What is the best way for a novice to learn how to do an engine swap and what engine is the easiest?

 

the easiest is gonna be the motor that is already in your car. i know it might be a little redundant but if your have the spare time, then i would try taking out your factory motor and then see how easy it is for you to put it back in correctly. every engine swap is basically doing the same thing. nuts, bolts, hoses, and wiring. some swaps require additional wiring so depending on what you're looking for will depend on the ease of the swap.

 

The best way is to learn is by experience. Research what it is you want to do. Get yourself a helms manual to guide you along the way.

 

Plan everything to a T. Keep bolts for things in plastic bags, and make sure you label them just so you know where they go when you start putting stuff back together. Label wires too. Have a second car ready on stand by because chances are you're probably going to need parts, tools, misc stuff from your local Autoparts store. Have a friend help is a good idea. Have plenty of rags ready for spills. Plan that the car is going to be off the road for a few days if not weeks. Taking some things out that would really not be good to have in the way like the Hood, Front Bumper, Radiator, headlights, Brakes, and other stuff that would just get in the way and make things difficult. Ontop of all that use common sense man.

 

The first time i did a swap years back, i did some research and made sure i got all the new/used parts needed to perform the swap. Second, i went out an got a number of tools. I still had to run to the store 2 times to buy small tools i didn't own such as 12 point sockets for the clutch and flywheel.
It took all weekend to do it. Once it was done, i knew what to do for the next time which took only about 5 hours.

 

go to the junk yard start there

 

It like a Nike ad. Just do it!
For an engine swap its most important to know everything about an engine and how it works. If you dont know what certain parts on an engine are or what they do your going to have fun when it all gos to hell. basically research everything, plan out your attack and most importantly go step by step and label everything that you see and pull off. I remember thinking id remember where a few bolts went and going crazy when a brain farted and had to look it up. not the end of the world but it will get very time consuming if you have to do this repeatedly.

 

Find a local honda forum, or local guys here

See if anyone is doing a swap

Offer pizza and beer (if all are 21 and over) to join/watch/help

Gain first hand knowledge without messing up your car

Gain buddies who have tools, garage and knowledge

Everyone wins

 

ill give pizza and beer to anyone wanting to do my h22 swap in my 91 civic

 

I agree with all of the other comments, but I will also add one thing.
Pay attention to what you are doing when you take the old engine out.
When I take bolts out I either mark them, or hand thread them into where they came out.
That way I know were they go when I reverse the procedure.
Mark the wire harnesses with tape and numbers.
Think about what each part does as you move along.
It is a great way to learn. Many problems can be avoided buy just paying attention.

 

Why do you have to live in Canada?!?!?! LOL!

And i agree 100% with Hughes

 

great advice. i do the same thing as well.

 

guy did my engine swap for free...i watched everything he did...was very simple but just have to keep up with the bolts...i suggest you go watch someone do a swap, really helpful to watch it being done before you go out and do it yourself