I have come across a deal but I'm not sure if it's worth it. Let me start by saying that this is a commuter car. I need a motor that will bolt in and give great gas milage. Here is my question(s):
1. Will a CX? motor bolt into this car? I think it's a d15.
2.Is there an adapter kit to go from cable to hydro clutch? Newer throttle cable?
3. Do I use the new ECU or old?
4.Use the new CV axles or the old ones?
5. Use the new 5speed or the old 4speed?
6. Am I wasting my time and should I just order a replacement D15 or 16?
The entire package of motor/trans/ecu/axles will cost $300 so if it's do-able pretty cheap, I would like to stick with it. I need an experts advice.
Any help would be appreciated. or

 

Yes

No but you can convert the car to hydraulic but it's not fun

You only need a new one if the original motor was DPFI and you plan to convert it to MPFI

If you keep the 4 spd. then use the same axles. The new axles won't work with that tranny and the splines are different on the hubs too.

The 5 spd. hydro won't work. Keep the 4 spd. or find an 88-91 DX or Si 5 spd. tranny.

It's only a waste of time if you think it's a waste of time. I have 2 D15B2 motor here at my house and I would let them go for almost nothing because I have no use for them. You could find a much better deal than that since really all that you need is a new longblock. You can find really low mileage 96-00 D16Y7 motors for $300 which would be much better than that 8 valve CX motor.

 

You are the man!!!
Thanks for your help.......
Do you have a better/easier swap?
I want to bolt and go....
Bassically, I looked at doing a ZC swap but it looks like you have to change knuckles and wiring and ecu. I really want a simple effective solution. I drive a V10 Ford with 38's and I got this car for a really good price. Just need it to go, it has busted rings and not worth fixing. I have mechanical skills, just limited Honda Knowledge. I don't mind doing mods, just nothing expensive with limited results.

 

Basically any newer SOHC D series motor will bolt into the car with no problems. You can use any D motor from 88-00 - gotta love the wide range of compatibility parts and years.
If you go with a 92+ the only thing you need to change for it to mount up correctly is the driver's side engine bracket. Just unbolt it and put the stock bracket on and you're done. If you want to keep the cost down just bolt up the stock DPFI intake manifold, keep the stock ECU and exhaust manifold.
It sounds like you're looking for reliability and ease of install so I would just get a newer D16Y7 from 96-00 and then use all the stock stuff and keep it DPFI. That motor if taken care of should definitely outlast the body of the car
My winter beater is an 89 DX and I have a 00 D16Y7 in it. I bought the longblock with only 18K miles for only $400 shipped to my door. They made so many of these motors - you can find them pretty cheap and they are a strong motor.

 

Do you have a reliable source for the motor you are describing?
Yes, I am cheap, but will pay a little more for great service.
Also- you mentioned that I could just swap over intake/exhaust-- Will harnesses match up or will I have to change over that and possible distributor?
BTW--Thanks for your help--In one post you have answered questions that couldn't be answered for months.
I was talking to the wrong people.

 

Just use your engine harness, complete intake manifold with injectors, sensors, etc. and exhaust manifold. The distributor will line up perfect on the 96+ motors. Everything will wire up since you are using all of your components. The only thing you would change would be the coolant temp sensor. It is on the back of the block near the oil filter as a big rubber plug on the 88-91 motors. On 92+ motors it is near the back below the distributor where the thermostat is as a 2 prong regular plug.