I bought a 1995 Honda Civic DX with a blown head gasket for $200 so I can use it as a daily driver. Should I replace the head gasket or just get another engine that works? I can get a D15B7 for $200 that works. My friends are saying just swap the engine it's easier but I'm not sure what the best decision is.

 

It's all dependent on your personal skill level. What's easy for some isn't easy for others.

 

If you get a used engine closely go thru it to ensure that it's in better condition.

 

If the engine was severely overheated or the head/block surfaces are warped, replace the engine.

 

I'd lean toward replacing the engine if you don't know the car's history. People tend to drive overheated when they don't know better and/or don't care about keeping the car. It's a pretty safe bet that is what you have.

 

Get a carb JDM d15 from an importer and then change the intake, change all the rubber, and drive it around. If the rings, bearings, or valve guides are sad, pull all the rubber back out and get another one. Like i said before, test it before buying it because it's used.

 

Atleast get a z6 so you can say the swap was worth a ****

 

Thanks for all the replies. I have very basic skills mechanical skills. I can do your basic oil change, change spark plugs, change filters, and etc. But when it comes to major stuff like engine swaps I have no idea. I have a neighbor who pulls engines and fixes them everyday in front of his house so he will be my go to guy for this. I found out the D15B7 engine I'm close to buying is for a Manual and the car I have is an Auto will it still work or do I need other parts to make it work? Depending on what all needs to be done I may just get a D16Z6 even though I'm not going for power I just need a reliable daily driver.

 

The manual and auto cars use exactly the same engine. If your new engine comes with a flywheel and clutch attached, simply remove them and replace with the flex plate from the old car.

Trying to make an automatic Civic faster is kind of silly.

 

Well I'm not going for power I just need a reliable daily driver which is why I just want to buy the D15B7 for $250 and swap it out with my bad engine and call it a day. Thanks for clarifying the engine will work no matter what transmission you have.

 

This is incorrect, the FITV valves are different part numbers. I suspect thay are calibrated differently.

The other part that can also change is one engine might have the MAP sensor on the firewall and the other on the throttle body.

When I was checking sensors part numbers between the automatic and the manual, I don't think I checked the temp sensors, the O2 sensor etc.

Most of them are identicle but there might be a couple of slight differences in which case you can pull from one engine and put on the other.

It takes time to compare the parts lists on hondapartsnow.com or majestic etc but it's how you know without any doubt you are getting the exact parts for your car with the engine swap.

 

If the car you bought is an autotragic, there's also the issue of the TCM to address.