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Hi, my name is Thomas, I own a 1996 Honda Civic Lx, I have enjoyed the car for 3 years now. It has had just enough performance to keep me happy over the years. It is a fairly dependable car. I normally get around 30-32 mpg on average. That always includes going fast for a little while. If the price goes over 4 I will defineatly slow it down some. Has anybody ever done the Civic HX swap for the vehicle. I would be interested in getting Vtec-E in the little 4 door. (a couple more horses and better fuel economy). In a month I will strip the interior down to lessen the weight. Other than that I will look to this website for help.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/412633/1

A civic HX swap would be a first. If I were you I'd also consider finding a civic VX engine and converting to obd1. This will give you less displacement (and less HP than the HX, but whatever). I think a 1.5L would give you better fuel economy than a 1.6L.

Oh, and welcome welcome!

Just curious, how did you find this site? I've noticed a lot of Honda drivers lately (not that I'm complaining), but I wonder where the other drivers are.

SVOboy got me in here. I put up a post about acetone on the Honda-Tech and after much flaming by the regular users, I decieded to see what people were doing about their gas mileage, since the people at Honda-Tech dismiss anything that could potentially save money on gas.

Where would the other drivers be? Hmmm, I don't think gas prices are quite high enough for them yet.

Here is a good link for the GM Folk...
http://www.chevyapprentice.com/view.php?country=us&uniqueid=238ee5de-122b-1029-98eb-0013724ff5a7

Welcome! Definately utilize the search function on the forum here as we have a crazy amount of info hiding! Umm, your link is for all SUV ppl's...can't just single out the GM folk with that :)

And really Matt? I've never heard any pros to converting from OBDII(1996+) to OBDI? I always thought obd2 would control the engine waaay better, plus u have the option of scangauge.

Yo yo yo. Don't worry about the HX swap, just do a mini-me with the head swap, piece of cake.

HX wouldn't be a first, this is what Bense has done, I did the ecu for it, :p

And really Matt? I've never heard any pros to converting from OBDII(1996+) to OBDI? I always thought obd2 would control the engine waaay better, plus u have the option of scangauge.

Basically, with hondas, you can tune it much better, stick in older engines that don't have all the sensors, and just be all around cooler.

And really Matt? I've never heard any pros to converting from OBDII(1996+) to OBDI? I always thought obd2 would control the engine waaay better, plus u have the option of scangauge.

I was mainly thinking of availability and smaller displacement.

I would do the whole engine swap though instead of a mini-me. I think it will give you fewer variables to worry about, and then you can say, "I have the HX engine in here!"

obd2 will give you cool features like scangauge, which is a total bonus.

Full engine swap = less variables? Say what?

Talk about more money too, those d16y5s ain't cheap.

Full engine swap = less variables? Say what?

Yes, less variables.

When you do the full engine swap, you won't have to get a new head gasket, head bolts, etc. The compression ratio won't go up. You won't have to worry about pistons/rods matching the head.

There is no compression issue with the d16y5 head swap, because it identical to the y8 except for the rockers and cam and some boring stuff.

Well I was reading up on the HX, and I really like the lean burn mode on it. It was built for pure fuel economy. I thought the Mini-Me was more into the power gains....Of course both options are better than what I have now! I found a HX Motor on Ebay and it looks like it can be had for around 500 (if I pick it up)

I dont know if a Mini-Me swap would be worth it...

Mini-me simply means putting a vtec head on a non-vtec engine. You're engine would be almost identical to the y5 if you did this. You can prolly get the head for 50 bucks, rather then the engine for 500.

I can go for the VTEC, I just watched a Mini-Me Civic go...It was pretty cool. I am in, so, where do I start looking?

Well, it's the same VTEC-E you were still looking for, don't get confused with the standard mini-me. Lemme find a few links real quick.

http://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=554053

There's the how to. It's not all that bad really, then you need to ecu and head and that kinda ****.

Well, I suppose the head I am looking for will from the D16Y5. Now I just need to find one and an ECU to go with it....

And a 5 wire o2 sensor. It all shouldn't be that much if you shop around.

I am not all that buff on the electrical side of this swap, what else do I need to be thinking about?

Just the wiring. It's not really that bad, I've done a lot recently with no experience. Just read up A LOT beforehand.

This is looking pretty good. I have been looking at this all night, lol...I have seen some pretty quick HX's around Honda-Tech. I need this mini-me swap. There is an entire wiring harness with ECU from a HX on E-bay right now for 80 bucks, should I pick it up?? Or could I find a better deal on a ECU? The same person is selling the complete motor (but unsure of the miles...) I still need to find a Head.

