So I was given a EF sedan a couple months back with what supposedly was suppose to be a blown motor. Previous owner stated that the car started to overheat then shut off. Since then the car has been sitting since winter with plans to rebuild and use as a daily/spare car. The car is currently equipped with a d15b2 with a auto trans. 110k miles. My thoughts are to just swap longblocks since the trans to my knowledge is still in good condition.

Here are my two options and any advice would be appreciated, I have done a handful of b swaps in the past but this will be my first sohc so my knowledge on parts compatibility is very low and since I can't find any d15b2 as a direct swap.

Option A

Purchase a sohc zc engine since its the only motor I can find thats non vtec and obd0

Option b

Purchase a d16 sohc vtec and then have to swap manifolds and header etc and will that all even be able to be swapped over.

 

If you can legally use the ZC in your state, I'd say go for it but it will require a few changes to your car for max output (check for MPFI conversion). Going for the SOHC VTEC is roughly the same thing with a couple extra wires for VTEC. Manifolds are interchangeable on both so it is actually possible to just run either engine (head/block only) "as is" with your DPFI setup. I'd lean on that for the sake of just getting the car up and running since it's only going to be a daily/spare car just to keep things simple. You can always do the MPFI conversion later.

 

I do want to keep things as simple as possible so your suggesting a sohc vtec long block and just swapping over manifolds ? Would the dizzy match up since its a non v unit. ?

 

If you want to.keep it dpfi, ANY d seies longblock will bolt up to the trans, and your intake and exhaust manifolds.

 

The distributor needs to match the ECU for electrical/signal purposes. Physically though, if you get the 92-95 VTEC engine (P08 cast on head) it will not bolt on. With that said, if you can try to get the newer 96+ SOHC VTEC engine if you're set on VTEC.

I wouldn't necessarily say go for the VTEC engine but that's me. Again basing this solely on daily duties I'd still lean on the ZC (non VTEC) just for the sake of keeping it simple.

F22Master is right on point though in terms of interchangeability so if you want that VTEC engine now, it's doable. You will need to open up the slots of the distributor mounting flange to get the adjustment you need if you get the 92-95 SOHC VTEC, 96-00 you'll be fine.

 

Even though im not a fan of dpfi solely on what I've heard on the forums thus far, sounds like the zc is for me, besides switching both the intake and exhaust manifolds what else would be needed ? Am I using the same dizzy etc ? Im really surprised and grateful for all the advice thus far thank you all I really appreciate it.

 

Literally, reuse everything except your old block and head. One for one swap of just the engine and you'll be fine.

 

JDM 98 spec B18C Type R

End Thread

 

Thanks ill post pics and updates as I go.

 

I just built a motor for my coupe not too long ago, simplicity is the key on this one lol

 

Type R wasn't an option LOL

 

I was once told by a mechanic that the DPFI IM doesn't do so well with newer type engines esp not VTEC engines. By your statement I'm assuming what the mechanic told me holds no water. And by using back the same dizzy how would you go about running VTEC? Use a PR3? Or run it through a VTEC controller? I'd really love to do something different with my D15B2 so I'm trying to search various threads in search of answers. Hope I'm not thread jacking. Sorry

 

You cant run DPFI and Vtec.

You can put a DPFI manifold on a Vtec head/longblock and make it run, but you wont have vtec. There are no DPFI ECU's that have the vtec circuits in them.

 

I understand the bold but I'm asking if you can use a VTEC controller and get VTEC just like that

 

No, because the DPFI ECU's do not support low and high cam maps, like a Vtec ECU would. Sure, you could make the solenoid engage and use the cams Vtec lobes, but there is much more to Vtec than just a bigger cam lobe

 

Ohh okay. Thanks for the insight man

 

It is always an option!