016, 10:52 PM
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Default Re: 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

keep the z1 if at all possible. rebuilding these is simple in terms of a motor rebuild, so my advice is to find a cheap b7 or similar, swap it in temporarily, and take your time rebuilding your current motor.
Old 05-16-2016, 01:32 PM
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Default Re: 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

OBD1 JDM D15B Vtec-e would be my suggestion. It's a direct replacement for the D15Z1 VX engine and they're generally pretty cheap since most people don't want them due to the low power output, the mileage as I'm sure you're aware is excellent though.
Old 05-16-2016, 06:38 PM
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Default Re: 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

Keep the z1. It is a legend on its own in terms of fuel economy, effecient and they are getting scarce.

The car will have more value as a non swapped original car. The next owner can put his swap and vtec stickers on it to his liking if the price is right for you

Old 05-16-2016, 06:51 PM
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Default Re: 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

OP you won't get the same fuel economy from the D15B VTEC motor you're planning on swapping in. There definitely will be wiring required - minor in the grand scheme of things but if someone told you there wasn't, they're wrong. You also require a different ECU. That is to say, you require one if you want the vehicle to run properly and efficiently. If you don't care if it runs like crap, then by all means don't bother.

Your quickest solution is to swap in a D15B OBD1 VTEC-E motor, as mentioned above. This is basically a direct swap and you will retain or improve your existing fuel economy.
Old 05-17-2016, 08:23 AM
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Default Re: 92 civic vx - Need advice on jdm obd1 d15 vtec engine swap

Best locate a vtec-e engine than.
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