I've got the old standard 1989 Honda Civic hatch back with the d15b2 (or 7?) in it and it makes 70 HP, has a 4 speed trans, yada yada. Recently something happened. It might be a relay or the starter, but when I turn the key everything lights up. I turn it again, nothing. No crank. The clutch switch isn't the issue from what I can see, I even wired around the switch to see if it would work, nothing. But my main relay makes a weird click when I turn the key.

Point is, do I spend the time and money on this and attempt to fix it OR do I use this as the reason to spend the $900 and get a JDM b16 swap from a guy I know locally? It has everything short of the shift linkage. This would be my first engine swap like this. So is it too much to take on? I do use this vehicle to get to and from work and is there hidden expenses in an engine swap that I'm not thinking of?

I was just thinking, if it's going to cost me time and money to trouble shoot a problem and relace AT LEAST the starter, is it worth upgrading at this point?

Opinions, GOOOO.

P.S. The new engine was removed from the vehicle 2-3 months ago. Was running.

 

I don't see how putting a used engine is going to fix your current problem. Now if you said you engine had a blown head gasget I could see how you might want to consider an upgrade instead.

I would fix your starter/electrical problem first.

Can you have someone jump start you just to rule out low battery?

 

$900 with mounts, harness (if OBD1), axles, ECU, and shift linkage?
If so, then YES do that swap.

If no, then fix your car.
What is the weird sound your main relay makes?
Does the CEL come on for about 3 seconds when you first put the key in and turn the ignition to ON (not start)?

 

Check your ignition switch relay behind the key cylinder. Test each wire was you turn the key.

 

Try jumping the starter solenoid. Connect a wire directly from the big starter power wire to the starter solenoid spade terminal.

 

Well, the engine has a new ECU and everything, so I would assume that'd fix my issue if it had to do with a starter or a wire coming loose or something like that.

It's a full swap with Ef mounts, came out of a similar car or a CRX I believe.

I have to check the CEL and the wiring. Which I will more than likely do today.

I was going to go check out this engine this weekend, but my car died so I just wondering if I should get a buddy to pick it up and go for it or fix my car and continue looking at swaps and find the right one.

 

What? lol

Go get a small piece of wire, and bend it into a U shape. Touch it to both the main starter power wire, and the starter solenoid terminal. The starter should turn. Period. If it does not turn, the starter is bad. If it clicks, then your battery is not charged enough.

 

Mannn, ure just lookin for an excuse to modify lol...it's only a matter of time before you do

 

Asking for opinions online is almost asking out for help. Also your looking for a straight answer your not going to get it.
I have 1990 hatch and it came witha D15B VTEC swap in it already and I have no history of the car because I got it from my brother and he got it at some dealer trade ahit (he sells cars).

Any way it burns a little oil and runs rich, but drives and gives me 30+ mpg with a 32 mile round trip to home to work.
I do little work on my car, but major **** I have a mechanic do because I am not a mechanic and dont consider myself one. I asked about the oil burning and timimg belt and he tells me just ride it out till it dies because it wont be worth fixing it when I can just get another motor swapped in for the same price if fixing it or less.

My point is just go to someone who may figure out the problem and it might not be that big at all.
And then keep the motor till it blows and do your swap, for now work on cosmetics if the car needs it.

 

Yeah, I was looking for an excuse to do some modifications. I was planning on riding the engine in it till it died. It was the starter which will cost me less than $100 to fix. But I probably will get a B series to swap in and wait till this engine goes completely out on me. Which won't be all that long. haha.

I've done cosmetic things already, actually did them first since the car has ran strong since I got it. I'm big on car mods so I will swap the engine sometime. Just looking for some random insight to test the waters of my decision.

 

do the swap, dont ride it until it dies... if you swap it then you can sell your single cam and make some money back

 

Yup, picked up the swap today anyways haha

 

good luck on the swap, the little hotwheel is gonna finally start pulling

 

Thanks. I'm going to get some headers and a new ECU and then start putting it together. I actually have a headers back exhaust already and I've had a "cold air intake" sitting around forever. So I'll clean up the engine bay and drop that bad boy in.