newbzers

Please disreguard this morons post. All d series engines are very well engineered and you should have no worries about your new purchase through honda. Keep the oil changed and ngk stock plugs in it and you'll be fine. The only reason the other engine spun a bearing is I bet it was being beat on and suffered from oil starvation. The last thing you want to do is modify an engine you know nothing of. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to send me a pm.

To answer your original question, look up tigerjapanese.com or contact lkq both companies offer a warranty on their low milage used engines. they will have your engine for cheap. That is if you can get a refund from honda. If you decide to install yourself I can also assist you with.

waltermitty

Thanks for the info. I spoke with Tiger regarding an engine as well as LKQ. they didn't instill much confidence. The warranty covers parts only and in the event your engine goes completely south you're on the hook for shipping back to the seller. Also, I find it incredibly difficult to believe every Honda Japanese export engine has 40-45K on it and has been expertly maintained.

All of the other engines I've seen in the junk yards don't appear to have been stored correctly or look like they've been leaking oil or both, not a good sign for an engine in either case. Judging from the estimated number of miles left in the engines I've seen and the cost to transport and install vs the new Honda engine I will hang with the new block. It is a matter of economics and reliability. LKQ and JDM have incredibly poor BBB ratings. If it were a small block chevy there wouldn't be any issues. Aluminum bock, aluminum head, daily driver around town getting beat on by a pizza delivery kid...I just don't have the time or inclination to work on it when the next "used" engine I know nothing about goes south.

If you've been pulling wrenches on Honda's you are aware the main caps need to be shaved an an align bore performed to true up the the crank bed. I serious doubt there are many in the country that have the expertise and desire to do it right. The other thing about the swaps is there doesn't seem to be any agreement between the Honda forum guys on the best way to do it, what works and what doesn't. There is always one guy dissing another, a verbal confrontation ensues and the thread is closed. What's up with that?

I do have a question about the assembly prep for the new short block and head. Since I'm not certain when they were assembled do you have any recommendations for cleaning or lubing prior to assembly. It is a complete head and a complete short block, brand new from Honda @ $4,335.11 delivered to my door. I'll need about $400.00 in parts to assemble the motor and get it running but it will be worth the peace of mind.

I know what you're thinking: Way too much to spend on a 1996 Honda Civic EX w/140K on it. It is cheaper than buying a used 2000 something with about the same miles and doing the same stuff to it I did to this one. We'll see how it shakes out in the long run. At this point I'm going for dependability.

The Jeep forum is a great place to find info, most of us are reasonably civil and like to do our own maintenance.

Gorillaxj

going threw honda is $$$$ but its also new. really depends on how long you plan on keeping it to weather or not its worth it. but wouldn't regret it if the funding is there for it.

I would check your oil pump for scaring or wear or flat out replace it while its off. most of the D16Y* have issues with the oil pump when they have bottom end issues. I would guess its ok but when you spin a bearing metal goes every wear and better to check then be in the same boat later.

newbzers

Just a good bit of information.

These japanese importers of engines can offer such a great deal at low mileages because of island strict emissions laws. In japan you have to overhaul your vehicle every 39-45k hence the "low mileage" engines available. I personally have purchased from both lkq and tigerjapanese over 8 used engines with no issues at all. " b20, b16, b18c, d16a, d16y7.... etc. Im kind of the go to guy where im from when it comes to swaps. I say buy with confidence from these companies.

Here is some literature on why most used jdm engines are low mileage
http://japaneseengines.wordpress.com...e-low-mileage/

Another point is the cost effectiveness of purchasing a new block and head is terrible. The kbb on an old civic that year in excellent condition is around 3-4k. Your putting more than that in parts alone. You also mentioned he is a pizza delivery kid, heaven forbid but this does happen, he wrecks the car or someone hits him. Would you rather be out of pocket for less than 1k or over 4k? Personally, given this situation the sensible thing to do seems to be to purchase a used low mileage engine. But hey its your $ and its up to you if you want to blow it or not. Lol.


