I blew the D16A6 in my STS2 CRX (Spun Bearing + lots of smoke). I am looking for replacement options. Can a SOHC ZC be made ST* legal? My motor was a rebuild and I am not looking to go thru that again. As you can see my motor building skillz suck.

From my research the head and ECU are the only differences between the ZC and D16A6. If the US spec head with US spec ECU was put in, would I still be protest bait? If so, I will just suck it up and got to SM2 quietly.. Im not a national competitor, so dont expect to see it at Topeka.

TIA!

 

ecu doesn't matter, you can change that anyhow. what is the block code? IF the block code is the same and the part number for the pistons, crank, conn rods, etc are the same and you use the US spec head/IM/TB/sensors etc. you could probably get away with it. it would be easier and safer just to put another d16a6 motor in it. find a low mileage junkyard one and call it a day.

nate

 

Nope. Unless all the bits are the same part number as the US equivalent, you're out of luck.

I'd be suprised if you can't find a used/junkyard motor for $500 or so if you spend some time looking.

 

I have a ZC in my CRX and ran in a Mod class last time I autocrossed becasue of my swap. If the block does not say D16A6 on it and the ZC does not, then you are illegal if someone wants to question it. Would someone ever know or do that at a local level? I don't know but it is a solid possibility. Hondas and swaps are so common that many people would be able to tell if they saw your hood open.

I like my ZC a lot although it is not nearly as powerful as a B16 but it is an easy and reliable install. My suggetion would be to simply run in SM2 or whatever if you get the ZC, that way you are legal and the car should still be locally competitive to have fun (unless there is a hot Corvette, S2000, etc.). Personally, I'd rather be legal and have fun running my car where I can then be worried that it isn't really right and waiting for someone to find out and have a problem with my secret.

 

Last ZC'd CRX I saw was the ex-Duane Taylor car that eventually got an LS/VTEC and was sold. From what I remember, it was fairly easy to look under the hood and spot something (block code perhaps) wasn't original to the car.

I wouldn't swear to this but I find it very unlikely that the pistons, valves, etc...anything for that matter...has the same part number as the D motor.

I'm telling you. Spend the time, if needed, to find a proper D motor and leave the thing in STS2. Is the bottom end of your motor trashed or can it be reused with a new crank? I've never done it but apparently the second time you build a motor is a lot less awful than the first.

 

I went through this when the car I bought had the wrong engine in it (d15 not a d16). Everyone I asked, and I mean everyone (locally and via the interweb), said that you couldn't drop in a ZC and remain ST* legal even though the motors are very similar. You can find d16a6's if you look hard enough for less than 300. Just cruise the classifieds, and look around for people doing swaps. They often are willing to sell the old motor at a steep discount just to get it out of their garage. good luck.

 

I am pretty much resigned to running SM2. AFAIK I would have the same problem in running CSP as STS2. In SM2, there are no eyes glaring at me thinking I am a cheater.

I dont wanna take a risk on a motor that has been sitting in a junkyard or someones basement. The ZC I am getting has a 6 month unlimited milage warranty.

I know I am taking a knife to a gunfight in someways, but the last time I checked THSCC hasnt paid out a dime to the winner of an autocross ever. I need to remember I do this for more than showing up for 4-5 50 second runs.