Keep in mind that internet message boards weren’t around yet so most would make what seemed like endless visits to their local parts suppliers in search of the proper solution: a late-’80s Prelude timing belt. Basic maintenance and timing belt installations proved especially tricky when considering the ZC not only were the belts difficult for Americans to get, even when properly installed the ZC’s cam timing appeared off by a tooth even by the most experienced of mechanics. At least in the early 1990s.īut living with Honda’s first mass-accepted twin-cam engine wasn’t entirely perfect.
#Honda jdm engine swap series#
Unlike B- and H- series swaps, though, even the Civic’s existing engine mounts, brackets, and shift linkages bolted right up, as did most any Civic transmission of its day.Īftermarket support for the ZC has always been minimal, but even in stock form the 130 hp and 105 lb-ft of torque that the 1.6L engine supplied was worth it. With a 3mm difference between the SOHC and ZC exhaust port openings, a little massaging for maximum flow was in order when using the D-series header, which was almost always necessary since few junkyards sold engines with such components. In terms of parts transferring, the exhaust manifold proved to be the only problem. Of course, all of this could be bettered with simple bolt-ons or even that turbo kit leftover from the D-series. The JDM ZC offered a horsepower bump that put pioneer engine swappers right in that 130hp-zone, with torque measuring in at more than 105 lb-ft. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the ZC swap was its innate compatibility with most of the receiving vehicle’s previous engine upgrades, as most of the bolt patterns and sizing between the D-series and the ZC matched. Finding that the ZC engine would fit with very little effort, garage mechanics flooded California’s engine importers in search of donors. Wanting to be a part of the two-cam club, the die-hard began swapping their factory engines for their imported JDM brethren. Its primary difference is its mounting points, which keeps it from directly bolting into any North American-bound Civic. With the right amount of modification you can also smog your Honda swap, which is a great benefit for any JDM engine swap.Although the first-generation Integra's twin-cam D-series may appear similar to the ZC, it isn't really. Honda's are notorious for sharing configurations, mounts and electrical connections which makes engine swapping easy and straightforward. Planning for your Honda engine swap or putting a GSR swap in is still easy to do with just a little bit of homework. The B18C1 features heavily in many modified Hondas and is still ahead of the newer i-VTEC DOHC engines like the K20 but there's only so many of these engines left. However for most Honda engine swappers they opt for the B18C1 and save the money for future modifications. Whereas the 1.6 liter B16 is still very cheap and easy to source it's getting difficult to find a quality JDM GSR engine swap anymore.įor the JDM purists the B18C5 found in the Acura Integra Type R is as close to perfection you can get from the factory. If you are in the market for an replacement engine or transmission, here's 10 of the most popular and best JDM engine swaps out there for you to choose from.įound in the Acura Integra from 1990-2001 the DOHC VTEC 1.8 liter slips down in our list because it's becoming increasingly rare to locate this engine. If you are modifying your car these JDM engine swaps can really give you a far better base for modifications than your factory engine ever could. Because these are used components, it can really be a much cheaper alternative than buying a new engine, shortblock or transmission from your dealer. Being able to pick out the best engine or transmission of choice is great, whether you are modifying your car or just repairing it. Many of these importing companies have a large selection and inventory. JDM engine swaps are easier than ever with the ever increasing choices of JDM engine importers out there. Whereas many of the incredible Japanese supercars and engines made their mark in the 80s and 90s, these unfortunately never made it to US shores. JDM stands for Japanese Domestic Market and it's a great source for engines and transmissions to swap into your import vehicle. It's hard to mention talk about any aspect of import or Japanese sports car performance without discussing JDM engine swaps.
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