New here and I need help. I have a 1997 ex which “should” have D16y8. The block is D16y7, the intake manifold is D16y8 I can’t identify the head it’s stamped p2 j-2. The VTEC (if it has it) does not kick in. I’m lost and I need some help from you fine folks.

My introduction: my name is Ryan, I’m 35 about to retire from the navy (2 years) single dad (I get no *****) I drive a 2018 si until I found this “EX” for 1,000$ and decided I wanted to midlife crisis and few years early try my hand at building up this civic. Also would appreciate anyones opinion on the cheapest swap. Thanks a million!

 

Haha, glad to see someone in their 30s here as well, guess I'm going through the midlife crisis as well lol. I just got into this Honda scene, always been a V8 guy, gas guzzler high horsepower guy, but when I started reading into what 4 bangers are capable of doing now, I had to jump in the scene and get me a civic, mine was $400 but blown head gasket and it got me into the whole Mini-me scene as my first project. So based on all the research I have been doing on Mini-me's I'd say yes you do have a mini-me, my guess is that the VTEC ain't kicking on because the computer is still the non VTEC, its not wired properly, or the solenoid is gone.

 

Hey brother! Happy to see you here too! I too started out with V8s I didn’t have a car until I joined the navy so I saved up until I could afford 03 cobra only to find out it was TOO much car for me. I’m actually Surprised I did this, I got into a SRT4 to baby step my way into big torque numbers. Thanks for the input and you are correct on your diagnosis its ECU. Looking to keep this car ugly and make her fast. Cheers!