So, im seeing a lot of D16Z6 engines on the local classifieds in my area and I NEED a new motor for my 90 hatch. but I really don't want to deal with V-tec.... would it hurt the motor at all to just not wire up the V-tec? will it still run? I know that it wont have the power that it would with the V-tec hooked up... but would it cause any issues or just be down on power? in my head, im thinking it would be comparable to a D16A6, but I'm fairly new to Honda motors and not quite sure what to expect. I'm sure some of you may think this is a stupid idea and that I'm an idiot (your not wrong) but this car is not gonna be anything special. just a daily beater to get me to and from work.

 

It'll work.

 

What ECU are you planning to run?

 

well if I buy the whole car, '93 sedan, then ill just take all that I need from that car. including the ecu. and ill just get one of those OBD0 to OBD1 harness adapters. but I believe in order to make the V-tec work, id have to include some wires in the engine bay. maybe later on down the road I may hook it all up.. but for right now, I just want something to keep me mobile. is it just not going to have that little boost in power at the top end?

 

I am kind of interested in this topic to learn more, so that's part of the reason for my reply, but also I think I can contribute. My understanding is that Honda tunes for the vtec cam lobes to take over right as the primary cam lobes reach their peak power, which is relatively low in the rev range if you think about it with respect to redlines. It is definitely possible to get around without it, even onramp acceleration and what-not, but I think you will lose power a lot earlier than you expect and it won't just be the absence of the classic "surge", but rather a plummet. Also, it will probably run pretty rich in higher RPM's because if you are running a non-vtec ecu, the engine that it is supposed to run needs more fuel, while the cam you will be running will have peaked an be either negatively sloping in its fuel needs or at least leveling off. Regardless, to get around town, I would say it shouldn't be a problem, but I would avoid high RPMs and my expectation would be that it will be rich pretty much across the board, increasingly so as you rev beyond the typical vtec crossover for the engine. But if you are running the correct ECU, you shouldn't have fuel problems, but also might as well wire it up.

Just my .02

 

I believe we are talking about 3 wires and they are typically included with most every OBD1 jumper.

 

Fair enough. I guess i didnt realize it was only 3 wires. I think i can handle that. :p especially if its part of the adapter. Thanks for the input guys..