Hello all.

Basically, I don't know ANYTHING about cars. I want to buy a 96ish Civic hatch, and replace the automatic motor to a newer, more reliable one. The car I am looking at, has 188k miles on the motor. It's going for 3000obo.

Now, if I wanted to swap that motor out with a similar motor (that is newer), how much would it cost for the motor and labor, and please include extra costs for misc. things that may pop up.

I have about 4500 to spend. So, if I can negotiate the 3000 down a bit, I will still have about 1500 for engine stuff.

I am not looking for speed, just great reliability. Still a student.

If it matters, I live in So.Cal.

All and any help is appreciated.

 

there are so many options its really a matter of what your lookin for, i had a 99 ex and now have a 95 cx with a swapped b16 but i spent maybe 4k but i upgraded everything, including skunk2 coilovers and brembo brakes while i was down there, im sure you can get an easy d-series swap for a grand or so plus labor, its actually a very simple swap in civic's i had my engine out after maybe 3 hours despite fighting rust on my 13 year old car. browse other forums i dont have some of the swap thread links but the information is out there

 

So, you're saying 4k for just the upgrade, or for a car and upgrade? haha. I'm pretty lost here.

 

well for 7k you could just buy another one with less miles, hell even an Si.

 

Well a "similar" motor swap would most likely mean a new(er) engine of the same series, being another D16 engine in your case. However, at 188,000 miles, its not like its a Ford or something...seriously, get a mechanic to check it out, compression, major leaks, etc. Chances are you probably don't even need to change the motor out as long as things check out. My 202,000 mile '93 had 195 compression on all four cylinders at the time I changed the timing belt. That's as good as new, granted it did need a rear main seal. So get it checked first before you go and blow your money on a new engine. Tuition might go up...it always does.

Second of all, you've got to ask yourself, "Is it really worth it?". I realize you don't know much about cars but if you're going to spend money on upgrading the engine, why not have a little fun and go for something better. Or if you don't care about upgrades and "fun driving" whynot just buy something that's in better shape in your eyes for $4500 if that's what matters to you?

 

yeah i agree with the previous, most swaps are done as an upgrade not usually maintanence.... hondas run hard for long i ran my d16z6 to well over 200k before i broke a connecting rod.... well lets just forget that but its a strong engine, given everything is in workin condition there is no need for replacement unless you are lookin for a bigger stronger engine

and in my personal opinion a 96 d-series is as reliable as it gets for an engine, maybe not strong but efficient and sturdy yes

 

Take it into the shop, run a compression test. If everything checks out keep your motor. Honda is known for its reliability. Iv'e seen D-series motors with over 300k on them.

 

get it checked out first. My 99 civic has 181,000 mile on it's D16y7 which is what come in a stock 96 DX hatch, and still run great!!!

 

Either buy a lower model EX or even an earlier OBD1 GSR with lower miles. You could find those for $4500-5k and not have to go thru the hassle of a motor swap.

For $1500, you're stuck in D series territory...or possibly an LS swap. Both are boring.

Buy a lower mileage car to start with. They're everywhere. It seems like EX coupes/sedans are available for less than hatchboxes. The EX has power everything.

Also, 188k doesn't nessacarily mean the car needs a new motor. If it was well taken care of, it can easily go another 100k. I drove my GSR 500-1000 miles a week and it had 158k on it. Didn't burn a DROP of oil, got 30+ mpg, and was as fast as my friend's 06 Si. It once went 130mph and got 30mpg on the same tank of gas. There was also nothing broken or in need of fixing on the car. I bought it with 136k and I was the 3rd owner. I was even going to take it to the track to road race it....but ended up trading it for an Si that I got a killer deal on. I even got back more for the GSR than I paid.

I once saw a 93 hatch at a junkyard with 300k miles. I once saw a civic for sale on craigslist with 900k on it (original motor and trans). There was an accord traded into the Honda stealership around here with like 560k on it or something on the original motor and trans. They last a long time.

 

keep lookin, u live in Cali so there're many civics around. I pay like under $3500 for 2000 EX manual w/ 160k. it has air condition, alarm, power windows, & all goodies (not in a great condition though. I have to spend lik another $500 to fix stuffs). You can probably push the motor pass 300k (then swap or get a new civic).

 

if you are new "rookie" i suggest you should never started this idea. its a drug and its addictive....45 houndred for a long life but if you use it for car.. that's only the started......

 

just want help to buy a daily driver that is reliable. i have 3g on hand, and i have not been successful up to this point. HELP ME!

 

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Too bad you live in CA. Someone I work with has a 5speed 94 EX with 128k on it for $2200.