I recently got an A6 block with a Z6 head, as well as an Si tranny and I'm waiting to swap it with my HF engine/tranny. Is there anything you would recommend doing (preferably not too expensive) while the engine is out? Or how about any words of advice for doing this swap? This will be my first swap and I am taking my first Auto class right now. I am pretty good at following directions and figuring things out and I have a Helms manual and my uncle for help.

My first question is now that I have the engine and tranny, and I am storing it until I have everything I need to install it, should I keep fluids in it or should I take them all out?

What are some of the things I should check/replace maintenance-wise while it's out? Keep in mind I don't want to spend too much on this kind of stuff unless it's necessary. I'm thinking check the timing belt and rear main seal, and replace the gaskets, anything else you'd recommend?

As for right now I have everything stock HF under my hood. My shortblock doesn't have any manifolds, and I'm thinking my HF ones are going to suck on the Mini-Me. Should I get an a6/z6/y8 intake manifold and an aftermarket header? Or is it not too much of a problem installing those later?

My car's a 1991 and the head says '9/3' on the exhaust side so I'm guessing it's a '93. I want to convert my car to OBD1 but I might do that later down the line. For now I can use my distributer, injectors (are HF too small?), and get an Si ECU (PM6?), then install a switch for VTEC. I know that's not the best way to do it due to the P28's fuel/timing maps for VTEC. When I go OBD1 I need the P28, OBD1 injectors, and a D16Z6 dizzy right? Oh yeah plus a OBD0-OBD1 conversion harness.

What's the easiest way to install this thing? Right now the shortblock and tranny are separate. Should I try and bolt them together and drop it all in at once with a cherry picker or should I do one at a time? I read of some people jacking their cars up and putting the engine in from the bottom... this sounds kind of weird but interesting since I don't have a cherry picker.

And my last (I think) question is... a few months ago I just replaced my clutch, my car's a 91. Is there any way to tell on the Si tranny what year it is? It does have the L3 stamp so that means it must be at least an 89 right? And as long as it's 89+ it will match up with my clutch?

Thanks in advance!

Scott

EDIT: Didn't know the Si's ECU code


[Modified by shiznattik, 8:17 AM 1/26/2003]

 

Alright I guess that post was too long, here's the Cliff's Notes:

1) Does it matter how I store the engine -- with or without fluids?

2) What else should I replace other than gaskets while it's out?

3) Should I get new intake/exhaust manifolds now or wait till later?

4) Should I convert my car to OBD1 now or wait till later?

5) Can and Should I swap my current clutch (on my HF, but it's new) for the one that's on the shortblock?

Keep in mind I am trying to do this as inexpensive as possible. Thanks!

 

ha this is pretty much the same thing i am doing but i have a 88 si and im just throwing in a 90 a6 block with a 92 z6 head i dropped my engine in today so anyways....i would definitely check up on the clutch because i just put my act clutch in and i think the 88 & 89 trannys are different and im sure you can tell the year of the tranny by the numbers stamped on it...and look into the zdyne 1 wire conversion its like 300 bux and we can use it for the mini me's

 

oh yeah get a y8 intake manifold

 

Thanks for the advice clutchpoppa, I am thinking of getting a VAFC later down the line anyway. As for the y8 IM, yeah I want to get one of those too but I don't know if I can get one yet. I might just use stock HF stuff until I can afford everything else.

 

Here's the engine installed in Wes D's CRX:



Figured the would get more people to look at this thread.

 

i'd store it with the fluids in it. condensation could build up if you remove all the fluids...

 

replace the water pump too

 

What intake manifold is that in the picture?

 

1996-2000 Civic EX D16Y8 intake manifold off a Manual trans car...