I'm having a B16A3 swapped into a 95 Civic hatchback, which originally had a D16Z6. It currently has Eibach Pro Kit springs.

It's my understanding that the B16A3 is significantly heavier (I don't know by how much) than the D16Z6. I was told that it's better to use springs meant for a del Sol VTEC.

This kinda makes sense regarding the front springs, but I'm not sure if I should use the rear springs meant for a del Sol in a Civic hatchback. Before the swap the car was a predictable understeering car. I'm not sure how rear del Sol springs would affect the car (unless maybe they are the same and it won't matter).

For those who have swapped out D-series engines from a Civic in favor of a B-series engine, did the Civic's inherent handling characteristic dramatically change?

 

Nope, you'll be fine. I can't imagine the Eibach springs are that different between the Del Sol and Civic anyway.

 

The part numbers are different, but I don't know why. There's no distinction between Del Sol with D16Z6 and the Del Sol with B16A.

Del sol Pro-kit: 4018.140
EG Civic Pro-kit: 4017.140

It says the Del Sol lowers 1.2 front and back and the Civic lowers 1.4 F 1.2 back. I doubt the difference in wiht between the two engines will make that much difference.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Outrun &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">For those who have swapped out D-series engines from a Civic in favor of a B-series engine, did the Civic's inherent handling characteristic dramatically change? </TD></TR></TABLE>
Not a big deal. Remember, the CRX was even offered with a B16 from the factory in many markets besides the US. Progress Group does have different part numbered front springs for D-series vs. B-series EF or EG. You might call them and ask what the difference in spring rate is. Probably not a lot. 50lbs maybe.

Did you already buy the B16? B20s are really cheap right now. Better engine in a street car, IMHO. H1-Chad thinks so, too. Either way, you'll love it and be ruined for life.

Thawley

PS: Be sure your old D-series goes to an H4 racer and not in a dumpster.

 

I'll concur on the B20 business. And the getting that D16 to someone in H4.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by thawley &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Did you already buy the B16? B20s are really cheap right now. Better engine in a street car, IMHO. H1-Chad thinks so, too. Either way, you'll love it and be ruined for life.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah but Mr California Smog Ref doesn't like the B20 as much as you do. So all the money you save on the cheap B20 will be wasted getting your car to "pass" smog. They say that the B20 is an SUV class engine and cannot be reffed in a car. Lame indeed.

 

For CA, for a street-legal car

&lt;-- Enjoying his completely legal B20 immensely here in good ol' MD.