I purchased a used JDM ZC engine with dual carburetors. I plan to strip it down and swap all the external parts over from the stock D16 in my 1990 Civic si. My current engine is leaking and burning oil. I want the end result to be very close to stock. I know that there is a hole in the JDM cylinder head for the mechanical fuel pump that will need a block off plate. I have also read that the cam shaft is different. Are there any other differences I need to be aware of before I start this project?
Since this is a common JDM engine I was hoping to benefit from the experiences of others.
I plan to put the extra starter and the alternator in my spare parts. Is there a market for the other external JDM parts such as the carburetors that I will be removing from this engine or should I just scrap them?
I will replace the timing belt and the water pump as part of this project. Someone suggested re-torqueing the head bolts, is that good advice?

Picture of my current stock engine and the JDM engine I just purchased.

 

Block off the fuel pump port and it should run fine with your SI ecm and mpfi. There is a site dedicated to the ZC engine with lots of good info TheZCR.com Forums - Powered by vBulletin

 

I'm sure I could fabricate a presentable block off plate but before I bother I was wondering if someone sells a nice one that I could just buy.

 

I have read that it's rated more like 105hp. The fuel injected zc was possibly the one you heard was stronger.

 

I think you are correct. I looked at some info that Tyson posted a link to in another thread and it appears that the JDM carb version I purchased has 25 fewer horses than my existing MPFI D16. That being the case I am inclined to add the cam shaft to the list of parts to swap over from my original engine. I suppose I could have the original head rebuilt and swap the whole thing.

 

I would swap the cam and intake manifold, though it might be worth measuring cam lobes and use whichever has more lift. If you figure your stock engine is rated at 108hp it's only about 5hp difference (the jdm engine i believe is 105 ps which is about 103hp).

 

Once again I agree with you. The difference is only about 5 hp. As I stated I intend to swap all the external parts. I note that you said you would "swap the cam and the intake manifold" I assume that simply means you would not swap the head. I just want to confirm that you are not suggesting that I should retain any other external parts of the JDM engine.

 

I would use it as a long block replacement. I figure cutting out a block off plate is less work and money than swapping the head.

 

your stock FI engine is better than a carb'd engine. Why downgrade?
-you bought the WRONG motor.
-sell it, and get something correct.
better yet, just reseal yours and put new rings and guides in, call it a day.

 

Please correct me if I am wrong but I believe that once I install the block off plate, swap the camshaft and all the external parts, it will be identical to my stock FI engine only it will have fewer miles on it.

 

Search about swapping the FI head and using a FI SOHC ZC camshaft. I had a SOHC ZC in my civic. it was a great motor with a usable power band and good low end torque.

 

Block the fuel pump hole, swap your manifold and distributor and leave it at that.

You're not going to notice THREE horsepower.

It won't be worth the trouble, and the chances that you'll screw something up is high (given the existence of this thread, no offense). The carb'd engine looks minty...don't open it up for reasons you don't have to...

 

Also, on a side note...I've never seen that valve cover before. Reuse it!

...or better yet, SELL IT TO ME!

 

oh **** i just noticed haha
because it doesnt say honda motor co
that is a cool valve cover

 

I also noticed that and to be honest they had several of these engines and I picked this one because it was very clean and the valve cover is perfect with not a single chip in the paint. On the other hand I want my car to look stock so I will probably not use the JDM valve cover. I will probably eBay it to try and recover some of my expenses. What do you suppose it is worth? Now I am going to go watch Honda-McLaren lose another race.

 

It will be 3 horsepower less compared to the stock d16a6. The FI ZC with the different camshaft makes close to 120 hp. That would be noticeable. I agree this motor looks clean. Any choice made about what to do with this motor is not a bad choice. We all have our reasons.

 

In that case, are you going to remove the cruise control? Si model did not have cruise control.

And the valve cover and carbs are only worth what somebody is willing to pay for them...

 

Good catch, but I will be keeping the cruise control. I think I need to revise that statement just a bit because I actually have several non-stock items on the car that I am happy with. How about I want my engine to look stock.

 

Cool project, I'm interested in seeing the carb'd engine upgraded with some better carbs (high comp pistons and lumpy cam while you're at it) suited for more power. Keep the progress coming!

 

Hell, the lower miles and not burning oil might make up for that 3 hp. Either way, zc motors are fun