I have an opportunity for a cheap 96 civic coupe that can be started but wont really run. It has a full exhaust system, CAI, a 5 speed, sun roof, and very low compression. It also would be good for killing mosquitos.
I'm not really interested in it for me, but a quick google shows rebuild kits for the d16y7 are pretty cheap and it is giving me bad ideas. I'm thinking fair market around here on this car is around $1500. I've been down this road before and am fully aware that the job will cost at least twice what I plan on. I don't have an exact price on the car, but I know what the dude paid for it and I know he is eager to sell. High side $300, but I'm not afraid to offend with lowball offers. Rebuild kits range from $2-300 after a quick search, so maybe actually cost $500 in parts plus the car itself.
I like Hondas, but have no experience with D-series stuff. Aside from a home-job honing tool I should have all the equipment. And a month of weekends should be adequate...
Rebuild or pass?
It depends on where the car is from...rust?
Desert car, no rust I can see. The paint still looks good too.
If everything else on the car is solid you could have fun and make a few hundred bucks. I wonder if a valve job alone would fix it? Also, make sure that cheap rebuild kit includes gaskets - you're gonna need to replace every gasket you open up, and some more that you don't. Please do the rear main while you're in there, it sucks to have a "rebuilt engine" that leaks in a difficult to repair place. I'd hesitate to use cheap parts but if you're after it for the fun and a quick flip, why not.
Valve job! See I knew I was forgetting something... My machine guy just quoted $430 for new guides and all the normal stuff minus assembly. That alone probably puts this project in the pass category... probably smarter anyway.
Sounds like a great half budget Challenge car. Get it for $200 or less. Junkyard engine swap $200. Sell current engine as a core for $50. eBay turbo kit $400. Springs $100. Still have $150 left over.
If a Honda needs crankshaft work, it's scrap aluminum. Unless the crank is .000/.000, I won't even consider using it.
I used to be able to get d16s from the yard with 90 day warrenty for 400.
That was 5 years ago though. May be worth looking around for.
Step one: buy it
Step two: yank the engine
Step three: drop in $300 junkyard engine.
Step 4: drive for another 150k miles.
Don't rebuild. Swap a junkyard engine in and be done for maybe $800 all in for incidentals.
Robbie
UltimaDork
3/12/19 8:20 p.m.
J swap j swap j swap j swap
Robbie said:
J swap j swap j swap j swap
As much as I personally like EK civics, I don't fit in ones with a sunroof. Also a J swap is going to be a tough flip. I understand and do like where your head is at 
Hmm but maybe you could diy a valve job?
I’m comfortable with swapping in a used motor. I’m comfortable lapping valves and replacing seals, springs and bearings. Less comfortable if the guides are worn. And trying to learn more on a car I don’t need is probably best left until I have fewer projects and fewer babies in the house. If I wanted to keep it I’d farm out the head work and take my time. I’ll keep an eye out for a junk yard motor but I’m not too hot on the project after thinking on it for a few more hours.
I’ll admit a huge mistake though. About three months ago I skipped on a 2008 civic that had been totaled in a rear end collision. That would have been $500 well spent towards this car. Hindsight is a real bugger.
Also if it was an Accord and a few years older I’d already have parts on order. I mean, my mother raised me right but somewhere along the way I got real odd taste and bad impulse control.
Local yard has a good D16Y7 for $450...
If you can come up with a B-series transmission, a B20Z out of a CRV is a great engine that is available for $3-400 all day long.
