what is the diff between a ZC and 1st gen b16 (hp, torque, price....)??? It would be installed in a 91 civic sedan.. Thanks in advance..

 

where to begin...

The B16 has VTEC, it is 1595 cc, as opposed to 1590 in the ZC, so it has a better rod/stroke angle, it revs to 8000 rpm ( though it can live at significantly higher rpm, stock), it has 30 more horsepower, and it'll put a lightweight civic into the 14's dead stock.

The ZC has 130 hp, dual overhead cam non-VTEC, it goes to 7200 rpm it's a d series motor, not a b, so it has weaker rods and a few other setbacks... It also has a bad reputation for blowing up, though I think that's because most guys rev the pee out of them in stock form.

It's your choice. Wanna spend more, have more respect and reliability, but have to deal with installation hassles, go B16. If you want a drop in and go for cheaper, but have a worse motor, then go ZC. Be honest with yourself on your own mechanical skills if you're gonna do the swap. ZC is MUCH easier. If it were me, I'd go B16A. Though I have to admit, the ZC just sounds plain wicked through a big exhaust

 

how fast can a civic with zc do a 1/4 mile stock?

 

I've seen guys run High 15's in CRX's all the way down to a 14.2 with nitrous. I'd guess low 15's with a good driver, high 14's with I/H/E, stripped interior, etc...

 

this is pretty accurate I'd say. I've run my ZC in my 91 Civic probably about 60 passes and always achieved times ranging from 15.5 to 15.3 (with a few outliers in both directions). Its good for the money, but a B16 will be faster. Another good option for a daily driver in a heavier (sedan) car is a B18A. The B18 is very streetable.

 

Good point man. I never thought about the B18A/B... they would be better than a ZC for sure, and they are US engines, so easy to buy parts for... that and they are a little cheaper than the B16.

 

I ran consistently between 15.5 and 15.7 with a zc in my 4dr with just an intake and exhaust. Now I have a b16 and it seems to be a quicker. How much I don't know since I haven't run it yet.

 

hey 91civic did you have trouble with your zc "blowing up" when you had it in your 4door?

 

B16 all the way , besides there so much market support for it !
or b18a/b is also good , if you get bored of not running vtec you could always slap a vtec head and let the fun begin

 

On e of my friends has a best of 15.1 on drag radials with i/e in a 88 crx zc