I own a 1992 honda civic 1.5L Manual Transmission and i have been having problems recently. Its been having problems starting which we are pretty sure is a dead battery which we will replace once we figure out whats causing our other problems with the engine. Another problem is that it idles really low and almost seems like it would like to stall out. It has a loss of power while accelerating and its top speed, it takes work to get it to 70mph and uphills is absolutely terrible. We took it to our local automotive shop, and they said that spark plug #2 is having low compression problems, instead of 120 pounds of pressure it is only putting out 20 pounds of pressure. They also said that that spark plug wasnt in all the way or it was jarred loose or something, and that my valve would have to be refinished or something like that, and they also said that all the labor would and parts would cost 1500 to 1800 dollars total, when we purchased the car for 500 dollars. We were wondering if it really is that problem or if it could be something else. Also we were wondering would it just be easier to find a new/used head for the engine that is having problems, or finding a new/used complete engine that is the same 1.5 liter or something that will fit in the old engines spot like a 1.6 liter or something with a bit more power? If you think it might in fact be a completely different problem it would be nice to hear your thoughts on that. Also if you think it is that problem, would it be easier to find a new/used head (if so where would i fine one? And what kind/size would fit on that engine?) or if you think it would be easier to find a new/used engine somewhere (where would i find one? and what size(s)/kind(s) would fit in the old engines spot? preferably a 1.5 liter or higher powered engine.) Any information or help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks for looking! -Alex

 

I just done the head swap and it was a lot cheaper than 15 to 18 hundren so maybe you should go that route,

 

^^^^^^kudos^^^^^ you can pick up a SOHC head for 200 bucks, or 300 or 400 for a SOHC VTEC head use the SEARCH button on tech articles to help with your head swap questions

 

Your overpaying at those prices, or you're talking about completely rebuilt heads. You can pick up a complete JDM D15B Vtec for under $700 without tranny. And thats in new brunswick canada with 13% sales tax.

 

i'm guessing this is your daily driven car, with no aspirations for racing, etc.

I would find a replacement head for hit, that way it would be as simple as changing a head gasket.

If you want a simple upgrade for the motor you could look at an LS motor, but look to spend at least 1500 for a motor/transmission/ecu/axles shift linkage, and then pay for labor to install.

 

yea i was talkin rebuilt, new valve train the whole nine yards i picked up a D16z6 head for 50 bucks at the yard