I picked up a 94 Del Sol Sohc vtec with a bad bottom end. I suspecting rod knock when I purchased it, and after dropping the oil pan and after inspecting the main and rod bearings I found it's in bad shape. The crank journals are looking pretty rough along with the majority of the bearings...

So, ideally I'd like to replace it with a d16z6 bottom end, however i have a spare D15b7 long block to work with. I'm aware of the modifications and parts needed to complete a mini-me setup, however, based upon searching it seems many have had issues with that setup...specifically with timing issues.

Just trying to gain insight, if you have done this swap would you recommend it? First and foremost priority is that it needs to be reliable. Primarily I'm concerned about possible head gasket leaks and the cam timing. The d15b7 block is in good shape, I'm not looking to make power out of the setup or raise compression (block won't be decked, head won't be milled), just thought it would be economical and save me the cost of buying a d16z6 bottom end.

Is it neccesary to run an aftermarket cam gear to sort out cam timing concerns? I'm aware that a should run the d16z6 timing belt in conjunction with a d15b7 water pump...

TIA

 

I have this set up on my 93 Del Sol Si and the same happened to me... weird lol. But check out the FAQs on this forum and there is a thread that tells everything on what to use. Hope this helps.

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/faq-d15-sohc-vtec-mini-me-massive-write-up-56k-goodbye-554053/

Here is the link to a mini me swap step by step. Hope this helps!

 

Did you sort out the issue you were having with it?

 

Best bet would be to use a y8 head gasket. And I didn't have any issues with the swap. I would recommend it.

 

what should mini me swap run at the track?

 

This is taken from the D15B7/D16Z6 mini-me DIY thread mentioned above:

"Theoretically, a stock mini-me with a Y8 head gasket should put out about as much power as a D16Z6, give or take a few horses. The raised compression makes up for the difference in displacement."

"I was finally able to run my mini-me in the quarter mile. As you can see, with the VTEC working and with the 20” tires (as well as some better driving) I was able to pull off a 15.9@86, a full second faster than with the B7 with I/E. I know my motor has even more potential than this because that run was with the long *** DX tranny"

 

oo so then it should run like a 14.3 or a 14.5 then

 

Nick when you need some help with that mini me build hit me up and let me know... I've read up ALOT on it.