D15Z1 Engine swap project log

[GasSavers_DaX]

Originally Posted by Matt Timion

ARGH!

So I filled the transmission using the reverse light switch. I put new oil in the engine. I then noticed the transmission was leaking on the drivers side.

"Going to have to pull the axle and fix that seal it looks like, but for now I need to try to get this car started," I thought to myself.

I put coolant in the radiator.

"what's that noise?" Crap, it's the drain bolt and it's missing. i took it off when I drained the coolant and I have NO idea where it is.

"Screw it, I'll start it without coolant," I insisted. I have heard that you can run an engine for a while without coolant and have no problems.

I connect the battery, ensure all of the hoses are tight.

Put the key in.

The starter turns. The engine does not turn. Every so often I hear a grunting noise coming from the engine, which REALLY sucks on the battery when it happens.

I connect the wire to check CEL codes. Code 16 shows up, which is the fuel injector code. I then realize that the intake manifold/throttle body is covered up with tape. I remove the tape. I try to start a few more times and I cannot get the code to reappear.

I also can't get the car to start.


I have no Check Engine Lights. I do have fuel pressure. Unsure if I have spark or not as I don't have a spark plug socket. Will get one tomorrow.

It could also be the clutch. Maybe I need to tighten the clutch cable more.

It's very sad. The thought crossed my mind a few times to scrap it and get a VX, but what fun would that be?

Ah...the woes and desperation has hit. Don't let it get you down Matt...it's a few simple goblins, and with a straight head, you'll chase them down and be glad you did.

First - starter turning but engine not turning...explain this please? Does it sound like it does when you hit the starter when the engine is running? Are you using an odd combination of starter and tranny?

Remember it takes fuel, spark, air, compression, and timing to have an engine run. Systematically check each one of these and you'll find your goblin.

[SVOboy]

Spare Vx Motor!?

[SVOboy]

If you sell matt the fuel line will you sell me the engine?

[SVOboy]

What about my engine? :'(

[krousdb]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

What about my engine? :'(

I think he is ignoring you Ben.

[Bunger]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

What about my engine? :'(

My spare VX motor is about to toss a rod, but the head, etc is good. I'm about 95% sure I'm going to be putting my entire good VX swap up for sale though (motor, ecu, tranny, wiring). I'll be up/down-grading to a HX motor and boosting it (but keeping all the lean-burn tech), and it will be going into my 88 Si, which has a radio, full interior, etc. I know the mileage will probably drop into the mid 50's, but I need to make something I'm more likely to keep. Also, I'll be rebuilding and dropping my B18C setup into my HF, should be good for 12's NA.

[MakDiesel]

I'm guessing you'll sell it all as a unit but if not I could really use the ECU (P07?) and wiring. I picked up a Z1 last week w/ side mount, intake box, and 4-wire O2 (California model? In North Carolina?) I still need the EGR box, a wiring conversion, and....eh it's all in my signature. Funny story about that engine...http://www.redpepperracing.com/forum...howtopic=26783

Mak

[Matt Timion]

Originally Posted by MakDiesel

I'm guessing you'll sell it all as a unit but if not I could really use the ECU (P07?) and wiring. I picked up a Z1 last week w/ side mount, intake box, and 4-wire O2 (California model? In North Carolina?) I still need the EGR box, a wiring conversion, and....eh it's all in my signature. Funny story about that engine...http://www.redpepperracing.com/forum...howtopic=26783

Mak

Heh... I post on redpepperracing sometimes too. My wife (jenny on this forum) has a 87 CRX Si and repepperracing is my best friend when it comes to that car.

Oh yeah, California VXs pop up everywhere, even north carolina.

[MakDiesel]

Originally Posted by Matt Timion

Heh... I post on redpepperracing sometimes too. My wife (jenny on this forum) has a 87 CRX Si and repepperracing is my best friend when it comes to that car.

Truer words never spoken...I've been helped by that site on my '85 CRX Si more than I can possibly remember. It is THE site for '84-87 Civic/CRX Hondas.

I have a request: I wanted to know what else I needed to gather before embarking on my own HF-Z1 quest. I have the engine (looks like all sensors, pan to the manifold complete, one side mount, stock intake box) and HF tranny (shift linkage, tranny, starter, HF flywheel). After rereading this thread a couple times, I've made a list for myself and anyone else who might want to follow you and Bunger:

1.) P07 ECU
2.) EGR box exculsive to the VX
3.) ECU conversion harness (I don't have the skills for that many wires yet)
4.) obd1 plugs for the distributor, VTEC, and VTEC oil pressure solenoid
5.) 5-wire O2 (mine came with a 4-wire, could possbily run the last one from the ECU?)
6.) driver's side mount from an obd1 car (got)
7.) 92-95 Civic HELMS Manual
8.) engine hoist
9.) anything else? (fuel lines different?)

My only other notes are I won't be running power steering (HF doesn't stock) or A/C (I can deal w/ windows down + tint). Keeping this list will cut prep time and especially install time if I have everything I need on day one of the swap. Thanks for any input, Mak

[Matt Timion]

Originally Posted by MakDiesel

Truer words never spoken...I've been helped by that site on my '85 CRX Si more than I can possibly remember. It is THE site for '84-87 Civic/CRX Hondas.

I have a request: I wanted to know what else I needed to gather before embarking on my own HF-Z1 quest. I have the engine (looks like all sensors, pan to the manifold complete, one side mount, stock intake box) and HF tranny (shift linkage, tranny, starter, HF flywheel). After rereading this thread a couple times, I've made a list for myself and anyone else who might want to follow you and Bunger:

1.) P07 ECU
2.) EGR box exculsive to the VX
3.) ECU conversion harness (I don't have the skills for that many wires yet)
4.) obd1 plugs for the distributor, VTEC, and VTEC oil pressure solenoid
5.) 5-wire O2 (mine came with a 4-wire, could possbily run the last one from the ECU?)
6.) driver's side mount from an obd1 car (got)
7.) 92-95 Civic HELMS Manual
8.) engine hoist
9.) anything else? (fuel lines different?)

My only other notes are I won't be running power steering (HF doesn't stock) or A/C (I can deal w/ windows down + tint). Keeping this list will cut prep time and especially install time if I have everything I need on day one of the swap. Thanks for any input, Mak

I'll make a list for you later this afternoon. Don't buy anything yet