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ok, I don't know much about cars(computers are my thing) so please don't flame me for asking stupid questions...so here's the question: I have a 2000 Civic EX Manual Transmission 1.6 SOHC engine that just died on me, like totally dead, unrecoverable and I was wondering if instead of buying and dropping the base engine back in(non-VTEC) if it was possible to buy a VTEC and use that instead??

Please help me, I've looked everywhere and can't find a definitive answer.

 
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im sure its possible. there are very little differences and the mounts/install should be the same. you will need a new EX ecu tho and will have to run the wire from the vtec solenoid (bolted to the engine) to the new ecu. be sure your new ecu is the same year and trans type (auto or manual) as your car.

 
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Thank you sooo much!!! One more question though, Where would you suggest looking for the new ECU and **what** would you suggest asking/looking for(specs on engine and ecu??)

 
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Exactly what's dead? The engine or the transmission?

If you have a 2000 EX Civic then you already have VTEC. So you're options are to get a VTEC engine (D16Y8) or non-VTEC (D16Y7). If you get a Y8 then it's pretty much plug and play as long as it's a 99-00 engine. If you get the Y7 then you will need the Y7 (99-00) computer (P2E) otherwise you'll get a check engine light.

Now be careful - The 96-00 Civics came with D16Y7s and D16Y8s but the 96-98s are OBD2a and the 99-00s are ODB2b. The computer will be programmed either way and have different sized plugs. You have a 99-00 wiring harness so you need to stick with 99-00 parts. There are ways around this but if you're a car n00b you're better off keeping it simple and sticking with 99-00 parts.

 
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The engine is the part that's toast...low oil pressure made it seize up I think. I don't think the car is VTEC because it's never kicked in(and there is no documentation from the dealership I bought it from that would indicate it was VTEC)

I am a car n00b, but I like to learn...
What exactly(like a list) would I need to put the VTEC into my car?

 
Rep Power: 245

Honda designed VTEC engines to not be noticable when when it kicks in.

So before you get going on how to add VTEC, be sure you don't already have it. All 2000 Civic EX 2-door coupes came with VTEC.

Look on the trunk on outside of your car. If there is an "EX" emblem on it then you have VTEC.

You can also look on the engine block for D16Y8 stamped in the front where is faces the radiator. It's down below where the upper radiator hose connects to the cylinder head.

I highlighted the stamp on my engine.




Another way to tell is to look for the VTEC solenoid on the cylinder head. It's just behind the distributor facing the firewall. It looks like this:



It's the part with the green plug on the bottom and the cylindrical part on top.

 
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ohh, I see! as soon as I get home I'll check. Thank you so much for all the help!

 
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if you have a factory sunroof then you have a ex.

 
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wow that is a clean engine put it back in the crate

 
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i know a site that i go to to get all the engine codes and stock hp. here it is........http://www.superhonda.com/tech/honda_engine_codes.html