OK, I have a 90 Honda civic Hatch DX, Its a 4 speed with stock everything. This is what I am starting with.





I am planning on doing an engine swap, I was thinking the b16a1 motor because I heard that was the easiest for a first time swap, I believe that motor requires a mpfi swap, but even if it doesn't that is something else that I want to do. I want a 5 speed cable clutch. I also know I want to put on a cold air intake, a new header and exhaust. I know I also need to get a new ECU Chip, I am not sure what else. Any suggestions?

 

Check the FAQs section is has more info than I can give you, look at section 7 engine swaps and conversions https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-crx-ef-civic-1988-1991-3/88-91-crx-ef-civic-frequently-asked-questions-faqs-1508680/

Off the top of my head you'll need the Si knuckle/hub for the front, the proper axles, the proper cable for the clutch ( I think a integra DA? double check that though).
swap motor mounts (hasport and other companies make them), a conversion harness can be purchased (rywire) or modified from an oem harness, but not from a dx i believe you'd want a Si harness to modify.

Depending on what motor mounts you get the front crossmember may require some modifications, usually cutting off the front motor mount from the crossmember to gain clearance. Most people dont use this mount anyway after a B series swap.
Hood clearance can also be an issue, the webbing under the hood may need some trimming.

The location where the alternator pulley will hit the side of the enginge bay, you'll need to beat this area in a bit also for clearance .

The body looks pretty darn good (although it must have been respayed) it just needs some attention at the front bumper mount on the driver side (in the wheel well). the plastic mount/bracket may be broken or just missing fasteners.

Wait a second, I'm looking at your belt molding (the black stipe running along the door) and it seems to me that they've been partialy shaved (removed and the holes filled). Are they?

 

I actually hadn't realized they were missing, I went out and took a look and you are correct, they have been shaved. I think this car was someones project car before mine, but they didn't get very far on it.

 

Hello!
I'm also a poor college student and just bought a new 4th gen project like you, small world huh?

But anyway, with whatever swap you decide on doing, you'll need the dpfi to mpfi conversion, there is tons of info about this on this site. You'll likely need convert from OBD0 to OBD1 depending on the engine you choose, also tons of info on that here. You won't need an ecu chip with a swap, you'll need a new ecu that corresponds to that motor (don't worry, they aren't expensive or hard to change).

A b16 swap would be great, but if you're poor like I am that might be out of the question. An LS swap (b18a or b) is just as easy (in fact, a bit easier!) is pretty affordable. For any B series youll need a b series tranny btw. The most affordable and easy "swap" you could do would be a "mini-me" (swapping to a d series vtec head), once again tons of info here.

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

I am saving up for the motor and tranny right now. Should have enough in a month or two, I was planning on doing the mpfi swap and converting to obd1. I read that both of those are required to do the swap. I am a little intimidated by the prospects of the wire work as I have very little experiencedoing electrical work, but I have help.

 

so deffentaly go with a rywire obd0- obd1 jumperharness with the vtec subharness , this will make your life alot easyer,but how ever if you have the extra money you can go ahead and buy a complete harness conveted to obd1 with vtec and 4 wire o2 and all that fun stuff complete , which should be nearly plug and play , best of luck