I have a 1988 honda civic hatchback. Has a D16zc With DOHC. turns out I cracked the heads, so my buddy has a Acura D18 with DOHC. He's selling the entire car for $100. Has a bad manual transmission. Its in way better shape them My 88 civ, but I'm wondering if my transmission will fit in the Acura? Or should i swap the Acura engine into my hatchback? What will i need to do the swap? I have never done it before and will be doing it in my high school mechanics class. Thanks!20140202_195931.jpg.download.zip S

Sorry about the sideways photo!

 

The Acura engine is most likely a B18 not a D18. The DOHC ZC is basically a d-series engine.
Unless the acura is an 88-89 integra with the D16a1, it has a b-series engine.
The transmissions aren't interchangeable. They don't mate up. It's going to cost you some $$ either way you go.


IF the Acura (integra i'm assuming) is in good working order, besides the transmission, then one route is to get a new(to you) b-series transmission, and swap that out. You should be able to find a decent b-series trans for around $250.00 or so.
BUT, some more info is needed.
Cable actuated or hydraulically actuated clutch (Cable or Hydro for short) That will be one factor in what transmission to get.

To do a B-series swap into and EF chassis, that is a bit more involved.
basics are
Engine/transmission(of course) EF's are cable clutch trans.
shift linkage
Axles
MPFI swap if necessary(you already have a ZC so isn't)
Possibly OBD0 to OBD1 conversion(A complete waste unless you're going turbo or the engine/swap you are getting is already obd1)
ECU

The DOHC ZC is a kick *** little engine as well. A new head should be in the same price range as the transmisison, but the engines are getting harder and harder to find. Plus another $40-$90 for a head gasket(whether you go cheap or OEM) and another $30 or so for fluids.

That is some info to get you started.
There are plenty of write ups on swaps and conversions all over the internet.
This surely gave as many questions as answers but I hope it can point you in the right direction.

 

^ Good post.

Also, you need new head studs for a head gasket swap. I would never suggest reusing old factory head bolts. ARP Head studs are only $100 or so and are well worth it.

I will also say the OBD0 to OBD1 swap isn't a complete waste of time. I've found my swap idles differently with the OBD1 ecu vs OBD0. It could be parameter changes, but it definitely doesn't bounce nearly as much. Also, pulling codes is easier on OBD1 than OBD0.

But, aside from opinions, That guy nailed what you needed.