I am about to go check out a 90 civic si with a ZC swap in it. What are some of the things that i should look for when buying a car with a swap already done to it? any advice would be appreciated.
thanks

 

check the wiring and make sure they didn't try any crazy wiring, which they shouldn't have b/c the swap is a direct exchange, not sure were u live but check for rust if thats a issue

 

Bring a magnet with you to check the rear 1/4 panels out..Because alot of these cars have/had rust and if they dont have original paint you never know what's under there..Make surs the swap was done right and ask what ecu he/she is running..
Make sure you're not buying someone elses unfinished project..I did and regret it..

 

I guess this goes for any car...
Look at the tire wear (could be an alignment problem if the tires have uneven wear)
Check the Hoses
Check the Wiring
Check for Rust
Ask the person if he was the original owner. Ask him a few questions about the car.
~Test drive.

Yeah...I guess that goes for any car. Oh well, maybe it helped somewhat.

 

Thanks guys, about the ecu? what should he be running it with? how do i tell if it is what he says it is? i didnt ask him yet but when i do, how do i know what the ecu is?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by civic_std &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks guys, about the ecu? what should he be running it with? how do i tell if it is what he says it is? i didnt ask him yet but when i do, how do i know what the ecu is?</TD></TR></TABLE>
he should be running a PM7 (JDM DOHC ZC), PM6 (USDM 88-91 Si) or PG7 (USDM 88-89 Integra) (could also be a PR4, but not desirable)

the PM6 and PM7 look like this (LED on top)


the PG7 looks like this (LED on the side)


the ECU should have a sticker on the side with the number:
37820-PM6-A0#
37820-PM7-A0#
37820-PG7-A0#

sticker looks like this:


the ECU is under the carpet in the passenger footwell

look underneath for oil leaks

 

check the oil, see how black it is. If possible pull a spark plug or two, they can tell you alot about how the motor is running. see if it smokes, look for the suspension bushings and while your under there look out for rust. see if the back bumper is snugg. if not most likley the supports are rusted out.

 

Take it to your trusted mechanic pay the few dollars it costs to have a safty done and ask them to tell you anything else it might need. This accomplishes two things one if the car is going to give you trouble and two if the seller is being honest to you since he shouldn't have problem with you taking it to your mechanic.

 

rust never sleeps...lol

 

Thanks to all of you guys for responding, i will probably check out the car this weekend and will keep everything you guys said in mind. thanks again.