i picked up a D16A1 that im lookin to swap into my 91 hatch. im disappointed that its a non vtec. just wondering wut head i could swap onto it to make it a vtec, im in the process of replacing gaskets and all the easy things before i drop it in and if i can get a vtec head for it i would rather do it now before it goes in the car. any advice or options would be helpful.

 

read the FAQ sticky at the top of the page for more info but pretty much any d series head will work with some modification

 

there are no VTEC heads that fit the 86-89 Integra DOHC D16A1 - all D-series VTEC heads are SOHC - installing the D16A1 into the 91 hatch will require you to fabricate a custom driver's side engine mount - the D16A1 mount is on the front side of the block and not on the end like 88-91 engines - the D16A1 will not bolt to the 88-91 transmission with all of the bolts - the D16A1 block does not have a hole for the long starter bolt which goes through the 88-91 transmission into the block - what year is the D16A1? 86-87 or 88-89?

 

it is an 89. i am aware of the mounting, i got an SI tranny to bolt up to it and i also know bout the starter situation too. i also know to it probably isn't the best choice for a motor swap but for how much money i had at the time kinda figured wut the hell. just wish i could get vtec

 

why do u want vtec so bad? Buy a set of good cams for it and get it tuned and it will be quicker than any other d series for the money u have in it. (speaking generally here) dont get all caught up on vtec, its a great thing on some motors, but far from a necessity to make good power.

 

i think the main reason why is because im going from a D15B1 with DPFI and a four speed and i hate how slow it is. but i hear wut u guys are sayin. any ideas of some good parts for a D series

 

mill the head 1mm to raise compression to 10.5:1 - get a good pair of camshafts - have Maxbore bore out the throttle body and match the intake to it - you will nearly double the horsepower of the D15B1

also get an Si transmission

 

DUmb question: could run pump gas safely with this set up?good mpg? btw not thread jackin lol

 

d16a1 has almost the same power as a SOHC VTEC motor.

D16z6: # Power : 125 hp (93.2 kW, 127 ps) @ 6600 rpm
# Torque : 106 ft·lb (14.7 kg/m, 144 Nm) @ 5200 rpm

D16a1: # Power : 120 hp (88.0 kW, 120 ps) @ 6250 rpm
# Torque: 101 ft·lbf (14.0 kg/m, 137 Nm) @ 5500 rpm

Not much power difference considering the pm7 pistons in the d16a1 helps make up for that.

The d15b1 you have in your car is 70 hp 83 ft lbs at the flywheel, so you will notice a considerable difference between it and the D16a1. Just some food for thought.

 

thanks for all the info guys. my first motor swap so im learnin lol. workin on a build thread for my car as well. thanx again