D15Z1 Engine swap project log

[SVOboy]

Did I tell you to check it? I kinda remember telling you about the trouble frank and I had being because of this, but I might have been dreaming, I stay up too late.

[Matt Timion]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Did I tell you to check it? I kinda remember telling you about the trouble frank and I had being because of this, but I might have been dreaming, I stay up too late.

Eh, coulda been. I can't remember. This whole engine swapping thing has been one giant learning experience for me.

The plan now is to get everything finished tomorrow (hopefully) and fill it up. Maybe I'll drive it for a few days to make sure nothing blows up before I go on a test route.

[Matt Timion]

Looks like this chapter may be almost done. I hooked everything up except for the wheels (need cotter pins for my ball joints) and I let the car idle for 10+ minutes hoping that the thermostat would open. It didn't open, but the car didn't die either, so that's good.

I had to adjust the idle a bit because the engine was shaking violently. It was also idling around 250rpm initially, so that could account for the violent shaking.

Oh yeah, there is nothing better than finishing a swap and having about a dozen bolts left over. WTF?

[Matt Timion]

IT RUNS!

And it runs slowly.

this engine/tranny/car combo is going to take some getting used to.

Anyway, I cruised around the neighborhood without problem. I had to keep it in 1st or 2nd gear most of the time otherwise it would bog.

It also appears that the thermostat that came with the car doesn't want to open, so I might have to go get a new one. That's one more thing I should have done when the engine was out of the car.

[95metro]

Okay, this is corny, but I have to do it:

IT'S ALIIIIIIIVE! bwahahahahaha!

[LincolnW]

Originally Posted by Matt Timion

IT RUNS!

And it runs slowly.

this engine/tranny/car combo is going to take some getting used to.

Hahha.... Nice!!

At least it runs! It always feels good to finish up a swap and actually drive it for the first time.

I remember driving my VX for the first time and having to get used to the long gears. I remember having to down shift to 3rd on the highway just to go up small hills. lol

Yeah that engine is a dog... but it sure does kick *** for FE. That's for sure.

[Matt Timion]

Originally Posted by 90CivicStandard

Hahha.... Nice!!

At least it runs! It always feels good to finish up a swap and actually drive it for the first time.

I remember driving my VX for the first time and having to get used to the long gears. I remember having to down shift to 3rd on the highway just to go up small hills. lol

Yeah that engine is a dog... but it sure does kick *** for FE. That's for sure.

Hopefully I'll get used to it. SVOBoy said to me that he can shift into 3rd at 30mph with his HF tranny, but then he said, "but you drive a brick."

LOL. Who would have thought that a 2200lbs car was a brick?

The tranny is still leaking fluid, so I need to pull the axle and fix the seal. At least it'll be an easy fix.

I'm also thinking of getting a test pipe after all for my second cat. There is really no reason to have 2 cats as I'm sure it's affecting the ability of the exhaust to "flow" properly.

So I need to fix the axle seal, remove 2nd cat, replace t-stat, figure out why the fan isn't turning on, and hook up the speedometer.

Then I'll be ready to clean the interior of my car :P

[SVOboy]

I shift into 5th at 30, 3rd at 20, but don't worry.

Anyway, just get it done, how's vtec feel, ?

[Matt Timion]

Originally Posted by SVOboy

I shift into 5th at 30, 3rd at 20, but don't worry.

Anyway, just get it done, how's vtec feel, ?

I tried engaging vtec in first gear (revved it up to 3500RPM) but it didn't engage. With my driving style I may never actually know how it feels :P

[SVOboy]

Are you sure it didn't engage? That makes it sound like there's something wrong.