ThusForgotten

Hello honda-tech users! I'm new here...
I purchased a 1997 Honda Civic EX a couple weeks ago.
It is my second Civic, the first being a '96 EK, and I am so stoked to be back behind the wheel. Such fun little cars...
Anyway, I am reaching out to you guys and gals today for some assistance!

My Civic has a D15B swap, and I am experiencing a couple issues... VTEC doesn't cross over until 5500rpm - is this normal? - and will not, for the life of me, stay after shifting. I don't think this is normal, is it? Personally, I am not sure, which is why I am asking you good folk in hopes of a helping hand.

Thank you in advance!

Former User

What D15B engine and ECU?

ThusForgotten

I'm not exactly sure... :/

Former User

Post the block, head, and ECU codes.

ThusForgotten

Alright! Let me go get them for you, give me a few minutes. Damn it... I feel stupid... Where exactly will I find the codes you are looking for? Just so I don't waste my time and get you the wrong codes.

Former User

https://honda-tech.com/honda-civic-d.../#post48684945

The ECU has a label on it showing the code. The ECU is behind the passenger kick panel.

ThusForgotten

Alright, hope I got all the right codes for you, if not I can definitely go look again.

Block : D15B 2800945

Head : P2J-1

ECU : 37820-P2P-335
1404-102011

That all look right?

Former User

You have an OBD2 JDM 3-STAGE VTEC D15B engine (fuel economy engine)

The P2P ECU is for a D16Y8 engine, not the engine you have.

ThusForgotten

Ahhh... I see! Thank you so much! Is there a resource you used to look up those codes, or do you just know them by heart?

Also, what would be the proper ecu to purchase as a replacement?

Former User

https://honda-tech.com/honda-civic-d...-here-3210150/

http://www.phearable.net/images/tech/wiring/ecus.html

ThusForgotten

Awesome man, thanks again!

Former User

You need to do a lot of reading before you do anything. You have a complicated engine swap with many potential pitfalls.

https://honda-tech.com/honda-civic-d...-pics-2802636/

Good luck.

ThusForgotten

Yeah... What are some of these pitfalls? (only if you have the time, I hope I haven't bugged you too much already.)

Former User

Where do you live and what are the vehicle inspection/emission laws there?

ThusForgotten

Heheh... I know where this is going... I live in California, I think we have THE most strict emissions standards in the US, if I am not mistaken. Luckily I have friends...

Former User

Well, you know what you're up against. The required JDM OBD2 P2J ECU won't communicate with an OBD2 code reader; the engine has an EGR system, etc.

You'll need to ask yourself whether you want to deal with this economy engine or sell it and swap in an engine designed to deliver more hp.

doctorake

Sorry to tell you this, but I do not think you can ever get that engine through SMOG legally. I may be wrong but JDM engines are not allowed, and even if they are I don't thenk there is an ECU that is USDM for that engine.

baller status

"Economy engine" lol. When I had mine tuned it made 129hp on par with a stock B16. The tuner said it was the most he'd ever seen out of a "stock" D series. I had an ebay CAI, custom exhaust, and AEM EMS but apparently to his standards this is close enough to be considered "stock".

You could probably smog it with a D16Y5 ECU. Not technically legal, but if they don't notice that it's a swap, you're all set.

92ehatch

When they see d15b...nothing else they will know