This is looking pretty good. I have been looking at this all night, lol...I have seen some pretty quick HX's around Honda-Tech. I need this mini-me swap. There is an entire wiring harness with ECU from a HX on E-bay right now for 80 bucks, should I pick it up?? Or could I find a better deal on a ECU? The same person is selling the complete motor (but unsure of the miles...) I still need to find a Head.

Odd are you can use your own wiring harness with a few modifications. You'll definately want the ECU however. Maybe getting the ECU and harness is worth it?

As for the engine, how much is he charging for it? It might be wise to place a "wanted to buy" ad on honda-tech for either the head or the complete engine.

The number of miles probably isn't as important. Hondas tend to run forever.

BTW, I just checked out the ebay auction.. Here it is (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/96-00-HONDA-CIVIC-HX-1-6-LITER-4-CYLINDER-SOHC-ENGINE_W0QQitemZ8053820498QQcategoryZ33615QQssPage NameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

Something you might find interesting is that the engine comes with an o2 sensor. I'm assuming the HX used a five wire o2 sensor, so that's esentially a free $100+ o2 sensor with that engine.

The $375 + $250 s/h is a bit much.

Your looking at the same thing I am, good.

Switching engines would be kinda pointless I think...Spending 625 dollars more kinda takes out the advantage I gain in fuel economy. However, It would save on the headaches of the mini-me swap tremendously. I am considering grabbing that ECU. I dont think I am going to get a better deal there. This is going to be a good summer project. I can't find anybody on H-T that has done this swap, there is one other person who wants to though. I found somebody who is willing to sell his head, but I am sure I need a few more parts than that. Can I use the same valve cover?

Your looking at the same thing I am, good.

Switching engines would be kinda pointless I think...Spending 625 dollars more kinda takes out the advantage I gain in fuel economy. However, It would save on the headaches of the mini-me swap tremendously. I am considering grabbing that ECU. I dont think I am going to get a better deal there. This is going to be a good summer project. I can't find anybody on H-T that has done this swap, there is one other person who wants to though. I found somebody who is willing to sell his head, but I am sure I need a few more parts than that. Can I use the same valve cover?

Trust me when I say the mini-me swap is MUCH easier than a full engine swap.

I would get that cylinder head and then figure out what you need next. Maybe it's a valve cover. YOu can find those on the cheap too if you're patient.

I've been slowly getting parts for my swap for almost a year now. I found a VX engine, ECU, conversion harness, o2 sensor, downpipe/cat (slightly different on these engines) all from different people. Sadly I actually purchased other stuff too that I didn't end up needing. I've since sold it again on ebay.

If it takes you a bit longer to get this swap done then so be it. Price is obviously important to you, as it should be.

I would contact Bunger on this site and ask him to double check to see if the HX head will work on your block. I would also ask him for any advice on this particular swap.

a mini-me swap may seem like a headache, but you only have to remove your cylinder head, which you can do with hand tools over a weekend. Start researching mini-me's on honda-tech and try to find lots of tutorials. It's easier than it seems.

The block on the engines are all the same. I have been reviewing my Haynes manual, and it is not all that complicated. I will need to buy some quality tools also, but I have to buy them at some point.

The only thing I haven't found on Honda-Tech is how to modify the wiring harness to make it work correctly. Some people with HX's are getting Uberdata ECU's into their cars and modifing the 2nd O2 sensor for performance. I want to keep the stock ECU. I will definately need help with the wiring...a diagram would be wonderful.

The block on the engines are all the same. I have been reviewing my Haynes manual, and it is not all that complicated. I will need to buy some quality tools also, but I have to buy them at some point.

The only thing I haven't found on Honda-Tech is how to modify the wiring harness to make it work correctly. Some people with HX's are getting Uberdata ECU's into their cars and modifing the 2nd O2 sensor for performance. I want to keep the stock ECU. I will definately need help with the wiring...a diagram would be wonderful.

I would recommend you contact droppedcrxsi on honda-tech. He has all of the wiring information for all of these cars. Another possible resource is DrDisco.

I think that you car might already be wired for vtec, which means all you'll have to do is run ONE wire for the five wire o2 sensor.

Sweet! I Heart Honda

I doubt the car is ready for vtec, I think that was only early del sols and 92 civics.

Anyway, matt, first you said swap was easier, then you said mini-me was easier, :p

Yeah, depends on the kind of tools you have. A mini-me is easier because of the simpler tools and not having to deal with transmission.

There are many threads about the 92-95 civics, and much of the discussion is about switching over to OBD-1...and I dont have that problem. There isn't a thread about it specifically. I am sure it coudl work. I need to have a look at an HX engine...

Here it is, all 11 pages worth...

http://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1414454

Yeah, but that guy is running obd1 with a chipped ecu and gsr fuel/timing maps (I set it up for him). But nevertheless, it can be done, so I vote go for it.

