Thread: Engine Swap - What DOHC engine can I use in place of a D16A?

History:

At the end of last year I was looking for a new car. I initially wanted an EK Civic Hatch Vtec, but I came across an EK Sedan 4WD (YES you read correctly - its 4 wheel drive), and bought that instead.

Problem:
Its SOHC!! D16A to be exact. Can you say "More power please?"
I'm running on 17 205 40 Toyo's and dropped it 70mm. It handles the corners really well, but I took it around Pukekohe, and it would only do 140kph on the back straight, compared to the Ariel Atom I drove which does 220 down there.

Question:
I am looking to get an engine upgrade. Preferably Vtec, DOHC etc. (To be turbocharged later), but I don't know what engine is compatible with the D16A gearbox. Please help! I'm desperate, and found myself contemplating selling it and buying a mitsi or wrx instead, but I'm a Honda fan!

Cheers
George

Hey there,

If ya looking for engine swap from D-series to VTEC engine, U will have to buy a VTEC Kits, alots of work to be done on it, eg : Wires and looms and gearbox and engine etc will need to be replace for the VTEC kits...

Theres a VTEC Kits from ' Strong for Hondas' in Auck

B16A Gen-1 $1200.00
B16A non-LSD Gen-2 $1950.00
B16A LSD Gen-2 $2500.00
B18C non-LSD $3000.00
B18C LSD $3500.00

B18C Type-R $5000.00
B18C Type-R 98'-spec $5500.00
H22A non-LSD $1950.00
H22A LSD $2500.00
H22A Euro-R $4500.00

ya can go to the website : http://www.stronghonda.co.nz/vtec_kits.htm

Hope that helps

Cheers!

What I'm concerned about is the Gearbox. Not too worried about the wiring etc.

Thanks a ton.

Originally Posted by VTEC_Lover

Hey there,

If ya looking for engine swap from D-series to VTEC engine, U will have to buy a VTEC Kits, alots of work to be done on it, eg : Wires and looms and gearbox and engine etc will need to be replace for the VTEC kits...

The thing is I don't want to swap the gearbox cos its 4x4....

I need to know specifically what will fit the gearbox of a D16A.

Ah I dunno about that... Personally I would ring the 'Strong for Hondas' to talk to them or pop in to ask about it

I think B16A will fit in but Im not sure tho

someone from here on NZH might answer to ur question tomorrow or 2nite if they knows about those

Cheers

Thanks

if you want it to go fast.. slap a turbo on it... otherwise...

go B16a/b18c/r and lose the 4wd.....

Originally Posted by aazaa

if you want it to go fast.. slap a turbo on it... otherwise...

go B16a/b18c/r and lose the 4wd.....

Losing 4x4 is not an option.
I would have bought something else if I didn't want 4x4.

I guess I'll have to phone Strongs.

Originally Posted by gt_phanta

Originally Posted by aazaa

if you want it to go fast.. slap a turbo on it... otherwise...

go B16a/b18c/r and lose the 4wd.....

Losing 4x4 is not an option.
I would have bought something else if I didn't want 4x4.

I guess I'll have to phone Strongs.

The best you can do with the D series gearbox is a Dohc ZC, not vtec but can be turbod easy enough.

Originally Posted by trend.whore

Originally Posted by gt_phanta

Originally Posted by aazaa

if you want it to go fast.. slap a turbo on it... otherwise...

go B16a/b18c/r and lose the 4wd.....

Losing 4x4 is not an option.
I would have bought something else if I didn't want 4x4.

I guess I'll have to phone Strongs.

The best you can do with the D series gearbox is a Dohc ZC, not vtec but can be turbod easy enough.

Agreed with Trend.whore

ZC Dohc with Turbo is fucken mean as man!! more fun aye

Have you considered swapping over to an Orthia 4x4 drivetrain and using a b-series engine. The Orthia drivetrain is designed to be mated with the B20B, so you could build up a B20B/B16A hybrid engine. I am not sure whether the trans and driveline will fit in the EK tunnel though. Another option is just to use a D16ZC from a GTi or something, as I am pretty sure they will bolt on to the current trans being a D series engine.

Originally Posted by 2200cc

unless you get some serious engineering and custom mounts which allow you to run d series box with b series your screwed when it comes to dohc vtec

cheapest option is just turbo what you got now,

only problem is the box, as far as i know theyre not very strong, and arnt gna handle alot of power

Is there forged pistons etc available for the D16A ? If I turbo it, I will probably want a bit more power than what I can have with standard internals. Such a pity about this g/box. I wonder if theres any other g/box that may fit. Mitsi's have the g/box on the driver's side too... I know it might be sacrilege, but anyone know if thats an option?

Im pretty sure you could use a a black top DOHC ZC and slap a turbo on that 8) ... well you can get forgies for D16 ... mostly from overseas as in nz majourity ppl have B or H series parts

dude ur gonna spend more money than its worth. the gearbox's will probably handle low boost levels well but when it comes to putting forged internals in ($$$) the gearbox will give up.

if u put a DOHC ZC in and turbo it ull be looking at about 170-180hp at the wheels (there or there abouts) and that will be plenty for what u want it for. as ur never gonna make the car go anywhere near as fast as the atom.

all the other options uve suggested are gonna cost u mega $$$.