Good morning,

My 12 year old drives a 2004 Honda Civic Dx with manual transmission in the beginning race class in our local town which uses 4 cyl engines (usually Hondas). He has twice now blown a hole in the bottom end of his D17a1 motor (although two different places). The assumption is that he is running his RPMs too high although no one believes he hits the rev limiter. So I have two questions: 1) We have been offered a D16 motor for free but after reading other threads, it appears we'd need a new ECM and transmission and possibly custom mounts so I'm not sure that is a wise choice; 2) what motor should we be looking for that might be less prone to blow? Based on what's being written, I'm believing we should be looking for a K motor but not sure if we need a bigger motor at this point or more practice understanding when to shift or if it's the D17 alone that's our issue. Any help/guidance appreciated...it's the beginning of race season so we want to get him back on the track as soon as possible.

Thank you!

 

If hes blowing holes in his motor, its possible the oil pump proberly not working well or theres a clog someware. That can usally happens if the block runs really hott and theres only friction and no lube. Those motors should brake so easy especially since there built a little thicker. (I guess for NOS). i upgraded my headgasket to higher grade and rev the **** out my car till I think it might pop. .. no oil leaks for the past 7 months