Dave the Embalmer

Hey, I'm new to the performance upgrade scene, and know virtually nothing about it. I have a 1994 Civic DX with a 102HP SOHC engine. Nearly everyone I've talked to has said that upgrading it is a lost cause and my best bet, short of buying a new car, is to swap out the engine.

Unfortunately, I have no idea how to go about this. I don't know what engines will fit, or where to buy one/have one built even if I did. If anyone could give me some pointers on where to look for information on this sort of thing, I'd really appreciate it.

I'm also wondering how difficult it is to actually perform an engine swap. While I'd like to do it myself (I have an electronic and engineering back ground, so I know my way around in some areas) I've never done any car mechanics before other than filter changes, things like that. Additionaly, I suspect I lack the proper equipment (I have no means of lifting the old engine out, or placing the new one in, unless several people just grabbing the thing is acceptable/possible) and I'm wondering if a mechanic could do it, and what it would cost.

Again, sorry for my ignorance, but I hope a few can help clear some of it away.

kKdARIAN

honda engines are very swappable. I mean, yea your gonna have to find an engine, probly get some diff motor mounts and such, but... its frequently done, engine swaps are. I really don't know alot about them, but don't buy another car, give that 94' a new engine, she'll love ya for it'

kenny

turbolscivic94

don't worry about being new to the scene, you will learn alot, in order to pick a motor you should figure out what you want to do with it, there are some web sites that will help you see how easy the swaps are and what kind of power gains you will see, check http://www.hybrid-k.com http://www.hondaswap.com those are two sites I can think of off the top of my head.

acuracing

Any B-Series will drop in. The wiring isn't too bad.

If you were to do a swap, my best advice would be to get a Helms/Honda Service Manual.

BauleyCivic

yeah...

step 1: get the helms service manual

step 2: go to http://www.hmotorsonline.com and order a motor that fits your budget

step 3: get air tools and an engine hoist

step 4: have a ball

fowler!

Just keep reading and reading and reading. The best move you can make is research. It wouldn't be a smart idea to just jump in head first as you would probably spend more money.

You sound like you know what's up in certain areas, so you should catch on quick. Just stick around the forums and you should be fine.

bensonwrx

Well I am new to the Honda scene, although I'd learned a lot from this forum and my other car. Since mine is a 93 CX and I am planning on doing a swap (in Oct), you are always welcome to keep in touch with me. I can tell you all the procedures, once the swap is undergoing. It's going to be either a B16 or B18, which either is very popular choice.

Like the others mentioned, keep on reading and reading, and you will learn a lot before you know it.

Good luck!

CivHatchH22

yeah i was a noob prob. like last summer... i learned allot from friends, personal expiriences, and mostly this forum.

sohcvtec1995

You could do a mini me. Thats a vtec head on yuor stock block. it will help you out if you are on a budget.

DailyBlown

I recommend B16A SiR 2....I got mine from Honda Motors Online for $2,550 and it is running fine! Don't worry about being new to the scene just read magazines and go on Honda-tech a lot!

Eyewitness

time on this site..all you need

Dave the Embalmer

Hmm, changing the head instead of the whole engine sounds like it might be a fair bit easier and cheaper. Could anyone elaborate on this? Thanks for all the helpful replies!

tour de france turbo

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Dave the Embalmer &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hmm, changing the head instead of the whole engine sounds like it might be a fair bit easier and cheaper. Could anyone elaborate on this? Thanks for all the helpful replies!</TD></TR></TABLE>
find a ex SOHC vtec head and p28 ecu, swap out your stock head and ECU with the EX ones and add some wires. lots of post on here on the full directions, the search button is the best part of this site so use that more then posting power


Modified by stock ek sleeper at 1:50 AM 8/22/2003