But to answer your questions, the block and head from honda should come pre-assembled, lubricated and ready to go. If you feel extra lubrication is needed I recommend royal purple assy lube. As far as the arguing in honda forums goes, everyone has there opinion on everything and noone wants to hear they are wrong, especially on the internet forums.

waltermitty

The new short block arrived. The new head is bolted in place and the assembly continues. The new short block came with oil pump, oil pan, water pump installed. New head already has the cam seal installed.

After thinking about it, all the lowers on the D engines are the same excepting the stroke difference. If they are spinning bearings, wouldn't they all be susceptible?

Hopefully it will last a while for him. It is cheaper than a car payment or buying another car and replacing all the same parts again.

Thanks for the thoughts.

waltermitty

BTW, we'll be keeping the car forever. If my son gets tired of driving it I will. They are a hoot around town.

waltermitty

I don't really see the numbers being more cost effective in a used engine, which is why I bought the new block and head. We are keeping the car forever, as witnessed by all the new/rebuilt parts.

Since everything is already assembled, I don't think it prudent to dis-assemble, clean and re-lube. the crank was somewhat "seized" initially and took some effort to free it up. It then turned freely by hand. It must have been built some time ago.

My question referenced the pre-oiling procedure for the new Honda engine. My experience/expertise is in early GM engines that have a cam gear, dizzy driven oil pump. I made an oiler from a distributor and am able to turn it with a drill to pre-oil the new engine prior to start. Just wondering if a similar pre-start procedure is available for the Honda? In the absence of a recommended I could just crank it prior to start...

How many miles are you basing the used engine cost effectiveness on? That is a lot of used engines so I'm assuming the vehicle owners don't all still have the engine swap cars.

bionicseahorse

Please keep you negativity to yourself. I am not a "moron" and you know nothing of my work.

O.P.- d-series.org I am a member on that forum and there is a lot of good information about your sons car along with information regarding the y8s spinning bearings. I know this because I've built them and I own a 98 civic also.

waltermitty

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate the civil tone and frank opinion. If I purchased 2 engines from LKQ or TJ the price would be about the same as one new head and short block. That is considering all the parts, fluids, shipping, etc. The end result is the longevity of the new engine vs maybe a good engine...maybe not.

Out of curiosity: Why so many engines? How many miles are you basing the used engine dependability opinion on?

waltermitty

Hi guys, I am speaking to the two guys who replied to the thread I started who are now in an exchange.

I really appreciate the information and opinions you both offered. The Honda forums I've visited have similar exchanges between individuals with somewhat opposing opinions. I don't get why there has to be name calling. Just disseminate the reasoning and responses will follow.

The civil atmosphere on this forum is why I posed the Honda question here rather than have a heated exchange take place and ruin the "atmosphere".

We all know who started the BS...

I have the new engine assembled and back in the engine bay. It was much easier than anticipated. Honda engineering, on the Civics at least, is awesome. I'll finish up the wiring and crank it tonight.

Thanks again for all who offered thoughts on the matter. I appreciate the information.

newbzers

Most are now 4 or 5 years now and going strong. I have done so many because people p pay me to do their swaps. The wildest one I have done is a k20a2 in a 99 civic, sold it and the new owner drove it from here in ga to washington state and is still driving it around today, two years later. I know its just sort of a," well this one guy" stories but I have developed a sense of comfort in those vehicles and their dependability over my 11 year span of owning and working on them.

bionicseahorse

This is why I am no longer on Honda forums. Best of luck with your r&r.

Trailorr

D series motors are throw away motors. I've owned plenty. They are a dime a dozen.

My weekend warrior is currently rocking a turbocharged d16z6 motor (stock '93 Del Sol motor).

SOLITUDE

Not a bad sol you got there sorry to continue the off topic talk and what not..
How much psi you running?
Just asking because I have a sol as well.. N/A though.


But your question about motors and I read a little about everyone talking about junk yards and what not.
reputable site amongst many Honda owners
http://www.hmotorsonline.com/

Trailorr

10psi tuned on Ostrich without using the wideband and it's street tuned right now so I'm guessing around 200whp give or take. I'm sure when I get it "dyno" tuned I'll get a better answer. I'm not worried about how impressive my numbers are, so that's why I like the street tune.

hmotors is a great place to purchase motors. I've used them before or just go to a junk yard and buy one.