Hi all,

I've been looking around here a very small bit, trying to get some info. I'm looking at buying a 1992 Civic Si hatchback. I don't know anything about Honda motors and all the engine codes have confused me to bits, but from what I've read that should have a D16Z6 engine in it, correct?
Everything that I've read about the D16Z6 says that N/A is basically a waste of time without really getting into rebuilding the internals, etc etc. So for any decent gains turbo would be the way to go. Good so far?
I'll hopefully be selling my current cars for between $2500 and $3000 (CDN), and I can get the Si for $500. It needs a windshield and brakes to be safetied. So let's say I had roughly $2000 to begin the project, where is a good place to start?
I'm not sure about diving into a turbo project right away, since I've never dealt with FI at all.

Basically I wanted to know if this car is worth it (engine-wise) to be a fun DD with occasional dragstrip and/or autocrossing. I'm not looking to do any engine swapping either.

Thanks for looking and I'm looking forward to hanging out around here, hopefully I can learn enough to be useful

 

If you can pick it up for 500 I would say that is a great start even considering it needs a new windshield and brakes (brakes are fairly cheap and easy). Depending on the mileage and the maintenance that has been performed I would possibly replace the water pump and timing belt. A tune up/oil change might be needed if it is within the time frame. Again it all depends on the previous owners up keep.

A good place to start as far as modifications I would say is

1. Security
2. Suspension

I would save some money after that and do some research as to where you want to go with the project (money to spend, whp goals etc)

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 95ProjectEJ1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
A good place to start as far as modifications I would say is

1. Security
2. Suspension

I would save some money after that and do some research as to where you want to go with the project (money to spend, whp goals etc)
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Do not waste your money on a header or intake if you plan to go turbo at some point. I would do the security and suspension first b/c you will need both those. Then do nothing until you save the money to turbo

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 95ProjectEJ1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you can pick it up for 500 I would say that is a great start even considering it needs a new windshield and brakes (brakes are fairly cheap and easy). Depending on the mileage and the maintenance that has been performed I would possibly replace the water pump and timing belt. A tune up/oil change might be needed if it is within the time frame. Again it all depends on the previous owners up keep.

A good place to start as far as modifications I would say is

1. Security
2. Suspension

I would save some money after that and do some research as to where you want to go with the project (money to spend, whp goals etc)

</TD></TR></TABLE>

X2, and on that particular engine, or on any D, it's better not to spend money on a header or intake, whether you're planning on going Turbo or not.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Boost_V &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> X2, and on that particular engine, or on any D, it's better not to spend money on a header or intake, whether you're planning on going Turbo or not.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I can't tell you how many people I've seen saying "I want to turbo eventually, but I just want a little more for daily driving. What about a dc sports header and an intake?"

If I had a nickel for each one, I'd be a honda tech sponsor.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ek forever guy &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I can't tell you how many people I've seen saying "I want to turbo eventually, but I just want a little more for daily driving. What about a dc sports header and an intake?"

If I had a nickel for each one, I'd be a honda tech sponsor.</TD></TR></TABLE>

lol, exactly. Not worth it either way.

 

Spending countless amounts of money on a Dseries FTL ... unless of course that money is spent on a turbo FTW

 

Thanks for your input. You guys saved me a bunch of time and money that I probably would have spent doing the regular intake/header/exhaust add-ons. Looks like it'll be stock until I work out a Turbo setup. Until then I'll work on the suspension/exterior. Can someone point out some trusted after-market part sites. I know I could find a whole heap of after-market vendors online through searching, but I want to know who you trust and buy your equipment from.

Thanks again I appreciate your help.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Armstrong57 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks for your input. You guys saved me a bunch of time and money that I probably would have spent doing the regular intake/header/exhaust add-ons. Looks like it'll be stock until I work out a Turbo setup. Until then I'll work on the suspension/exterior. Can someone point out some trusted after-market part sites. I know I could find a whole heap of after-market vendors online through searching, but I want to know who you trust and buy your equipment from.

Thanks again I appreciate your help.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Can't go wrong with suspension upgrades.

Instead of picking parts from a particular site, I like to figure out what brands are good, and then compare various sites. There's quite a few good deals on ebay, even for good brands, so keep them in mind.

 

Wow I've never been on a forum with responses this quick. I'm liking this Honda thing after all, lol!
I'll have to take a look at parts that are by companies I trust then, like Eibach, KYB, Koni, etc and see what's available for this car.
Now I'm pumped to get this car. Just gotta find a buyer for my current one and I'm all set

 

for some different parts around your area, I'm constantly looking around http://www.craigslist.org But yes, look at different companies as opposed to stores.

 

IMO, suspension is the very first thing you should do. Learn how to drive a good suspension before you make your car fast.

It only makes sense to do it that way.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Armstrong57 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Wow I've never been on a forum with responses this quick. I'm liking this Honda thing after all, lol!
I'll have to take a look at parts that are by companies I trust then, like Eibach, KYB, Koni, etc and see what's available for this car.
Now I'm pumped to get this car. Just gotta find a buyer for my current one and I'm all set </TD></TR></TABLE>

Boost it or swap it. Personally if you have 2,000 to spend, I would at LEAST swap it to a B16. Boosted D is fun, but its going to take more patience, especially if you have no idea what you are doing. Save money for a GOOD tuner and you should avoid a lot of problems down the road.