Ok. I was originally going to buy a DOHC ZC engine for about $600. It was gonna be used and with about 35,000 miles on it. Well...I went to my local import shop Kamikaze Racing and I asked the guy if it was a good idea. He said you shouldn't buy an engine for that cheap. You never know if there is a cracked piston or a blown head gasket, etc etc. So then I thought, "well that sounds good, maybe I won't do that." But I have a 1991 Civic DX Hatchback and that thing is sorry. Yeah it runs well but there is like no power at all. 92 horepower just isn't gonna cut it when that's not even what I'm getting to the wheels. I mean, I don't need a B16 b/c I'm not going to go down to the track very often. I just need something to give me more power and I felt the ZC would be a good alternative. I was thinking of maybe buying a rebuilt ZC off of one of those sites like rebuiltengines.com or something. But I'm not sure. Someone tell me if I should just buy a used one and hope it wasn't driven hard and nothin's wrong with it or should I pay that extra cash for a rebuilt. Tell me your experiences and where you got your swaps. Thanks for the help. It's really needed.

 

i got my zc (nonrebuilt) and i know a ton of peple who have done the same thing. most of the engines u buy will not be blown. but it is possible. almost all the the places that sell engines do a leak down and compretion test. so they don't just sell u anything. i would say go ahead and get the zc for $600

 

ok, well is hmotorsonline a respectable place to buy from?

 

i got my motor from HMO also..im happy.
also nippon-motors is a legit place to buy from.
get a ZC already!!

 

doin it as soon as I can find an si tranny

 

what exactly are you doing?

 

You can get a ZC tranny from HMO for $150. I am getting one soon.

 

I'm looking to put a ZC engine along with an Si Tranny in my 19991 civic dx. Where can I get the Si tranny?

 

yeah im lookin for a Si trans also. you should just use your Dx tranny...nearly identical gear ratios as the Si.
im runnin a 4spd Std trans right now until i get some cash for a Si or ZC trans.. like that other dude said "Hmo has them for $150" the zc trans uses equal length driveshafts though..so youll need 90-93 integra axles and intermediate shaft.
so alll together you could probably get a zc trans for about 350+400 with everything you need to get it rollin'. or you can wait till you see a Si trans for sale right here on H-T and hope i dont buy it first.
Good luck

 

well the si trans has a larger final drive and that gives more acceleration I heard. You can feel more of the engines power with it.

 

The Si has a much better FD but the DX will work for the time being. Swapping trannys isnt a big hassle, 2hrs tops by yourself if you've done them before. As for the ZC tranny its your best bet for accel especially if you swap over an Si FD. But like mentioned before you will need the intermediate shaft and the teg axles. For the hassle its just not worth it to me. Stick with your dx till you find an Si tranny. I have 2 but one has 200k miles so I dont think you want to buy that one.

 

how much does it cost to rebuld a tranny? Just a rough estimate is fine. Thanks.

 

If you can find the Si tranny and put it in with the ZC. Ive had both DX and Si trannys in the car, its like two diffrent motors. I know the DX works, but the Si tranny is WAY better. You can feel the diffrence for sure.

You should be able to get an Si tranny from your local wrecker, or just order the ZC tranny or Si tranny from who ever you get the motor from.