I got a broken spark plug stuck in the cylinder head and can’t get it out. I’ve already tried using an extractor but it’s stuck. So now I’m debating what I should do. I have the D17A1 engine with a manual transmission.
1. Get a new/rebuilt head.
2. Swap with a vtec head.
3. Swap the whole engine for a better one.
4. Just take it to a machine shop and get it out to fix it.

I know swapping an engine and head to a vtec requires extra things to be done which I don’t know how to do. But I really want to keep this car as a daily driver, but I want to know if it’s worth putting that time and money into it.

 

I think the motor must have about 100,000 on it and if you replace the head with a rebuilt that's almost $1,000 + gaskets and time spent . A " new " motor would be much more .. I don't think a vtec conversion is necessary , one thing to consider is that a new head will have well seated valves that will increase compression on the old piston rings on the bottom end hence blowing them out , so I've heard . Then there's the timing belt with a 60,000 + life that may need replacing while you've got it apart . If you think the car is worth it and the under body isn't rusted out then do it . Me personally I like the older civics and any older cars . IMO . I don't understand how you can't get the plug out , even if the insulator breaks the plug socket should still fit on what's left .

 

Only the threads got stuck. Timing belt was done by the last owner and everything else looks like it’s in great shape. I recently replaced the head gasket as well and checked the head and it didn’t look warped. The only issue is that stuck plug. I’ve tried using an extractor and no luck. And it’s about 150,000 miles in.

 

" didn't look warped " ? ? You have to check it with machinist tools , I took it to a shop and they cleaned and checked it for $20**