Rooni

Honda newbie here, so pardon me if this has been asked before.

I have a '00 Civic EX that was stolen and recovered but without the engine, transmission, and some other bits (AC system, etc). I'm trying to decide whether it's worth it to rebuild or if I'm better of selling the shell. I've never done an engine swap before but I'm familiar with cars and capable to completing the swap myself (have my own tools as well). The problem is finding the engine/trans for the right price - been looking on Craigslist and the HT Marketplace but haven't been able to find anything (thought these engines were as common as seashells, WTF?). The alternative is to post the clean shell up for sale in the Marketplace.

Which would you do and what option would I be better off with (in terms of cost)? Also, what's a reasonable price for a D16Y8 engine and trans? And if I do decide to fix it, what measure can I take to prevent this from happening again in the future?

TIA

kaiba

Walk away from Honda and never look back.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Yeah. These engines are not common depending on what area you are in. Unless you're willing to invest HEAVILY in security and preventative theft measures I would half to agree to just sell the shell and get another car.

If you want a low mileage replacement straight from Japan check out HMotors Online.
http://www.hmotorsonline.com/shop/

Rooni

Sounds like I should get rid of it one way or another.

Alright, so would I be better off selling it after fixing it up or just as it is? I should also mention the car still has a clean title (didn't have comprehensive coverage - FML). And lastly, what's a fair price for a clean shell?

Str8EJ

Don't be dissuaded by the cynics.
If the car has a clean title and you feel comfortable dropping in another motor/trans, do it. If you still decide to sell it, you'll appeal to a broader range of potential buyers if the car is driveable. As a shell, it's only attractive to a narrow, DIY group of enthusiasts.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

Not being cynical. Hondas are theft magnets. That's a fact. If you decide to rebuild make sure you do not neglect the security aspect of your build.

hyperblu

a tilt sensor with an alarm system would be your best bet to prevent it from happening again... There are some alarms out there that have a 2 way pager system. When I decide to start an ek hatch restore and build, I will install an alarm. God help the person that triggers my pager... They will have a .45 kimber down their throat before they know it...

bankonyourself

Like everyone above has mention already...layers of security. Alarm has to be stealth install or GPS tracking has to be installed on it or both of them together. If you're not committed to that...walk away from the Honda scene.

Rooni

Thank you for all the feedback. I'm going to rebuild it and install additional security systems.

Can anyone tell me if the D16Y8 is the correct engine for a manul trans 2000 Civic EX? I'm puzzled because everything I've read about the Y8 engine says it's a VTEC engine, but I'm POSITIVE my car did not have VTEC. Do I need a different engine?

90IntegraGS1.8L

The EX should have vtec, since the d18y8 was the only motor that came in it :D

Ghetto Civic HX

What makes you positive you didn't have VTEC? The d16y8 is the engine that comes in a 2000 EX manual or auto and it does have VTEC.

Rooni

I guess I could be wrong, but there's no indication of it having VTEC (i.e., no VTEC label, no "pop," low torque across entire RPM band, etc.). Again, I could be wrong, but my other car (track use only) is an S2000 so I'm familiar with how it should feel and I don't get any of that with the Civic.

Ghetto Civic HX

I don't think the y8 valve cover says "VTEC" on it and the lack of "pop" and low torque is because it's a d-series

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

It doesn't.

virgineg6

you could always put several different kill switches in it (fuel, ignition) anything that willl slow a thief down just makes it more likely to be in your drive way when you wake up in the morning!

(. )( .)

rebuild and go b-series. its easier to find the swap, and pulls harder

Rooni

Okay, I found a replacement engine and transmission off of Craigslist, but the ad seems a bit fishy. He's asking for $550 for the whole setup with 90K miles on it, which is fine, but the ad states that he's moving out of the state and need to unload the engine asap. It also says the engine oil was changed every 2K miles. Who the heck changes oil that frequently?

Can anyone tell me if this is a fair deal and give me pointers on what to look for? I've never bought an engine before so this is all new to me. I asked for a compression and leakdown test result, but the sellers response was that it works fine - nothing definitive.

grumblemarc

iTrader: (4)

You're at his mercy unless the engine is in the car so you can hear it run. I would skip this one.

NotAJDMFanBoy

Leave the car looking stock, install and alarm and lock it in a garage. Also, look into securing the garage. Physically locking the doors in the closed position will do more than just relying on dead bolts and the door opener.

Rooni

The car has always been stock. I don't even have tinted windows on it and I leave it dirty all the time to avoid unecessary attention. I live in a condo building with one garage spot and I park my S2000 there, so the Civic is street parked. I'll install some killswitches and hope I sell it before it gets stolen...for the 2nd time.

Any suggestions on engines? That is, if I'm not able to source out a Y8. I hear there are many options? I'm looking for a direct swap...

Rooni

I found a B16a2 engine, which I understand is a direct swap. It's only the longblock and I'm unclear on what else I need to complete the swap. Below is my shortlist - please let me know if I'm missing anything.

Manifolds (intake/exhaust)
harness (included)
ECU (included)
Mounts (using stock mounts)
Transmission ---> Which trans will mate with a B16a2? Will a Y8 trans work?

project93hatch

you need a b series tranny!
also a clutch.

redm3turbo

who in the world would steal a Y8?

Always_BROKE

^ I was gonna ask the same question! HA

Rooni

I didn't think anyone would steal it either and because of that, we only had liability coverage.

But alas, this is how we found the car.