Swap d15z1 into a '96-'00 Honda Civic

[mrmcg1]

Hello,

Does anyone out there have experience with swaping a '92-'95 Honda Civic
d15z1 engine into a '96-'00 civic (or even later models)? Is it a simple plug and play swap? I have a VX engne and tranny and am intersested in maximizing mileage using a later model chassis. Thanks for any help.

Michael

[nowhhs]

The z1 is OBD1 and your car is OBD2, so that conversion would be very illegal. And no, it wouldn't be plug and play at least because all the ECU plugs are different. I'd look for the HX engine to put into the latter chassis. Good luck.

[suspendedhatch]

I agree. Get an HX. It's better suited to the sixth gen Civic anyway. The HX engine gets as much mpg as a VX, but with more power right where it's needed. The swap will be pretty close to plug n play, although you'll have to wire VTEC, EGR, and possibly knock.

[78si]

Do you have to emission test your car? If not, it could be done. All you need to do is modify your existing harness to accomodate the VX engine and run a conversion harness.

[thisisntjared]

... it wont be legal but its possible. you will just have to run obd1.

if i were you, i would just find a 92-95 shell. they can be found for less than $1k

[bones33]

I think what mrmcq1 is asking is if the engine/trans can swap in with the current (OBDII) electronics of the car. Are the 15 and 16 engines similar or identical (I have no idea) except for the displacement?

[Danronian]

The obd1 vx (the d15z1) and the obd2 hx (d16y5) are quite different motors. Like stated above, the difference in OBD wiring and the legality of the swap are the main issues. Physically the motors are similar and all you would need to bolt the d15z1 into the newer civic would be the d-series mounts that were for the motor that came in it, but it would probably be much easier to just sell the d15z1 and buy a d16y5 instead for the ease of wiring.