I was on ARD last night looking at engines for my 90 SI, the JDM ZC {DOHC Non-V-tec} with 137 HP looked nice...but the D15B Vtec @ 130HP really caught my eye. Motor was 595 w/o shipping {D series} I was wondering if anyone swapped either of these motors and how you liked or disliked them. Let me know.

 

The 88-91 dohc ZC is only 130 PS...which is 129 Hp.
The pre 88 dohc zc was 135 PS but it won't be the same straight swap into your '90.

Alot of places quote the wrong hp...either because they can't do simple math or they intentionally overinflate the hp numbers.

The d15b vtec runs best on a obd-1 conversion which adds to the swap expense.

 

I had the ZC in my CRX, all the bolt-ons. It was great for all around driveability, felt like the motor that SHOULD have come in that car.....but it didn't wow me from a performance standpoint.

If you crave power you'll be left wanting more than just the ZC.

 

I have both motors: d15b in a 95 civic coupe and a dohc zc in an 88 crx. With boltons the d15b made 123 whp. I also have boltons on the zc but never dynoed it. They are both strong motors but the zc is funner overall because of the added torque. However for your application (90 si) I say go with the Zc because it is such an easy swap (you can use the same tranny, mounts, harness, axles, etc.) and provides good bang for the buck .

 

I also have been stuck in between which swap to do for my 95 civic hatch. I'm leaning towards the d15 vtec just because I don't think that i have to change out anything other than the motor and the ecu, am I wrong about this? Also if I were to go with the dohc zc what all would I need to change out? can I keep and use my d15b7 stock tranny, and ecu? really I'm a novice when it comes to working on cars and am looking to do the swap myself and don't want to get in over my head. Thanks

 

id actually forget about both and get the sohc zc

 

going with the sohc zc do I need to change out the ecu or anything, or it just a direct bolt in to the d15b7 motor?