D15Z1 headswap options

[whydidibuyavei]

quick question...

I have spent hours and hours this weekend searching - so please don't tell me to search unless you want to post a link!

I have a vei civic which I bought for its great fuel economy (very necessary for my job - and current fuel prices!)

But, as I have always had fast cars, the transition to the vei is not easy. There is no top end power - period

So I have been looking at my options. Swapping the motor is not an option as I would rather just buy another car. Fuel economy is very important and so is the cost of the conversion.

Swapping the head seems to make alot of sense. Everything that I have read so far seems to indicate that putting a D16Y8 head on the D15Z1 block would result in a low compression ratio so thats a no go.

The D15Z7 head is the most interesting to me with 3 stage vtec - sounds perfect. So does anyone know what the availability is like of these heads? It looks like it should be a fairly easy swap but then I am no expert on that.

Can anyone add to this? I just want an easy swap that will net me 20 odd kw without breaking the budget or doubling my fuel usage for day to day driving.

Simon

[onlykillzz]

i haven't worked with many d series motors but a new head will also mean you need a new ecu as i don't think the d15 has vtec so its going to cost and at the end it may still not be perfect also 1.5l motor that old probably will not make that much extra power, also there will be some oil lines you will need to run i think and there are kits for the b series but i don't think the make any for the d
if you looking to spend around $1000 all up including install be a shop then why dont you look at the b18b it may not have vtec but its very reliable and easy to mode... i no you didnt want to change your motor but i think you should just take a look at what this motor will offer you

[whydidibuyavei]

Thanks for the reply

I guess the b18 could be an option I don't know how they go on fuel but I am guessing its not too bad.

The vei does have vtec, its just setup to improve fuel economy instead of making more power. So I think that putting on a vtec head should actually be easier than doing the same conversion to another d series.

I am kind of keen to find a solution that does involve vtec (who wouldn't?)

$1000 complete cost would be my maximum to spend on this. Any ideas welcome... even if you think its a stupid idea just say so

Keep in mind that the car is pretty immaculate so what might not be worth it on a stocker is a little more worth it on this car.

[simonnowis]

sorry to say but theres no way you'll be able to get satisfactory power with that budget especially on the d series. the economical vtec is sohc its not really the "vtec" ppl want. real vtec is in the dohc engines b,h,k series etc. plus n/a it cost heaps more money to get little improvements, like spending $x amount on n/a & spending same amount on turbo it is more bang for buck, you could rebuild an engine with low comp pistons and run higher boost, and it will produce more power then the money spent on n/a.
plus with power=generally more fuel consumption unless you drive it like a granny.
from what your saying it seems you dont really want to spend money into your car, if i were you id save that $1000 and sell the car and buy something else. otherwise bolt on mods such as exhaust & intake would be the other option.