THSCC Forums

As some of you know, I picked up that $200 crx last summer. I'm considering one of two options, get a JDM engine (ZC) or rebuild this engine.

Scott Johnson and a few other sources have mentioned having bad luck with their JDM engines.

I haven't looked into a rebuild or what it will cost, but I can get the JDM engine and tranny delivered for under $1,000. The car will replace the 87 crx as my daily driver, so I'm not looking at maximizing performance, just trying to get the car back on the road. As long as performance doesn't go below what the stock engine offered, I'm happy.

Anyone know what a basic rebuild would cost from a GOOD shop? Also, I wonder if it would be cheaper for me to pull the engine and trans, I'm not sure what shape the clutch is in, so I'd probably replace that as well.

Thanks!

phil

I had a hard time sourcing parts for a 30 year old JDM engine that was never offered in the US. I'd just check on Honda Tech and other similar sources to find out if you can get the service parts you need.

A full engine rebuild will easily cost as much as a used engine, but, depending what your goals are, maybe you just need a re-ring kit and that isn't too expensive.

Scott

Rex Deffenbaugh at Happy Japs has done the swap. He cn probably offer some help. Philipe Maurice (does TTs) also has a ZC in his CRX.

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Mike Whitney
whit32@gmail.com, 919-454-5445
V10, V8, V8t, I6, I6, V6, F4t, I4, I4, I4, I4, I2, 1, 1

Phil,
I have a mechanic who exclusively works on honda's. He also does engine swaps. I beleive he gets his engines from http://www.usedengines.com/. Anyways, being a frequent customer he has good relations with them. If you asked him to do your swap I'm sure he would thoroughly inspect the engine first and if there were anything was found he would have no problems having the engine supplier replace it. He has a full shop out behind his house so his charge to you most likely be small. ZCs are also typically cheap, as you probably know. The total charge might be more than what you mentioned above, but there would be no worries involved. Send me a PM if you want to know more. I've also seen him do major work on Steve Pierce's crx. He is a very good mechanic.

He also offers a 12month warranty on his work (and parts if he supplies them)

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2001 Honda S2000 - SOLD
2012 Boss 302
2003 BMW 330i

Thanks guys. I think I could perform the engine swap myself... well, ok, with adult supervision. I pulled the head off, which is about 1/3-1/2 the work done already. I'm more concerned with the actual quality of the engine. Some of these have spent years in warehouses, some have been outside, etc.

In case others are looking into similar options, I did find an engine dealer that does both a leakdown test and a compression test. I also have a friend who will lived in japan for six years and will be heading back in the next year, so I may just wait to see what he can get his hands on.

If I change my mind about doing this myself, I'll refer back to this thread for the info. Thanks again!

Phil just another voice but I looked into doing a swap in my Bro's 91 hatch. My local honda guy told me ZC's are crap and a disgrace to the honda motor lineup(near exact words there). You are much better off using a D16 motor from the mid 90's civics and using the mounts from hasport and get an aftermarket VTEC controller. This motor is better as it is american made and easier to get parts for.

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2006 Civic Si - #24 HS for 2015

2005 GMC Sierra
1991 318is Garage Ornament

ZCs are a better choice than most d16's. Zc's are also way cheaper. If I were phil I would definetly go with the ZC. The only D16 worth having is the one (A1 or A3) that came out of the 86-89 integra. Most of the other have weaker internals. Zc is not a bad choice at all. They are also great for FI applications

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2001 Honda S2000 - SOLD
2012 Boss 302
2003 BMW 330i

"My local honda guy told me ZC's are crap and a disgrace to the honda motor lineup(near exact words there)."

The reason he probably has this attitude is because a lot of these engines literally sit out, unprotected, and get ruined. Then, some have parts missing or broke due to the shipping. The ZC is just about a bolt in, depending on if I want to use the ZC axles or use integra axles. I've looked into the other option, it's about 3 times the cost assuming I do all work myself. Simply not worth it for a car that's destined to be my daily driver.

Either way, thanks for the imput.

Just dump a chevy V-8 in it and be done with it!

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