Honda Car Forum

The motor in my 1996 Honda Civic EX, 1.6L SOHC VTEC D16Y8 is shot, and I'm looking to swap another motor into it, but on a budget. I'd just go out and buy another car, but I dont have 3 or 4 grand for another car, so I'm wondering if there are any swaps possible for this car that uses all or most of the same parts in my car, also if possible an engine that is like a 1.7 or 1.8L...something like an 01 or never civic engine?I thought about the B18B..but didn't that only come in a 1993-1995 Honda Civic? I would have to get the engine, trans, ecu OBD2 to OBD1 harness, axles, half shafts, shift linkage and rear motor mounts? Plus If I have an engine in my car thats older than my car, thats totally illegal and won't pass inspection. I'm just trying to find a motor that will almost directly bolt in without having to swap out almost everything.

you could pick up a b18b for very cheap. 1.8L dohc 142hp, 15 more hp then you are running now and the future possibility of a ls/vtec conversion. For a couple thousand you could do a better swap like a b18c1 or a b16a. But that might be out of your budget. a k20 would definately be out of your budget but it would be nice. So i would go with the b18b for price, performance, and reliability. I've been beating on mine for 130k and it still runs great.also the f22b1 or a f23a1, a4, a5 can be found in various accords, 2.2 and 2.3 CL. They range 130-150hp. These would also be great candidates while not breaking your wallet. Or you could just swap in another d series but you should upgrade while you have the chance.

You should find a local junkyard & get an engine, that will be the cheapest way. The B18B1 will probably be your best bet (for more power anyways). It comes from an Acura Integra, not a Civic. But expect to spend $2,000-2,500 for everything you need. It's almost impossible to do a swap for less than that, unless you know someone who will give you a really good deal. But, anything '01 or newer will be pointless to put in, or out of your price range. The best '01-'05 Civic engines are K-series and would cost an arm and a leg to put in. And the next step down would be an engine that has the same power as your stock one; yet still cost more and have some wiring changes. Honestly you should just find another D16Y8 block and swap it in. It should only be a few hundred $, because you have everything for it already.But the F-series (like the ones stated by the poster above) are going to be way more expensive than even a B18C1 (GS-R) engine. With them, you'd need to buy a mount kit, do quite a bit of wiring, & cutting of the body. The F/H-series are not as cheap as they seem, with all the hidden costs to get thim into a Civic.