I am almost exclusively toyota, but I wanted a hatch for practical purposes and commuting. I found a non rusty never messed with 91 hatch, with all original drivetrain, 98k, automatic. It seems like it will accomplish the task of being lightweight, getting 30 mpg, and allowing me to make a platform in the back for my old dog, and still allowing me to have some storage. The motor is the stock d16b, and it seems to have some leaks. So my question is do I pull the motor and replace all the seals, pull it all, and swap something in that could get better fuel economy, run it as is and not sweat it, flip it? I would rather hold on to it, despite the fact that I could make some decent money on it. I am a self taught mechanic by trade, and I have literally never touched a honda. They are like black magic to me, cause I can get toyota stuff so cheap, there has never been a reason to go honda. The irony here is I support myself restoring and flipping honda motorcycles. lol. anyhow. The goal here is fuel economy on a budget. And the car will never be a manual while I own it. Are there any reasonably priced motors I could directly bolt in, with no, or minimal modification, that will run on the ecu and injection system, that will give more hp, and keep the mpg?

 

You could swap to another d-series. I'm sure you could get one cheap from hmotors online. That said, if the existing motor is running, do the regular maintenance and fix the leaks. The mileage is very low for that year and could easily last another 100k (or more) with simple maintenance.

 

My thoughts are the only economical way to get this thing in decent shape is to do it myself, or pay someone else to knock it out on the side. I am not looking to spend another grand on this thing. hmm. Anyone recommend anyone in the frederick/hagerstown/dc/eastern wv area who would knock this stuff out for reasonable price? Not set up to do anything at my new place.

 

If you're that worried about the price. do it yourself on the side. The components are decently easily had, but no on is going to "knock it out" for you without significant investment. But, in the end, for your goals, it will be worth it.

 

you know a fun little fact is that honda got started by working for toyota back in the day making piston rings

the two brands are still very much the same
if you really do work on toyotas then working on a civic wont be hard at all

also have you checked to see whats leaking?
you can work on your car at any pars store
autozone advance auto and orielys
your aloud to work in those parking lots
just as long as its not an overnight thing

ive done that during long road trips and its perfectly fine