I recently bought a 1994 Civic VX, the D15Z with VTEC. The car has nearly 290k miles, the engine was supposedly changed, but the transmission is original. I bought a newer model transmission with the Si gear ratio because I can't stand the tall gearing on the VX. There is oil around the head gasket of the engine, and if I'm going to have to replace the head gasket I was wondering if I can change to a 1.6 block and keep the head that's on the engine. If so, what block or engine would I be looking for?

 

Not sure of your absolute set up but you're going to end up with a high compression setup if that head is stil the VX head. Combustion chambers are shaped differently and have the smallest volume of any of the D-Series heads I believe. If you're looking for a one for one swap your best bet is another VX block OR any 1.5 block and reuse your existing rods/pistons as applicable or equivalent. If none of this makes sense to you, make it easy on yourself and get D16Z6 or equivalent ZC series engine and matching ECU. You should only end up with one extra plug for EGR.

 

VX parts really only work with other VX parts. They're a lot different from the other engines. If you have a good working VX you should keep it that way.

 

That stinks. Haha