Hey guys, i have a good chance at buying a 1990 civic DX in excellent condition for only 500 bucks CDN, the problem is its got a bent piston. The car still drives(with a lot of shuddering), so that rules out the timing belt breaking, what could be the problem with it? If it only needs a new head, what a perfect time for an MPFI swap! but i really have no clue what could be wrong/what is involved in fixing it. any suggestions would be great. Julien

 

Uh...a bent piston?!?! Do you mean a bent rod? Because I've never heard of a piston *bending* without breaking.

 

I think if it has a "bent piston" which i'm also assuming is a bent rod, then it'll need more than "only a new head." The pistons and rods are in the block.

Plus, if you're gonna go MPFI, you dont really need a new head if that one is good. Just get the IM, dizzy, resistor box, ecu, and whatever..

In my opinion, it sounds like you've got more important things to worry about than going MPFI right now. Either get that "shuddering" fixed, or swap the motor.

 

With the money your spending on the car, $500 which is great as long as the body's straight, then just put in another D series, or even a ZC? I just dont see the sense in dumping money into a beat motor, which it obviously is otherwise there would be no need to replace the head. Just my $.02 cents, - Darrell

 

By time you buy a new rod(s) headset,head bolts,oil pan gasket, rod bearings you can put another engine in there.

 

The body is in really good condition, no rust and 180,000 KMS(dont know that in miles). I dont know for sure that its got a "bent piston", thats what i was told but the owner isnt a really mechanical guy. right now i'd just like to get it driveable, for the time being i dont wanna spend more than i bought the car for on swapping in new motors, so w/e i can do to get it running, then later i'll do something to it.

 

I have a straight D series block that will bolt right up to your car/tranny. Ill sell it to your for $75 plus shipping. Getting a new motor/shortblock would prolly be your best bet.

Blaze