96RedRocket

Hey Guys,

I am new to this forum and I hope to establish some roots here and create a network of friends.

I just recently acquired a 96 Civic DX Hatch and it currently has 230k miles on it. Bushings will be replaced, as well as the steering rack. My question is: Should I go ahead and replace the motor or should I drive the D16 till it dies? The motor feel like it runs strong and doesn't give me any problems.

This will be my daily driver for the next 5 years (hopefully) so I am patient with my mods. However, I don't want to be driving it to school or work one day and it just craps out on me. It has the original transmission and motor so the previous owner did not abuse it. So I don't know if I should take a chance and see if it lasts till 300k or take the swap.

Dc4LsTeG

iTrader: (7)

Why would you replace it if nothings wrong. Drive it till it starts to die, that engine could go forever if properly maintained

91 EF DX

Just change the timing belt and water pump and give it a tune up and oil change and maintain it and it should last more than 300k

furious94ls

Drive it as is, keep it maintained. In the mean time get a goal/plan and save up for the motor you want in it and when you have everyting then swap it out.

lobby350

No reason why it wont go to 300K + no problem. Keep it in good shape and maintain it. I currently have 265k on my Y8. If your worried about the health of your motor do a compression test and a leak down test.

94EG8

I would keep driving it while I put money aside for a swap personally. In terms of doing a swap, spend the money upfront and do it right the first time, it's cheaper in the long run.

motegicivic

Are you burning any oil with you your y8? I am close to you in mileage and burning quite a bit.

furious94ls

I have 185k on my Y8 and burn no oil. Do a compression check. Piston rings, or valve guides.

Robin6

drive it till it drops is not a good idea. Leaves you without a car if you do that when it dies.

96RedRocket

I was thinking the same thing. If it dies on me suddenly, I'd have to wait for the new motor to come in plus the installation time. However, I am very curious on how far this motor will go.

I have siblings who won't mind me bumming for rides if it does drop out.

On another note, do you guys know what else I should be replacing on an old car as this to keep it as a reliable DD? So far I have in mind: New struts, steering rack, bushings, and fixing the freaking AC.

96RedRocket

I forgot to mention that I will also be replacing the Fuel Pump because it seems to have a hard time starting every now and then. It won't start after sitting for a while, but then starts up perfectly every time after that during that same day.

The previous owner already replaced the water pump, plugs and wires, fuel filter, timing belt at 180k, brake pads.

Believe it or not, I bought this thing for $400.

Robin6

these are old cars now, i would recommend to replace all hoses and belts along with new water pump and timing belt. then start on all the bushings for the suspension.

CRX Si69

My dad's accord has 280k on it and counting. Stock everything, as long as you take care of it, it will last a very very long time, especially if you do regular maintenance on it, (my dad doesn't and look how far he's made it).

You could change a few things here and there, but other than that, save up your money.

When you hit the 5 year mark, you'll have enough money saved to build just about anything.

Rikkii Chang

if your motor still runs strong just maintain it. i have a 97 hatch too, and i just swap a b16 in it. it's nice but not all that. save money for a gsr, or ls vtec, more torque.

KandabashiDevil

Strongly disagree!

The OP lives in Texas ... Not some remote island in Asia :D
Trust me. I know shops in Texas. You can buy a motor and have it running during the same day.

94EG8

Engines don't normally just die overnight, you usually get some advance warning.

If the shocks are bad a new set of KYB GR-2s (I think they're called Excel-Gs now) are a nice OEM replacement shock that will last. Unless the rack is leaking leave it alone. Bushings would be a good idea if they're cracked and dry rotted.

Check the main relay first. OEM Honda fuel pumps hardly ever go bad.