I have a 91 hatch STD, 185,000 mi. Paid 1600 for it. Body is in great shape, only rust is around the left hinge for the hatch. Interior great, about the only downfall is the small motor and 4 speed (runs good). I was quoted 2500 for a full swap for a b16a and 5 speed tranny. I really just bought this car as a commuter but the turtle speed is really getting to me.

Is it worth it to make the swap or should I sell and look for a newer civic with less miles? I have seen a few in the paper around here for around 3,000. with half the miles. What would you do if you really only have 1500 to spend (plus whatever I could sell the hatch for) ???

Are there cheaper swap options? It's the labor that kills me...i'm just not a DIY guy when it comes to a project like that.

 

zc the bitch! Buy a DOHC zc and drop that sucker in there! Find an SI trans to go with it and you will have ton's of fun

 

What do you think a zc + si tranny would run me? I also have to figure in the labor (probably close to 1500 I guess)

Does the ZC bolt right in or do you need special mounts?

 

Probably around 1500. My boy has one and loves it, Jakson makes a charger for it and Crower makes cams its a great cheap motor. I think he runs 14.9 in a 91 hatch.

 

That's not too bad. I just saw one on ebay for 695 motor only (DOHC) and it is right in Miami like 40 minutes from me. Hmmmm... maybe I should just pull the trigger and do it....

what's a tranny go for?

I havent seen many on ebay worthwhile.

 

Just spent $225 on an Si tranny with 40k miles.