Hey everyone,
I'm new to the forums and swapped Hondas scene, so any information or links to other threads would be great
I just bought a 98 Civic hatchback with a full B16a2 swap (engine trans) with a P06 ecu (might be chipped I'm not sure). Everything works as it should until I get on the throttle, then the rpms start to bounce up and down and it sputters pretty bad. What mechanical issues could this be/ what electrical issues could this be?

Let me know if there anything that needs more clarification.

 

Do you have any codes ? A stock P06 will NOT run a B16A2 properly (incidentally, VTEC wouldn't work either). Even if it is modified and chipped, this doesn't mean that the programming on the chip is for a B16A. Remember, this car was for sale... which is code for the previous owner was sick of it.

Also check the distributor... if it is an aftermarket one, it could be suspect as well.

 

Thanks for the response,
I have no CEL or codes, check engine light does work as I unplugged some sensors to purposely turn it on. Vtec does engage at around 5200 rpm and the ecu is labeled as a P06. Distributor is definitely not original, looks like an OEM-like replacement, I'll take a closer look at that. As far as ECU concerns, what is recommended if it is the ecu causing the issue?

PS. since this post, I also noticed it has an inconsistent idle, when cold it idles normally - around 800-1000 rpm, then when it heats ups it idles around 1800-2000 unless I give it some gas. I am suspecting it to be the IAC sensor because I cleaned it and it idles a little better (More consistently at 800-1000, still jumps up randomly) and it is also missing the gasket where the sensor sits against the throttle body. Could this information have anything to do with the sputtering?

 

I'd start with the p2t ecu for the b16a2 which came in 99-00 civic. Since your car is 98 it's obd2a so you need to get a obd2b to obd2a conversion harness to run the p2t ecu.

 

Problem was solved. Ended up being a problem with the distributer, I replaced the whole thing and the problem went away.