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I'm new here, and joined to learn "Honda speak".
I recently bought a 78 Civic jigsaw puzzle. The car was advertised as a rust free complete car project.
Rust free, pretty much yes.
Complete, mostly I am missing the rear bumper and grill. but it also came with lots of extra parts.
Project, definately! The car came already stripped out. Everything was in boxes inside the car. Including the engine.

My plan is to put a v-tec motor in it. Seems the d16z6 (see? I'm learning "Honda-speak")is a popular swap that more or less fits without major reconstruction. But I'm still researching options, and an open to suggestions.

I wanna keep the car looking like 1978, but with an upgraded motor, and brakes.
But like I said, I'm still researching.
Here are a few pics to see what I'm starting with.

 
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Wow thats in great condition, those floor boards looks solid as do the fenders! That right there is why you buy a Honda.

 
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Is that the stock hood for that model? It looks after market. Sweet find btw.


Also whats the engine bay looks like? Motor mounts look good??

 
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That is the stock 78 hood. I think there is some trim that is suppose to go in the centre vents. I'm sure it is in a box somewhere. Here is a picture of the engine bay. The kid I bought it from cut the mounts out, but I did get them from him. He said he was gonna make it an electric car. But luckily that is all he did.

 
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Welcome to the forum!

B16 engine is my suggestion. They are popular and pretty cheap. But it does have DOHC which could make it a tight fit. I would measure it all out first.

That thing looks to be in very good shape. Better get to sanding! lol

 
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I'm not sure that car needs a B being light weight and all. I can't believe how little rust there is on that car! I'm totally jealous.

 
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Like I said in the beginning, I'm new to all the "Honda speak". But I believe the B series motors are physically bigger than the D series. Am I right? I honestly don't know yet. The D16z6 seems to be a popular swap, with only slight modification to make it fit. Or so I've read.
With enough cutting and welding I'm sure I can make anything fit. But I figure getting a modern engine in to an old Civic, will be challenging enough with out a ton of fabricating. I want to be driving this car fairly soon.
I believe the D16z6 has 128 hp, more than double what the car came with, and at only 1500 lbs it should haul!

Also on a side note, my car came with 3 steel wheels, one I'm sure was the spare since it still has a bias ply tire on it. But I have 1 alloy wheel. I was told it is rare, and if I had the other 3 I'd consider keeping it. Anyone know anything about this rim? Is it rare?

 
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This.

As for that rim, it looks like an original oem item. I'd hold on to it.

 
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Man, that engine bay looks tight! Get the lube.

 
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keep us posted with pic's ... its going to come out nice