I did the ZC swap a few years ago in my 89 Si and ound it to be extremely easy. I did not have to deal with the DX to ZC intake or wiring issues though.
I would highly suggest that you be ready to install a new valve cover and oil pan gaskets, water pump and timing belt and rear main seal just to cover all the bases before you install since you have no true way of knowing your engine's history (they all have 30K miles- right!!). I did everything but the rear main seal and guess what started as a little moisture and became a real leak within weeks. I went about 8 months feeding it oil until I pulled the engine again for a new rear main seal. I used the stock Si tranny, axles, etc. with no problem and on the Si the conversion only means a two wire extension and switch. I do not have a ZC hood, just my regular hood with a rectangle cut out of the under hood insulation where the twin cam belt cover goes. The hood sits fine and does not hit the belt cover. You will need to port the top of the opening on you exhaust manifold or aftermarket header so the ports match well. I didn't have time at the time of the install so I ran with it unported and a step down in the header. When I pulled the engine for the rear main seal, I ported a different header at that time and it made a nice improvement. My ZC cam with it's own intake manifold but the throttle body was unusable as the TPS was smashed (I hear most of them are when they arrive) becuase they are plastic, fragile and vulnerable in shipping so I reused my Si throttle body. With a DX, you will need to make sure your ZC throttle body is good or have another ready in case not. I was looking for an easy, one day swap without need for extra parts (mounts, axles, wiring, tranny, etc.) and a noticeable power increase and that is exactly what I got. Some will poo-poo the ZC because it isn't a B16 but I am very happy with the ease, power, and price of my swap. I got mine from HASport, BTW. You need a hoist, floor jack and stands, basic tools and a willingness to get in and do it. Lee ----- Original Message ----- From: "Graham Stein" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2002 2:53 PM Subject: CRX: zc swap > ok, my engine in my 91 dx blew so its zc time. i found this list > http://www.d16a.com/main.htm and i just want anyone whos done the swap > to give it a run through and see if there is anything i need not on it. > also, do i need to buy a zc hood? will the hood close safely without > it? i plan on using my dx tranny as i can't afford a new one right now, > but hopefully in the next 6 months i'll swap in an si. i'm probably > buying my zc from nippon-motors, everyone has good things to say about > them. anyone in the new england area who has done this swap and could > spend a day or two guiding me through this one, i don't have money to > offer but i'd REALLY appreciate the help. i'm in north reading, MA, > north of boston. it'll be happening in the next two weeks, before labor > day. any live in person help would be hugely appreciated. i can offer a > place to stay if its a drive also. > > graham >