He is going for a crazy hybrid setup which I do not have time to do and he is also pushing performance (gearing and all that)...

Here is what I learned.

If I want it to not throw codes, I have to purchase the intake manifold also. This little swap is starting to become more and more expensive by the minute. I could use the experience of the head swap though...I need to research more on the electrical aspect still.

It would be pretty sweet to gain 10 hp and 6-9 mpg for around $300. So I haven't given up on it yet...My civic is coming up on the 150,000 mile mark (Major Service) So while I am putting those new parts on it, I mise well do this also.

He is going for a crazy hybrid setup which I do not have time to do and he is also pushing performance (gearing and all that)...

Here is what I learned.

If I want it to not throw codes, I have to purchase the intake manifold also. This little swap is starting to become more and more expensive by the minute. I could use the experience of the head swap though...I need to research more on the electrical aspect still.


Let me just say this: Take your time.

Spend the next few weeks/months researching your options. Use it to search for parts and to ask others to search for parts with you. If you post a list of parts you need most of us will keep an eye out at the junkyards and will usually get you the part for cost.

Hell, I have two extra exhaust manifolds for these vehicles in my basement right now. I can also be on the lookout for a smaller intake manifold (VX/CX/HX) in the event you need one.

i have 3 vx intakes in my garage...
one of which i will be using soon...

my first visit to this thread...
just saying hi...
i'll try and catch up to what it is your doing and offer what ever advice i can...
these guys are cool around here...i'll say that...
your in good hands...for what its worth

i have 3 vx intakes in my garage...
one of which i will be using soon...

my first visit to this thread...
just saying hi...
i'll try and catch up to what it is your doing and offer what ever advice i can...
these guys are cool around here...i'll say that...
your in good hands...for what its worth

I'm pretty certain you can sell those to other members here without a problem.

and a cx !!!
haha

ok enough clouding this guys thread

I'm pretty certain you can sell those to other members here without a problem.

I'd be interested in purchasing one! :)

I should be going soon. My wife is making spaghetti with tomauto sauce.

[quote]I should be going soon. My wife is making spaghetti with tomauto sauce.









what?

He's making fun of your name, it seems.

Well, I am glad he can contribute in that manner.

Haha, don't worry about it too much. We make fun of each other over here but it's not like honda-tech, :p

How's the search for parts?

Well I couldn't communicate with the e-bay seller that had the wiring harness and ecu, but I couldn't get in contact with him. I dont know if I should continue on e-bay or go to honda-tech. I dont really know what the parts should be worth so that is making it a little difficult. What should a d16y5 cylinder head be worth anyway?

Well I couldn't communicate with the e-bay seller that had the wiring harness and ecu, but I couldn't get in contact with him. I dont know if I should continue on e-bay or go to honda-tech. I dont really know what the parts should be worth so that is making it a little difficult. What should a d16y5 cylinder head be worth anyway?

I can relate to you my experience with a d15z1 cylinder head. I originally purchased one for $60 on ebay. I sold it again a few months later for $35.

The gas mileage engine parts don't have a very high demand, so you might want to lurk on honda-tech and post a few WTB ads. You can probably get it for around $50.

I think you can find an ECU for around $30-40. Once again, the low demand forces the price way down.

Alright, Do you think I should stick with buying a new 5 wire O2 sensor? I think that would be the best even though that will be a pretty penny.

Alright, Do you think I should stick with buying a new 5 wire O2 sensor? I think that would be the best even though that will be a pretty penny.

If I were you i'd try to see if someone parting out the HX engine, etc. will also part with their five wire o2 sensor for cheap. I managed to find one for $25 on honda-tech a while back. It's not as good as a new one, but it was a LOT cheaper.

I say to get it running first, and then worry about the little stuff.

once you have the stock connector for the o2 sensor i believe you can buy the ntk wideband replacement sensors from any source and just change over the pins...should be the L1H1 sensor available from any wideband/tuning distributor...

I've found it's worth checking www.car-parts.com when looking for parts, they are sometimes a bit more then Ebay, but also tend to be local so you save on shipping.

One of the links matt posted about the vx head is selling a 5 wire o2 sensor.

I would not put a universal bosch type on a honda.

Where is that link at? I mise well start looking for parts. I want this swap finished by June 15th. (I should have 150k miles on the civic by then...

did i say bosch universal..????
no i believe i said NTK L1H1 ...

did i say bosch universal..????
no i believe i said NTK L1H1 ...

No, I was just saying, because you can find the bosch ones for like 40 bucks and it's very tempting.

I'll stick with OEM to keep it as least complicated as possible.

where are you finding these cheap 5 wire o2 sensors? the cheapest I've found was $309 with tax.

when i had my vx i payed $175 on ebay
that may have been the bosch
but i think it was oem

i've seen new oem go for under 100 from private sellers

where are you finding these cheap 5 wire o2 sensors? the cheapest I've found was $309 with tax.

