My 90 Civic EX (1.6L 5 speed) has just under 190k on the engine and its old... Compression tested 160, 165, 170, 160 psi for the cylinders... engine runs strong, but I am bored... I need a project so I can **** around with something...

What is the best option for this platform? The car doesn't have any power, but I am not after a street machine... just something with a bit more power...

Should I rebuild the engine/heads etc?

Swap to a different motor? If so which motor and will I need a new ECU/wiring to the ECU?

What has traditionally been done for this car? I have seen that people have done just about everything to every civic, so its not really a question of what is possible, but what is the best option.

Thanks in advance

 

run an obd0 LS setup. your car is already multi-point, you have ex spindles, you just need mounts, motor, trans, axles, linkage, and ecu but you might be able to use the one for your single? not sure
ls would give you way better torque and pull better than any single in your sedan, and they're not very expensive, not very complicated, and a good platform to work off of anyways. ls ftw

 

i agree. just for the ease of everything an ls would probably be your cheapest and less difficult swap to do that will probably get you the results you're looking for.

there is no wiring needed, just replace your ecu to a 90-91 integra ecu, and after that it's basically like putting a just a bigger version of your original motor. all vaccum hoses, fuel lines, wiring, ect... go to the same places.

That with just your basic bolt-ons will give you approximately 150hp compared to your original motor that has around 100hp. and i promise you will notice the extra 50hp and more torque mind you.

and afterwards if you get tired of this motor and feel like taking the next step, you will already have most of the things you need to swap in the vtec equipped b series motor. all you'll have to do is wire in vtec and get a different ecu.

If you look in the FAQ's you will find pretty much everything you will need to buy when you decide to do a swap. Good luck.

 

See the last page of my build thread... I also have a 90 EX.... SEE MY SIG!

 

thanks for the helpful info... I appreciate it... this motor is getting old and will eventually need to be taken out and replaced... Swaps are fun too... I need a good project to dick around with

 

also, just wanted to be sure you were refering to the B16A1 motor?

Do I only need the items listed above for any B series motor? Place to pick up these motors for cheap? Local parts yard will probably jump all over me trying to get these items.


thanks again guys

 

im dropping in a obd1 ls in my ex next week...

Best bang for buck by far.

 

which motor specifically? B18B as in your sig?