Rep Power: 0

Hey guys and gals, I’m August and I have a 1985 Civic 1500 Sedan. This car is basically a chassis as the head was warped almost 20 years ago and has sat ever since. I bought it with the hopes of bringing it new life. I’ve tossed around ideas of b16 and b18 swapping, even k swapping but there is very little information out there, or I’ve at least had trouble finding it. Recently the idea of MR swapping has caught my fancy and I wondered if anyone has or has heard of someone doing this to an AK chassis. My imagination is getting ahead of me but at the end of the day this little civic is going to be my dedicated track car and I’ll be happy with it when I get it running and driving regardless of where the engine and drive is, but still I want all the information and constructive input I can find. I know it’s a long shot and a lot of work, but it’s a project when isn’t work? Lol. Anyway, I’m glad to be here and involved with the community.
To the start of a new project.

 
Rep Power: 125

Not familiar with "MR swapping". Perhaps you could enlighten me on that.

If I'm not mistaken, the '85 would be a 3rd gen, so "3rd gen civic engine swap" should yield results.

Before you proceed, make sure the thing is still structurally sound. 20 years will do a lot to the body, regardless of climate.

 
Rep Power: 222

Welcome, feel free to post pics of the car

 
Rep Power: 223

Welcome!

 
Rep Power: 0

I’m sorry for the late response! Fourth of July weekend was busy, how was everyone’s fourth?

So MR swapping is just short for mid-engine, rear wheel drive swapping so it would involve a lot of planning, cutting, fabricating and creativity to make work to say the least, but there is at least one third gen swap I’ve seen it done on though that was a 3-door. So I will hunt around for that project and people involved and continue considering what’s best to do as I strip the car and start replacing parts.

What would you recommend checking or how would you recommend checking for structural soundness? I’m thinking excessive rust on chassis components, I'll bounce on some google searching but any input I can get is appreciated! The car has lived it’s life in central arizona so no terribly harsh weather, as long as we don’t consider the heat lol.

Just putting out some feelers so I can have people to spitball ideas with and talk out the project with and keep everyone updated as progress is made!

 
Rep Power: 125

Basically any chassis rust. I'd rip out the carpets and remove all trim pieces to fully understand the state of the car.

If it were me, I wouldn't waste my time doing a mid-engine swap on that. I'd just use it as a cool driver. Maybe a mildly built D16 with a small turbo. 200whp would be more than enough fun in a chassis that light. Anything more would be dangerous.

Before power mods, make sure it can handle the power. Suspension, brakes, etc. The stock components can't handle (presumably) triple the power output.