88 CRX HF, Why should/shouldn't i keep my d15b6 vs swap d16a6
 

Yo Techies
Please be kind I need your advice.
I have an 88 HF new to me burning oil at 250k not the valve seals

I LOVE THE HF AND THE MILAGE! I don't need lots of HP but a few extra would be ok

option A
hone cylinders , new rings , and go
option B
drop in a d16a6 (needs work to be ready to drop in must change crank everything else is new)
Option C
drop in a d15b7 with 145K
change the diz and Go

A Mechanic friend told me long ago to keep the hf engine if i ever got one because the technology was so good in them.? but it seems to me there is no t much to loose by putting in B or C , i gain lots of HP over the 62 that the d15b6 came with , yet i am nostalgic and kind of want to fix it as is original.
In my mind either swap would not add any weight, and as long as I have the HF tranny my mileage should remain high. correct?

Cost is an issue for me but see few expenses on any of these options.

please let me know what you think
God Bless
Brian

Re: 88 CRX HF, Why should/shouldn't i keep my d15b6 vs swap d16a6
 

I bet changing the crank in option B will be just as expensive as option A (honda bearings are color coded and need to be matched properly- you can only get the color coded bearings at the dealer)

I vote option A- I think you can get rings and a gasket set for less than $175. You will get the max mpg with option A

Re: 88 CRX HF, Why should/shouldn't i keep my d15b6 vs swap d16a6
 

Thanks for the input!
So far keeping it HF is sounding like the best option , apparently there are ecu issues to face with a swap as well that i had not planned on , and the drop in economy seems just too big to justify, however i have HF head problems that might add up a bunch , so i am still chewing over the options. Brian

Re: 88 CRX HF, Why should/shouldn't i keep my d15b6 vs swap d16a6
 

True- a valve job will likely add another $150

Re: 88 CRX HF, Why should/shouldn't i keep my d15b6 vs swap d16a6
 

Option c! If its a goodlong block and ready to run! Use all the parts from your hf and just the block and head from the b7. They are almost identical motors! you will not need to change the ecu or anything major for that matter!

Re: 88 CRX HF, Why should/shouldn't i keep my d15b6 vs swap d16a6
 

Could he switch the HF cam, valve springs and rockers onto the b7 head?

I believe the HF cam profile helps it make lots of low rpm torque- which is needed to efficiently use the HF tranny.

Re: 88 CRX HF, Why should/shouldn't i keep my d15b6 vs swap d16a6
 

The low end torque comes from the 4 intake valves. A smaller opening from one instead of two means more air speed at low rpm. Just like when you put your thumb over the end of a water hose. The b7 from the cx has a nearly identical 8 valve head. I think it may even get better torque.

Re: 88 CRX HF, Why should/shouldn't i keep my d15b6 vs swap d16a6
 

I put a d15b7 in place on my smoking 8valve cx motor in my old 94 hatch I used just the block and head but used the cx manafolds and other parts. I still got 40 mpg the mileage was a little better