Let me start off by saying that I have very limited knowledge about cars, but I've done a bit of research and I think I have a general idea of what I'm saying. But, feel free to correct me and offer better options, that's why I'm here.

So, my 1994 Civic CX with 120k miles has a dead engine. It is currently in a local shop and my mechanic gave me the following quote:

New engine with similar mileage: $600
New clutch, timing belt, and water pump: $250
Labor: $800-$900

Now, the thing is, he didn't know the specific engine he would be ordering, other than it would be a 1.5 liter, but I am assuming that he would be looking for another D15B8 to make the installation as easy as possible.

To be honest though, I'd much rather swap out for something with a bit more power if possible. I've been growing pretty bored with my 70 HP engine. I've spoken to a friend of mine who knows a bit about Hondas, and he suggested I get a D15B Vtec. He said that it is the same size as my current engine, and the mechanical installation should be very simple, but the electronics (in particular the VTEC aspect) may be a bit tricky.
He suggested I get this if I go down that path: http://www.hmotorsonline.com/shop/sc...age&item=30021

Do you think I need to order a new tranny and ECU as well?

Is this swap a good idea? Is there a better option? Let me know.

Also, I'm pretty limited financially and would like to keep this whole process around or less than $2000 for everything.

 

D15B Vtec with LSD trans, ecu, water pump, timing belt, clutch can be bought for under $1200. Have your buddy come over and help you save yourself $900 in labor. I did my first engine swap back in 1993 and had the engine out and instaled new one in a weekend. Now it takes me just under 2 hrs to pull an engine, less if you have a friend working the other axle.

 

If you're swapping another motor in, you may as well at least put a B16 or B18 LS in. D series is D series unless you turbo it. I'm not trying to be a B series fanboy, just from what I have noticed, D series motors are torqueless and B series are not that expensive and no worse on gas, but much more pleasant to drive.

 

your best bet would be to swap a y7 in and boost it. if you got a y8 you would need to wire vtec and a knock sensor. or convert to a obd1 ecu with a conversion harness and a p28. then you could run a z6 plug and play just add vtec wires and 2 wire iacv.

 

it's a 94, the car is already obd1.

i would go ahead and get that d15b from hmo and then maybe try finding an ex/si tranny locally. the combo of both will be a huge improvement over what you had.

what you will need is:

-engine itself and transmission
-p28 ecu
-z6 dizzy or rewire the obd2 unit they send you
-run 2 wires for vtec solenoid and vtec pressure switch

the biggest thing you should do to keep the price down is try and tackle this swap yourself or with a friend if at all possible. it's really not hard at all and you will thank yourself in the end after not spending a grand in labor.