WKhbnrd

I just bought a 93 hb with what i believe is the d15 motor, I have no idea how to identify the head. I know it's a vtec and can post a pic tomorrow if needed. I'd like to know if there a way to tell without taking the head off if the oil jet was removed. i've already seen that the wiring wasn't hooked up right and fixed that, but i worry that the amateurs i bought this car off of may have screwed some other things up. The oil was low, black, and had some metal shavings in it when i got it home. the axles are shot and i haven't lifted it yet, but i'm thinking they cut off the springs to lower it. I'm going to probably take it back to stock suspension when i do the axles to avoid any further damage until i have more $ to put into this project, but i do want to be able to drive it around without worrying if my ride is going to fall apart. Any help advice and recommendations is GREATLY appreciated. TIA.

jbpnoman

Metal shavings in the oil generally mean shot bearings. Does it make any unusual noises?

You can easily identify the head - just look for the casing stamp. It'll be near the exhaust manifold, between the exhaust ports.

WKhbnrd

its has a stamp numer of p08-2 which makes it a z6 head? no very unusual noises, but a slight whine from the top of the engine. someone told me that a pressure plate wearing in could cause metal shavings?? i believe they'd just changed that, the clutch, and slave cylinder before i bought it.

slowDB7

a pressure plate wouldnt be causing metal shavings in the oil

WKhbnrd

alright thanks. well i'll try an oil change and hope everything comes out clean next time.

slowDB7

hopefully its not something bad causing metal shavings

WKhbnrd

yeah i'm hoping. i'll find out after the oil change, probably won't be for a few days though it's snowing like crazy and i don't have a garage. btw is the d15z6 worth building up? are there other blocks that could match up with the head if i just focus on that?

eghatch9295

iTrader: (1)

yes. z6/y8, much better than whatever d15 bottom they used.

slowDB7

yeah, d15's dont have much aftermarket support, the d16 have alot and would probably be better

D16Z6?AIRE

going with the d15 bottom end gives you more compression. I believe that is what the big deal is with those.

D16Z6?AIRE

If u just got the car and you know it is backyard put together from different motors I would get a headgasket amd rip it apart have the head hot tanked and clean the intake and throttlebody out while the head is out getting cleaned and checked for straitness. Should only take 100-120$ and like 4 hours. Half quart of lucas stabilizer and three quarts of oil. And the camseal is cheap quick and easy while the head is out also. By doing all this u really know what you are working with and its good to know you are running the right head gasket.

gordonshumway

the casting marks on the head have numbers on them. they should be over one of the exhaust ports, the casting mark farthest to the left should be the year it was made

eghatch9295

iTrader: (1)

no, the "big deal" with a mini me was that it was a cheap way to add vtec/ more power... in 1999, when sohc vtec engines and b swaps still cost a fortune. it is not about the aftermarket support, it is about the limp dick connecting rods/internals on a d15 vs d16. even with the bump in compression, you do not make up the hp, and usually need to run premium. op- save up 100-200$ and snag the proper bottom end.

WKhbnrd

sounds like a plan thanks for all the advice everyone. i'll start contacting junkyards or checking forums for a decent d16 block and get the head looked at while i'm waiting. it would be good to know i'm starting with a solid foundation before trying to build up.