So I know this is probably the easiest swap I could do. But, it's the first swap I'll have ever tried. I just pulled the D15b7 a few days ago because the head physically cracked and spewed oil/coolant everywhere as well as scored the pistons (cheaper to buy a new motor than machine the one that was in there.) I'm picking up a D16y8 at the end of this week. As far as I know the mounting and all should be the same. (Please correct me if I'm wrong on that) Can someone help me out with what I have to wire differently for VTEC? I'll be replacing the ECU (p27) with a p28. Also, someone said that I should use the distributor/injectors from my D15 so I don't run into OBD problems; that didn't sound right to me, but hey, this is my first swap, so what do I know. Just looking for some advice, so whatever you can throw at me I'd appreciate!

 

People are suggesting you to run the distributor and injectors off your old motor due to the fact that the d16y8 has different wire harness and plugs; because one came from an OBD I car and the other is from an OBD II car.

Here are your choices. Do you want to stick to OBD I? Or are you planning to convert to OBD II? Answer this first and we can start from there.

Also, someone help me out here, is the OBD I harness off the D15 motor have the same plugs (sensors, solenoid, wires, etc) as the OBD II version?

 

I'm actually not sure what the differences are. Anything make one stick out as a better choice than the other?

 

Not really, pure emissions. It makes no power difference between the two. But what the problem is even though they have no different "purpose" they are totally different physically. Normally wires and plugs and harness are completely different between OBD O, OBD I, OBD II, and I believe there are different versions of OBD II.

I recommend you stick to your OBD I set up. See if you can reused your wire harness from your old D15 motor. If all the plugs matches up, we have no problems, but I'm afraid the plugs and harness from your old wire harness will not fit the new motor. Either you can do some cutting and re-wiring to make it fit. Example, get the plug that came off the new motor's wire harness and cut it and re-wire it into your old wire harness. Even that I am unsure if everything will work properly.

But don't be alarm, I'm sure there is a solution for your issue. Many people have done it already, it's just a matter of time before someone comes on and help us out here.

Or you can switch the D16y8 motor for a D16z6 or JDM D16A. Those will bolt and plug right up to your car. Easiest way.

 

hey ihave a similar question but i have a 1990 civic dx hb with a d15. i have a d16 out of a 92 civic coupe and the wiring harness looks the same but little different and i thought i putting my d15 intake on my d16 but the vtech valve is stoping me idk what else to do really need this engine in but the wiring is bothering me and idk if it will work i need a really simple cheap but not a expensive way

 

Post up in the EF forum (88-91). In the future do not bump up old ancient threads. MODS please lock.

 

I did this same swap just other day. I used d15 harness trans intake injectors fuel rail and d15 distibutor jumper. Put a 98 d16y8 in 2000 honda civic ex. Well got car running. But running really rich, high rev. Smoking out exhaust. I know motor good. Its my daily. I just dont think d15b harness will wire up to d16y8. Not sure but i havent been able figure it out yet.

 

Puting this old thread back to bed.

And for future searchers, dropping a D16Y8 (OBD2) motor into an OBD1 car, you will have to change the distributor and the injectors or hard wire them etc.

OBD2 and OBD1 harnesses are not directly compatible.