As the title says my friend just bought an 87 or 88 si. I'm not familiar with 4th gen Civics so bare with me. There are a few things I found wrong with it when I drove it around the block:

First off it's overheating like a *****. Secondly when shifting into 2nd gear no matter at what rpm or how fast/slow you shift it grinds. I believe it may be his sychros but I'm not for sure. Lastly there is oil everwhere in the engine bay. Could it be a leak? Thanks ahead of time everyone.

 

sound like it's ready for a swap

 

Anyone???

 

sounds like the headgasket's gone. overheating & oil leaking.

 

Yea the blown gasket would cause both those. If there's oil down on the heat shield of the header that's a sure sign.

 

Do a compression/leakdown. Many things can cause a car to overheat. (Clogged radiator, inop fan, bad thermostat... the list goes on) Clean the engine off real well, and then see where it leaks from. Synchromesh may be able to save your synchros somewhat, if not.. just double clutch into 2nd.

 

sell it and buy one in better shape