Standard EG - B16 Conversion


ProjectJDM

Don't ask :(
Joined
Nov 25, 2008
Messages
646
Hi guys,

Just bought a jap import EG to use as a shell as the standard engine has packed up...

My plan is to basically strip it down, clean up the body then drop a B16, gearbox, driveshafts, brakes, rad and loom into it etc.

Was just wondering have any of you done a similar conversion and if so do you have any tips etc?

Cheers

Gav :nice:
 
First question is, what model eg is it? i.e 1.3, 1.5lsi etc.
 
lot of work. wiring harness inside the car, engine harness, fuel tank with electric pump needs to be replaced since 1,3 is carburator engine. You need all mentioned before parts from fuel injected civic. plus to have some man breake up front knuckles need to be replaced.
on the plus side, its easier to find chassis that is straight and accident free.
 
Not sure what the prices for cars are over there, but wouldn't it be handier to try and find an ESI? Max options and everything is more or less plug and play. At the moment I'm swapping a B16A into my EG 5 (ESI) and it's pretty straightforward. No need to connect extra wires etc.

Things to watch out for:
- Make sure you have the right tools to replace the timing belt. Air hammer or this tool:
mor-61805.jpg

Make SURE you got one, don't expect you can just ask on a forum for someone to lend it; I made this mistake and it set me back a whole week.

- If you want to place any oil sensors, this is the time to put an adapter plate between your engine and oil filter! 5 minutes work with the engine out, at least 10 fold if you're unexperienced with fidling with cars.

- If you don't have a car lift or something like that, make sure you have a jack that goes at least 45cm into the air and enough stands. I dont like working under my car on only stands so I have 6 and 2 jacks :p I would recommend at least 4, as you need to replace the shift linkage and for that you need to be under the center of your car. That requires of you that you lift all 4 wheels into the air.

- Make sure that you have all the stuff you want to replace or still have to buy when you begin swapping:
Timing belt
Waterpump
Tensioner
Other belts (PS, alternator etc)
Spark plugs
Spark plug wires *

Slave clutch cilinder and brake fluid for the hydraulic clutch *
Clutch *

Engine oil
Oil filter
Gearbox oil
Coolant

Assuming you're gonna swap brakes too, brake fluid

* Means that if you're absolutely sure they're alright you dont need to replace them, but if not, better to replace it and buy it together with the other parts.


Try to get all this before beginning with the swap.
1.) Everything in one buy means you only need to spend 1 or 2 trips of your time to the shop to get everything. I went at least 7 times to the parts shop and that has costed me a lot of time
2.) With that much to order, possible discount will be higher


- Make sure you have lots of WD40 :p Spray possible problematic bolts a day before you begin.

- Try to have some kind of rod or something for your ratchet. One of my engine mount bolts was REALLY tight, my 50cm ratchet wasn't enough. So I put the 1,5meter rod of my jack on it :p It worked :p

- Gear linkage: on an EG you can also put DC2 linkage, has a better shifter. Get PU bushings for it while you're at it, costs next to nothing but give the whole shifting thing a tighter feel, as if you are directly with your shifter in the box.

- Try to find/download a workplace manual. Print everything you think you'll need for the conversion. I printed the timing belt replacement part and the engine removal/installation part. Especially the last one is very handy, when removing and installing you can tick off every step.

- Clean your engine if you want to. It's waaaay easier than when it's in (kinda obvious but you never know)

- Take at least a couple of days to do everything if this is your first time. And make sure you've got a roof over your head. Or wait untill summer :D

- Make sure you've got EVERYTHING with the engine; every sensor, valve, hose etc. If not, order together with the other needed parts.

- If you got an engine lift, but no balancer (or whatever it's called) take into account that if you connect it to 2 sides of the engine, it might tilt forwards or backwards. You can prevent this by tieing some rope to the intake and exhaust manifold to keep it in balance.

- You need 2 people for:
Taking the hood off
Installing the new engine (taking it out can be done by your own)
Bleeding the clutch hydraulic system and brakes

The rest can be done pretty much by yourself


That's just about what I can think off at this moment :D
 
Thanks JT, some very useful information there... :nice:

I will be looking to just get everything I need in over the next few months as I'll be doing all the work down the side of my house in the driveway... And the weather in Ireland is brutal during the winter months, with massive flooding and everything at the moment so best off waiting untill it starts clearing up for spring...

Thanks everyone for the tips and sound advice... Will keep everyone posted as the project progresses :D :nice:
 
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