Hey guys,

So my d15b7 in my 1993 Del Sol S is dead. I want to keep my car, so I need to swap my engine. I was thinking of swapping up to a d16z6, but I can't find any in good condition. That's when I decided to get the JDM D15b (SOHC Vtec 130hp ... NOT the 3-stage). Unfortunately, I've never done an engine swap, so I'm a little clueless on the process. My uncle is a mechanic and offered to help me, however he's not familiar with putting in JDM Spec engines. He actually suggested against getting a JDM Spec motor, as he doesn't think it will pass emissions testing here in Connecticut.

Anyway, I've tried to do a lot of reading over at http://www.d-series.org/forums/gener...-vtec-faq.html, but it only confused me. Its honestly difficult to sift through the posts and grab the useful information.

So, I have a few questions, and I'm hoping that maybe someone who's done this swap or has any experience in this area can help me out.

1. Since its a D-Series to D-Series swap, I can reuse my intake, headers, and exhaust parts, can't I? If I recall correctly, D-Series parts are mostly interchangeable, correct?
2. I can't reuse my timing belt and water pump, can I? If not, what Belt and Pump should I use? I believe its the 92-95 Civic VX belt and pump, correct? Is that the D15Z1?
3. Now, here's the big one. An engine swap for an experienced mechanic (my Uncle) is pretty straightforward if I'm not mistaken. However, I'll be upgrading to a JDM VTEC engine (D15b) from a USDM Non-VTEC engine (D15b7), so what does that entail. As far as I know that requires getting a new ECU, correct?
4. In the case of the ECU, I believe I currently have a P06. I would need either a P28 (USDM VTEC d16z6) ECU or a P08 (JDM VTEC d15b) ECU, correct? Is there any differences other than their fuel map? I've read that the P08 would less likely pass smog testing, while the P28 would. However, if I use a P28, would it create less power or run the engine innefficiently? A P28 with a P08's fuel maps would create more power but would less likely pass emissions testing, correct?
5. As far as wiring goes, I've read that EG (92-95) civic's and Del Sol's have the wiring for VTEC in the harness, regardless of whether they're VTEC or not, correct? If so, would it just be a plug and play type of deal or what?
6. Finally, what is this I hear about a Vacuum line difference on the intake manifold of the JDM engine and the USDM engine? Something about a Purge Solenoid? What do I do about that? Do I cap something, or am I better off putting my D15b7 intake manifold on the D15b when I swap it? Or should I just spring for a Skunk2 d16z6 manifold for the D15b or something?

I'd like to thank anyone and everyone for taking the time to read this and help me out. I hope I don't get hated for my first post asking a bunch of questions.

 

Answered...

 

Wow, JDM_SOHC, I am impressed.

You answered so quickly and really made it simple, thank you very much.
I'm sorry if I confused you with some of my questions.

So, basically, I have to get a P28 ECU (or P08, but why bother), I have to wire VTEC manually from the solenoid to my ECU through my firewall, and then just enjoy 30 more HP than I have now? lol. More like enjoy having an engine that works


Thank you so much, again, JDM_SOHC

 

Haha no problem dude, we were all there at one point or another... And yeah basically just wiring vtec and getting a vtec ecu is all you really have to do... When it comes time for that just PM me or do a quick search on how to wire VTEC and you'll be all set... Good luck man..!!

 

Will do
Thanks again!

 

No doubt

 

Keep the JDM intake manifold, depending on how strick the emissions testing in your state is you may have to take the purge solenoid off the back of your old IM and drill and tap the holes for it on the JDM manifold (you will very clearly see where to make the holes) Use a P28 and reuse your original 4 wire O2 sensor. If you were lucky enough to get the top and bottom half of the exhaust manifold on your new engine, use it, its the same a Z6 manifold and flows better.