Sam

I have a 96 Civic CX 5 speed and I want to do a swap. My budget is about $2,500 in total. Guys, which way should I go?
1. Get a SOHC VTEC head and bolt to my CX engine? How difficult is it? How much is the total cost? I want a shop to do it and do you know how much is it? Any good shop in San Jose, CA area?
2. Get a D16 SOCH VTEC engine and replace my old engine?
3. Any cheap but decent condition B16A engine?
4. How about smog issue? How to get DMV ok on the swap? I am new to hybrid so please bear my lack of knowledge.

gsrvx

CA law requires the engine to be the same year or newer as the chassis it's going into. And all smog equipment must be hooked up. After you get the swap done...schedule an appointment at the state referee...that is where they should give it the sniffer test and visual inspection. If everything is good...you'll get a sticker saying that ur engine swap is legal.

I'm not too sure on the pricing...but the cheaper ones would be from the del sol vtec models. I think they stopped making it in 1995 (not sure though). If so, then technically...it wouldn't be legal. But that is ur choice. If you wanna go legit...then you'd have to get a 99+ B16A from a civic si.

If $2500 is all you have...then perhaps a 96+ LS motor? Those are alot cheaper then popular B16As and B18C1/5s. I think it all depends on how much money ur gonna spend. Do you plan on spending more after the $2500? You can always get the LS, save up, and go lsvtec. Or save up for turbo. Since ur new to hybriding....I'd probably recommend just saving ur money for a gsr motor. Great all around performance IMO.Hope this helps.

-Rod


[Modified by RK, 1:15 AM 1/18/2002]

deepnite

and no JDM..no can track at the ref s computer bank..the LS or GS swap sounds good..