Let's turn this $600 FB Marketplace rescue into a decent daily. My very thoughtful wife crowd funded this project for my 40th birthday. When I was 18, I had a 1989 dx with a BEASTIE license plate. We've come full circle.

The transmission seems to be in good shape, but the motor is shot. The short answer is d16y8. The cool answer is k20a1. My first autocross car was an ep3 si hatch, so i figured that would be appropriate.

I'll go introduce myself and cross post this. I'm open to suggestions on the build. The ultimate goal is a fun daily with A/C and street cred.


$600 EF Si Pickup

 

Yo man. Looking like a great starting point. Hopefully most of the AC stuff is still there and you can simply replace parts where relevant. Its probably possible do AC with a Kswap, but I haven't seen a lot of parts around it. I know with a BSwap that you can modify an OE bracket OR pickup a Hasport or Innovative Bracket to bolt up certain series of condenser.

 

I dont think K series with AC is doable with off-the-shelf parts on an EF chassis. Im sure it could be done with custom lines and bracketry though.

My vote would be for B series though. Fits the chassis with OEM parts and can make more than enough power for a street/autocross car.

 

Keep us updated!

 

Well, after much searching, I'm going to just focus on getting this thing running as inexpensively as possible. There's lots of little stuff to fix and improve on, so I'll need to pace myself. We're going to get it cleaned out and inventory the task/build list this weekend. I found some d16's at a local junkyard, and I've got some friends that race them, so I'm sure they can help me get something put together.

Swaps are cool and all, but just like my Miata build, I'll stick with the OEM solution and try to improve on that platform. Even with stock power, this thing's going to be much more fun to drive than my Ram 2500.

Details coming soon...

 

We had a productive weekend. Got the car cleaned out, inventoried, and stuffed into the garage. It looks like I've got enough pieces to rebuild the original d16. The block might be shot. I'll get it torn down and inspected. I'm open to opinions about pistons. I don't want to spend a lot, but if I'm already in there, I'd like to make some good decisions.

My lovely wife shampooed the carpet and seats. It smells much better.

Here's my categorized/prioritized build sheet after the weekend:

Run
————-
Engine
Machine block
ARP head studs
MLS gasket
Rebuilt kit
Clutch
Axles
Battery?
Title
Insurance
Wink mirror

Comfort
—————
Dash
Air conditioning
Window mechanics
Sun roof seal

Restore
—————-
Headlight
Emblems
Rust
Hood
Paint
Moldings
Rear deck
Bumper lights
Floor mats

Mod
——————-
Springs
Shocks
Wheels
Sub
Lip
Stereo
Zex
Rear sway
Steering wheel



Photo shoot

seized block

Real nasty walls

The head has lived in the trunk for ages

Transmission worked when parked

WTT! for OEM lights



Wife did a great job on the interior

engine bay was in decent shape.

exhaust and linkage held on with pink iPhone cable. quality work

 

Honestly, buy a B20 or find a LS swap. Its going to be cheaper then rebuilding that beat old D.

Whats up with the sunroof?

Looks good overall for the price!

 

Copy that. I appreciate the ideas. I think we’ve got enough d-series parts floating around to get this thing running. We’re going to ditch that block.

If the d build looks like it’s going to cost too much, I’ll swap.

the seller said that the sunroof leaks. It could be drains. It’s in the garage for now, so no rush on that fix.

 

yea bro your hatch looks like a solid place to start on tinkering ^_^
good luck with the rebuild

 

Yeah dude, i'mma let you finish with that D series build, but you really should just swap to a B. Prices have gone a LONG way down in 22 years.

HBD, enjoy your quest!