Hey guys,

well, I got an 1990 EF SI. and I plan to learn on how to swap engines. I was going to buy a B16 but it seems to be a little pricey for my budget. so I recently found out about a "ZC" engine, thats out there that can fit my EF directly. from what I have read so far, it is one of the easiest noobie swaps to make.

keep in mind that I never swaped an engine before, but the only way to learn is to get your hands dirty, and learn as you go I guess.

what do you think of the swap? difficulty wise. please dont start a war thread on how ZC is better than B-series or viceversa. Im just talking about the swap itself here. can someone like me, who never done a swap get this done?

I got friends who know more than me, and im sure they wouldnt mind coming around when I attempting the swap, but I do not want their help unless is absolutely necessary. I want to learn, so they can sorta look over my shoulders.

I plan to boost it too, but that, I will leave it to someone I know.

what do you guys think or would like to share? help a n00b out. thanks.

-Loz

 

The main thing is to have at least a basic knowledge of mechanics. I.E. know what everything does. Besides that, having knowledgable friends of the utmost importance, that is how I gained most of my knowledge. Just budget more time than you plan, as well as money, and just take your time.

 

yeah, time I would be able to take, since I got
a second car I could use while I do this.

but I wont get started until I have enough money to do everything in one shot.

right now I have enough to buy the motor.

 

goddamn, just 1 reply.

anyone else wanna throw in their .02?

 

*throwing* my .02 cents in

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CSprogR34 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">can someone like me, who never done a swap get this done?
-Loz</TD></TR></TABLE>

Does a bear **** in the woods? If you have any mechanical skills whatsoever this is a piece of cake. ZC is a drop in motor utilizing the same mounts as the stock motor. All you really have is the VTEC wiring. If you know nothing about motors I don't sugggest you do this alone. Regardless, you've got friends! Invite them over and crack open some beers! For those under 21, crack open some Vodka! J/K

 

Go with a b16. Since you already have pgmfi it shouldnt be that hard of a swap. More pricey but shouldnt be too much more difficult. And you got a hell of alot more performance and potential. I never really did swaps besides like 92-95 hatch dx's to vtec d series but thats not much. Until I did my b16 into crx dx swap, and it wasnt too hard besides one little problem that was a pain in the *** but a very simple fix (loose wire). You just have to follow all instructions and dont second guess yourself cause then youll get distracted and do something wrong.

 

thanks for the replies.
I know a B16 would be better in the long run, but right now Im just looking to learn how to swap. I will eventually go for the big swaps. thanks again.

-Loz

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by crxtreme89h &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
ZC is a drop in motor utilizing the same mounts as the stock motor. All you really have is the VTEC wiring.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

umm ZC has no vtec

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jdmb16efhatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Go with a b16. Since you already have pgmfi it shouldnt be that hard of a swap. More pricey but shouldnt be too much more difficult. And you got a hell of alot more performance and potential. I never really did swaps besides like 92-95 hatch dx's to vtec d series but thats not much. Until I did my b16 into crx dx swap, and it wasnt too hard besides one little problem that was a pain in the *** but a very simple fix (loose wire). You just have to follow all instructions and dont second guess yourself cause then youll get distracted and do something wrong.</TD></TR></TABLE>

A properly set up B series is quite a bit harder to do than a ZC; less room, axles can be a bitch, etc... ZC is a piece of cake. I'd say go for ZC - cheaper, easier to do, fun little engine... and then when the guy is more knowledgable step up to a B18C.

 

yea rock the zc swap great starter swap along with like D15b with some vtec with it pretty much drop and plug and both u can boost

good luck man

 

i kind of have the same problem

only i got a ef9 dx, so the wiring is gayer

um. im planning on putting in a b16a, but i have no idea where to even start, im probly just gonna take it up to the tuning shop near my house and have them do it, but i wanna learn how to do a swap some day, where do you start with swaps?

 

ok i was in this boat about 3 months ago.

The only real hands on knowledge of my car was oil change, and rotate tires. Then the D16 blew up and it had to be replaced. Long story short i finally got a DOHC ZC and between my girlfriend, my roommate, and myself it took about 6 hours with me being the most mechanically incline person.

The only thing i can't stress enough is BEFORE YOU PUT IT IN REPLACE EVERYTHING THAT YOU CAN AFFORD TO.

after it was in we found out we needed an alternator, and it was so annoying to out in. Then i needed a new EACV (zcs are famous for this), then i ran into the famous "idle"problem and still haven't fixed it.

But yes, read ALOT on here, find 3-4 people on here, http://www.thezcr.com and where ever else to help you out if you have any questions. I can walk you through it so hit me up on AIM if you have any questions

 

lol, right now im in the same sitation, ive done a couple oil changes, and know how to rotate tires.

right now my plans are to save up 2k, get the b16 by about august or september for bout 1500

lower it, get shocks, rims, tires, exhaust and maybe some intake (month or 2 after b16)

my other questino would be... can u get a 13 second ef9 with a b16 for under 3k?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CSprogR34 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">what do you think of the swap? difficulty wise. please dont start a war thread on how ZC is better than B-series or viceversa. Im just talking about the swap itself here. </TD></TR></TABLE>

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by jdmb16efhatch &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Go with a b16. </TD></TR></TABLE>




...back on topic now. I haven't done the swap, but i'm planning on doing it within the next couple of months. From all the research that i've done, it seems to be quite easy. I have basic mechanical experience, but from what i've heard...that's all somebody needs because of the simplicity of the swap. let me know how it goes when you do it.

 

well, I will def go with the ZC swap.

once I get my knowledge on swapping, I will move to bigger things. I will post pics and keep you all update on my progress.

I hope everyone's swap attempt goes well, if not, **** it, take it as a learning lesson and move on. thanks for all the replies.

-Loz