Here's one for $20. http://motors.search.ebay.com/5-wire-O2-sensor_Parts-Accessories_W0QQcatrefZC6QQfromZR4QQsacatZ6028

Holy ****, what a deal.

Holy ****, what a deal.

I contacted the seller and he thinks there are 110,000 miles on this o2 sensor. It's not brand new, but it's better than nothing :)

did i say bosch universal..????
no i believe i said NTK L1H1 ...

No, I was just saying, because you can find the bosch ones for like 40 bucks and it's very tempting.

I know a guy who tunes with a Bosch wide band sensor and a PLX...it works just fine and dandy!

But for my VX, I only used the NTK L1H1. I actually sold that thing with over 200K miles for over $100.

Tuning with the bosch is fine, but something about them in hondas for the long term seems to make them crap out.

He is parting out that entire civic....so there might be a few more parts to get a hold of...I guess i will start getting parts for it.

bosch does in fact redistribute the honda/ntk L1H1 sensor...
i believe dealer cost is $175...and they markup from there...
http://techedge.com.au/vehicle/wbo2/wbntk.htm

purchased. Step 1 complete.

I asked him if he had any other parts for the HX and he had sold the HX motor last week. - I wonder why he couldn't sell the 5 wire o2 sensor to the same person...I have it though. ---The search for parts continues.

I recieved this message today from an H-T member...now we need to start talking price.

"The mani is complete with trottle body, injectors, fuel rail, all sensors etc (egr)...Just unbolted it and its in my room now. The ecu is just sitting there too."

He sent me a picture, and it looks pretty decent.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/screamincivik/eb09d3bb.jpg

So now, price...what is fair??

haha...i've been trying to get brent to sell me that manifold for like 8 months now...he wanted $70...i wouldn't go that high...i'm still in negotiations for it...good luck...lol...i've met that guy on his turf...delivered him an engine for someone...he's a good guy...but man...not very negotiable...

that is amazing, small world. I'll start at $65...

Hey everyone, check out the profile. This is what I want to do with my civic.

going to junkyard today, wish me luck

going to junkyard today, wish me luck

Good luck!

I'm going to go to mine as well. I need to make some money!

Quite a few saturns. Anybody need parts for them?

Quite a few saturns. Anybody need parts for them?

I might need some Saturn parts sometime. Actually, my hood has a little damage from my accident last winter. Since it still opens and latches ok I'll probably leave it alone unless I get a really good deal.

I will be in Evansville, Indiana (southern Indiana) for about 2 more weeks. I will gladly go to the junkyard for anyone.

I am going back home (a trip of 900 miles) wish me great gas mileage and easy driving.

I am going back home (a trip of 900 miles) wish me great gas mileage and easy driving.

May you have warm air, light traffic, and mostly downhill travels!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/D16y5-Honda-hx-head-intake-manifold-throttle-d16y8-vtec_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33617QQihZ016QQite mZ260023827176QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

I found a head online. If I really want to do this, the time is now. I dont see any problems what-so-ever.

After a long hard summer of working I now have the money to invest in some projects. This summer I basically worked 16 hours a day 6 days a week, and 7-8 hours on sunday. It meant I had no time to myself but sleep for a solid 2 months. I can't wait to get started!

3 hours left....

Damn meng, I had a lead on one for 50 shipped about 2 months ago, :(

he stripped a couple parts off of it....i dont think it is worth it...

You can get one for teh cheap, I'm sure of it.

he stripped a couple parts off of it....i dont think it is worth it...

I was just going to say that it's missing part of the vtec solenoid. I say no.

I looked at the sellers other listings, and it was for the vtec solenoid

just saying hello :)

I looked at the sellers other listings, and it was for the vtec solenoid

lol... looks like he forgot to mention that he is parting out the head too, eh?

Do I have to switch exhaust manifolds/cat to keep my emmissions in check? Nox...not that they check where I live but it would make me feel more...eco friendly.If so, that means much more money...

So much to learn from this mini-me.
http://www.honda-tech.com/zerothread/1731961

Hmm...After reading Tony's stuff, I got to thinking and found that new thread. Funny how bense pops in too!
http://www.fuelsaving.info/conspiracy.htm

Here is another thread I was watching, The HX came up in this thread later on (near bottom) We need to find those people and get them in the forum!

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:3emeIRzrFO0J:www.greencarcongress.c om/2005/08/gm_leads_in_los.html+honda+civic+hx+nox&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=5

So the HX has the same EM as the Cx/VX/HF/STD? I have that on my car right now, two cats ftw!

PS: Got the header-cat-downpipe for free, :p