VX engine swap on to Coupe

[goof2cbr]

I can't find a clean VX. The only clean one I found was the white one in LA for $5k, see my previous post.

I like the VX hatchback, but I like the coupe more.

I figure Coupes are everwhere for $2k and DX Coupe curb weight is 2231 vs VX at 2094.
That's only 137 lb difference in curb weight. the DX engine is heavier the VX right? how many lbs each? (there may be less difference with VX engine in donor DX Coupe)

I'm thinking if I have my little boy in the car seat in the back (center), a coupe might also offer better protection than VX HB.

Has anyone successfully swap a VX D15Z1 engine into a 92-95 Coupe?
What are the results? Please share your experience and knowledge.

I've search and couldn't find any info in these forums, just VX swap in CRX HF.

Specific questions:

I've read that the CX to VX swap is a simple engine swap and bolt up mechanically speaking. Is the true for all civics? Would all VX engines bolt up the same as any EX, LX, DX, donor drivetrain and chassis mount points, exhaust, etc?

Would I need new tranny or re-gear? (Yes I would have picked a 5 speed donor DX coupe)

Electrically, ECU VTEC unit-wise, what does it take?
(I never really played with 4-cyl Japanese cars in my car wrenching teenage years, as you can tell)

Would a reputable JDM engine swap shop know how to make this VX swap work and warranty the work? Will it pass smog?

Thanks for your advice, cheers!

[StorminMatt]

Swapping a VX motor into ANY other 1992-1995 Civic (whether hatch, coupe, sedan, or Del Sol) is, for the most part, quite easy. The motor drops right in. And the ECU will plug right in. Pretty much all you REALLY have to worry about is running a few extra wires for the five wire oxygen sensor, EGR valve, and VTEC (if the car is not so equipped). If you get a complete, uncut engine harness with the D15Z1, all you have to do is add wires from the ECU plugs to the plugs under the dash (although 1992-1993cars are supposedly prewired for VTEC). Otherwise, you will have to modify the stock harness. But apart from wiring, it is (for the most part) pretty much the same as a stock engine replacement.

You CAN use your stock transmission. BUT, fuel economy will not be as good as with the VX transmission. The engine will probably not be able to run out of VTEC and in lean burn mode if you use gearing THAT short. So it is best to run a CX/VX transmission. But no changes have to be made when swapping over to a VX/CX transmission.

As for having a shop do this swap, it is impossible to tell you what kind of work any given shop would do here. ANYONE who is competent when it comes to engine swaps should be able to get the job done. But when it comes to warranties on the work, every shop will be different here.

[goof2cbr]

Is the CX and VX trans the same? Identical in all gear ratio/final drive?
I thought I read somewhere CX and VX had different ratio?

Thanks for the info on VX drop in to any 5th gen Civic.

[StorminMatt]

Originally Posted by goof2cbr

Is the CX and VX trans the same? Identical in all gear ratio/final drive?
I thought I read somewhere CX and VX had different ratio?

Thanks for the info on VX drop in to any 5th gen Civic.

As far as I know, they are the same transmissions.

[GasSavers_Willard]

Originally Posted by goof2cbr

Has anyone successfully swap a VX B15Z1 engine into a 92-95 Coupe?
What are the results? Please share your experience and knowledge.

Specific questions:

I've read that the CX to VX swap is a simple engine swap and bolt up mechanically speaking. Is the true for all civics? Would all VX engines bolt up the same as any EX, LX, DX, donor drivetrain and chassis mount points, exhaust, etc?

Would I need new tranny or re-gear? (Yes I would have picked a 5 speed donor DX coupe)

Electrically, ECU VTEC unit-wise, what does it take?
(I never really played with 4-cyl Japanese cars in my car wrenching teenage years, as you can tell)

B15Z1? or a D15Z1?

Results from my work =
http://www.gassavers.org/garage/view/1467
-Lifetime Fuel Economy: 38.74 MPG(US)
-90 Day Running Average: 39.31 MPG(US)
-1995 EX @ 2250 (2312# actual) pounds (no driver/0.5 tank of gas)

I just installed a "China 4-2-1 header" and hope to dyno the car soon to adjust the fuel/ignition maps for even greater FE.

The motor bolted in without issues. The prior owner installed a Prelude motor so there was some work reversing that stuff.

The exhaust is the full EX version (cat under the subframe not on the block).

I was using a EX/SI tranny but just swapped it out (last night) for a low mileage CX/VX unit due to excessive bearing/gear noise. Once I rebuild the EX/SI unit it will be put back in because I like the gearing 'much' better than the CX/VX tranny.

VTEC wise since the car had a D16Z1 from the factory, the wires ready to go for the chipped P-28 ECU that I am currently running (4 wire o2 sensor).

Experience and Knowledge = I am trying to create a 'build post' with pictures to share. I am not sure when I will finish it.

[goof2cbr]

I meant the D15Z1. What is the B15Z1? Does it exist?
My typo error- sorry for the confusion. I'm a noob.

Your numbers are impressive. Would you get better or worse FE if you used the CX/VX gearbox? Are 45-50mpg possible with coupe and VX motor/trans?

Did you lighten your EX? (2250# is 193 less than spec.)

I didn't think about using a EX due to weight but if you get 2250 for EX coupe, with little/no mod for lightening, EX chassis is a good choice for all the goodies. Do the DX coupes have different exhaust than EX?

Did you do the swap yourself? Want to do mine?!

Look forward to your build post!

[StorminMatt]

Originally Posted by goof2cbr

Do the DX coupes have different exhaust than EX?

I am not sure if there are differences in the muffler or catback tubing. BUT, the EX uses a cast 4-2-1 manifold, while the DX/LX uses a cast shorty 4-1 manifold. However, unlike the stock VX and CX, the DX/LX and EX all use the better, underbody cat design.

[GasSavers_bobski]

Originally Posted by Willard

the [EX] had a D16Z6 from the factory

Fixed.

D: engine family. AFAIK, all '88+ single cam D-series blocks share the same bolt patterns, so transmissions, cylinder heads and mounts (among other things) can be swapped around.

15 / 16: The engine's displacement in deciliters. 15 = 1.5 liters, 16 = 1.6 liters.

A#, B#, Y#, Z#: The specific engine variant. Z1 = OBD-1 ('92-95) VTEC-E, Z6 = OBD-1 performance VTEC

[fistopher]

Its not that hard to do. Im selling mine if anyone wants one $3500 obo
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...html#post69424

[GasSavers_Willard]

Originally Posted by bobski

Fixed.

oppz
Z1/Z6 = vtakkk