So I have a 1991 Civic with a 1.5 liter motor (d15b2 in case you care) that smokes like none other. I was planning on doing a full rebuild with pistons, rings, all gaskets, etc. because the kit is only $300. The more I think about it though, the more hesitant I am because I only paid $1,500 for the car in the first place, and I don't know about a few things, so here are some things I would like some input on.
1. Bore or hone cylinders?
2. Do I need to resurface block/head?
3. Or should I just get a used engine (also about $300) and swap it in without rebuilding it?
4. Sell the car for whatever I can get out of it and buy something else? The rest of the car is in amazing condition, so I can probably get about $1000 for it even with a smoky engine.

P.S. Rebuilding an engine or swapping out an engine is not hard for me, I have helped my brothers swap a total of 6 engines over the years so it should be pretty easy for me to do one by myself.

Thanks for any help you can give!

 

1. That's the question. Going to try and do STD size pistons? Then you'll probably be able to get away with just honing. Question is how much material can you remove and stay within the maximum STD size specs. There's usually enough to do it at least once. Even if the cylinders are pretty heavily worn/scored. .004"-.005" is a good amount of leeway. If you've got that or more left, then go for it. If not, then bore it is
2. No. Unless you see reason to.
3. Depends. But in general, you'll get more for your money if you rebuild it.
4. That I can't tell ya. It's more of a personal preference thing IMO.

 

Like any engine rebuild !!

You have no idea what you have or what you need till it is all pulled apart and measured.

Then you can decide your course of action

Rebuild or go used.

I have seen blocks so bad you could not clean them up .

Just depends how much you want to invest in this vehicle.

 

Ok, thanks guys! I'll tear it apart soon and take a look at it.