I'm about to do a D15Z1 swap into my 1991 Civic HB STD, as well as swap the shitty 4 speed for a 5 speed trans. I got the 5spd LX transmission for $37.50 from a u pull it junkyard, however it was easy to get out, the shift linkage and almost all of the bolts were already removed upon my discovery.

I want to know how you all prepare for a swap? Do you put the car on jackstands? How high do I need to go? I don't have an impact wrench (might go get one?) and I think that means I must break the axle nut loose before lifting the vehicle right? I'll be using an engine crane that I've had for a long time, but have never used.

I'd like to do the physical swap in like 2-3 days if possible. I will attach my transmission with a new clutch to my engine when it arrives on monday or tuesday, that way I can drop it in as a unit, should I take it out this way too? I've heard something about tilting the assembly so the transmission is leaning down that way it will clear everything better? I should probably go ahead and remove my radiator, and I don't have a/c so that'll make things easier I guess. I'll replace my timing belt and water pump before I install the engine. I will convert to OBD1 as much as I can before I begin (making my own harness), that way when the time for swap comes the wiring will be simple.

Also I noticed the engine I ordered has a power steering pump and an A/C compressor, however if I won't be using these I should have no problem removing them right? I saw an extra groove for one of these belts on the crankshaft pulley, will this be in the way? I would like to have A/C, but I don't have the money for the rest of the parts right now and it's about to be winter so I guess I"ll pass for now.

The Z1 engine is going to come with it's own exhaust manifold, mine would work being a base model but I would rather use the original Z1 unit, will this bolt to my down pipe (or whatever you call it).

Please give me some helpful advice, I've been searching and researching on this for a while, now the time is coming and I want to make sure I don't run into any major surprises. This will be my first engine swap, and it seems like it will be cake, but we'll see. I've had trouble in the past, not labeling things properly and coming up with missing bolts, and I don't want to continue that habit as it just complicates things in the long run, what do you use? masking tape and a sharpie? plastic container, I guess I could figure that out but I just wonder how everyone else does it.

Thanks,
Zach

 

I normally get a keg all my tools out get a part check list and a white board for notes and to do.

Then I get to drinking beer and pulling a motor.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ***$nyper &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I normally get a keg all my tools out get a part check list and a white board for notes and to do.

Then I get to drinking beer and pulling a motor.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yes. Thread over. The beer of choice must be cheap, I suggest Busch Light.

 

my first swap i labeled everything with baggies and a sharpie. now, i just try to put bolts/nuts back where i removed them from if possible. everything else i try to group together, like engine mounts, transmission bolts, etc. my dad has uses a couple buckets, one for up top and one underneath.
it should be straightforward, but it seems like something always happens to slow you down...a stuck bolt, broken part, or whatever. you can do it, good luck
get a friend and some beer to make it more tolerable

 

I appreciate the advice, I think some drink may take the edge off. I'd probably end up smoking myself stupid before I start if you know what I mean that's my preference.

Anyhow, your right zrickety, something always happens that causes the project to slow down, hopefully I can finish it quickly though, I can always drive my accord if I need to.

Does anyone have any insight on using an engine crane? Mine doesn't have a chain, but I think I remember seeing one I could rent from Autozone if it's needed?
thanks

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ***$nyper &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I normally get a keg all my tools out get a part check list and a white board for notes and to do.

Then I get to drinking beer and pulling a motor.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yup. Rolling Rock and wrench time.....

 

I prefer the method of removing the engine from under the vehicle rather than the cherry picker. its much easier. just jack the car up super high and lower the engine with a jack and pull it out , install in reverse order. the front crossmember and radius rods have to be removed, makes it much smoother to get out though

 

agreed...just jack up the car and pull everything out the bottom. we did this on my friend's integra with great success! the right smoke beats beer any day if you ask me

 

the only problem is I will be working on gravel and have a small jack so I think I'm going to try the cherry picker method. I have heard many times it's easier the way you've described. Would I unbolt the crossmembers or just the motor mounts?

and lately I've had the right smoke.
thnx

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by therotaryrocket &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the only problem is I will be working on gravel and have a small jack so I think I'm going to try the cherry picker method. I have heard many times it's easier the way you've described. Would I unbolt the crossmembers or just the motor mounts?

and lately I've had the right smoke.
thnx</TD></TR></TABLE>

it will be easier if you take the cross member out regardless of top or bottom. and its not too hard to get back on.
and something about smoking.
sorry i just got done.

 

this thread is [freak]ing retarded

 

yes u defanatly have to put ur bolts back in where they came from in ur guna smoke cus ull forget and its funny to see that theres ppl everwhere that somke!!