I want to get into building my own motor, most likely something small like a solid civic motor. My question is how hard is it for a novice to pull a motor out of a civic, strip it and build it in their garage? I have never pulled a motor before, never upgraded a motor before or done any engine work before(gotta start somewhere). Would it be too hard for me to work on a car in my garage or should I take it to a shop?

 

If you're doing this as a learning experience, than a Honda engine (any of the ones you listed) would be a good platform to start on.

You'll obviously need tools like a ring filer, plastigauge, valve spring compressor, torque wrench, engine hoist... etc etc. Rent what you can from your local Oreilly's.

 

They have tons of How to build a Honda books at Barns and Nobles, Library and online! I suggests getting one cause they have colored pics and step by step how to re build either of those engines. I believe the D series is much more easier since its a Single cam but the B series Vtec and non vtec are pretty easy in my opinion and the K series is on a different level that i still am learning to this day! GL

 

x2 on the above. The older engines (D & B series) are all easy to work on, the B series non-vtec (B18A/B & B20B/Z) being the most simple - it always amazes me just how quickly I can strip on to a bare block and how easy it goes back together.

It's a good opportunity to collect some new tools and the skills to use them, all stuff you get to keep for the rest of your life. Also a golden opportunity to learn how to work in a planned, methodical, organized manner - the most important/useful tool will be an Excel spreadsheet on your laptop, if you're doing it right

 

what are the kind of mods you would reccomend on a starter build? Upgraded cams? Exhaust manifold? Fuel injectors? Oil Pump? I don't really want to go the whole turbo route, I kinda just want to enjoy naturally aspirated vtec for now.

 

You want bolt on's!

A good cold air intake if you like the power band shifted slightly higher in the RPM band and the shorter intake arms are better for low and mid range power band. Its not going to shift the power greatly but you will notice the diffrence going from a short to a cold air intake. If its a Vtec B series i suggest a 3'' dia. intake for best power.

A good exhaust manifold and cat back exhaust. 2.5'' piping will work best for a N.A setup. I like the 1320 Toda replica header, but any 1320 header is a great budget friendly manifold that will give good results. The exhaust you can piece together your self at a muffler shop giving them the parts or having them source it or buy a complete kit like skunk2 etc..

You can even go as far as a aftermarket intake manifold and throttle body, but then you venture into needing a better tune for the added parts so at this point you want to look into a tuning system such as Hondata S300 and this will allow you to put on parts such as camshafts, injectors and fine tune it other wise those parts will most likely throw off the Air fuel ratio and the engine will not run at its best.

But with the simple "Bolt ons'' i mentioned the stock ECU should be able to compensate the added parts.