What Swap Would Make Our 1981 Civic Totally Awesome?

Breathing New Life into Our 1981 Honda Civic
By Brian Gillespie and Aaron Gaghagen
Our second generation Honda Civic hatchback is a true throwback. It's the Civic right before the first wave of real Honda racing performance got popping in the USA. Honda was really coming into it's own, but by today's standards the 1981 Civic wasn't a huge seller. Couple that with its age and there are very few survivors still on the road. We want to give our hatchback a complete overhaul including a much more modern and powerful powertrain. But, what shall we swap in there? B series, DOHC D series, K series, L15B turbo or something else?
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VTEC Academy videos are for educational and entertainment purposes. We can not guarantee the modifications performed in the video are legal in your locality. Do not do any modifications to your vehicle that will void your warranty or in any way violate your local laws. We assume no liability for property damage or injury as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use the information provided at your own risk. It's on you, dog.

[@extreme748]

definitely waiting for update on this one.

[@HaydenMiami]

L15B7 would be the best marriage of New Civic for this Old Civic.

[@Nanorisk]

Was about to say the same

[@curttaylor7841]

Agreed

[@Philthese93]

Im actually surprised that i agree with this

[@MissingNumb]

Single carb d15b...😁

[@mikellewis2346]

Back in the 90s i road to school in a 79 civic with a D1.6 swap and the stock 4 speed transmission. That car was so fun an kinda fast for the time. Fun times.

[@MrOscarLong]

D16 SOHC Vtec! Keeping the budget low is fun to watch !

[@BOOSTJUNKY]

A healthy single cam runs about the same price as a k24a2 its just the ecu being pricier on k series but i mean virgin obd1 ecus are going for around 250 now and once u get hondata installed ur in like 800 into a early 90s ecu

[@OwO---Drunk_Seulgi---OwO]

@@BOOSTJUNKY craigslist Y8 and crome $300

[@carvedfromlife8949]

Bro i would love if they did the SOHV vtec

[@johncallahan2164]

Yes! You should finish it ASAP! Excited to see more.

[@Jason-nk4yr]

Orange honda cvcc was my first car. Kswap it all....

[@Ben79k]

oh man that mugen motor was so cool. what a relic. got my hopes up that would be in there!

[@justinrgrecky]

I had a 1980 brown with a Hondamatic. I called it the Turd . I had a 82,83

[@duanebailey6253]

Zc would be cool. But prob a b series would be perfect.

[@410kane]

The zc I had in my crx reved to the moon. That motor made it a fun car for sure

[@duanebailey6253]

@410kane I would love to see someone make some decent power on one. Especially since it's an older Honda. The thing will hate tq.

[@pepperfish_]

i think any more than an R18-20 would tear that poor thing in two. Single Jingle is the only swap i've seen IRL in a first gen, same person later attempted and failed with a B. That D16 was built with ITB's 4 -1 header tho, a legend. This was 20 years ago.

[@lindonbeckford6116]

Love the way how you go for used parts instead of buying them new

[@stevenS1973]

V6 in the back. There’s a guy in Modesto, California that does it with minis..old ones 1983 and older.

[@marcozuniga8163]

v6 Honda engines? I'm in the bay area so Modesto is not that far.

[@karrackhalcyon8826]

D16a1 classic and the thing to swap back in the day. I might be slightly biased though

[@cub64]

What a nostalgic car... my father bought one when i was 7 years old.. someday.. i will build this... making a sleeper

[@johncallahan2164]

This is wild!!! Cool build dudes!

[@xTinBenderX]

First car was a blue '76 CVCC wagon. Would love to have swapped wagon. Seen a few clean ones out here on maketplace.

[@Viking8888]

Many moons ago I owned a 1976 Civic. I loved that car and wish so badly that I hadn’t sold it. I always wanted to do an engine swap in it, but never had the funds, so I’m looking forward to seeing this one. I’m very glad you finally chose the J series in the end. Can’t wait for the next video……in 2024! 😉

[@upcoast]

Been waiting on this build since the first time around.

[@Kamisama1738]

I’m currently trying to stuff a 24a2 in a 81 prelude so I’m right there with ya lol

[@lordraiden5398]

Brian, my very first car was a red 1983 Civic just like this one. I want to see the K series swapped in. With all the bolt ons over 200 naturally aspirated horse power in that super light car would be crazy.

[@carlhayes-ze5nd]

Looking forward to more of this build!

[@AridCustoms]

This thing brings back some good memories! Wish i could work on it again with you guys!

[@Raindrops4891]

people hate on the kswap but its just so good and easy and there is so much aftermarket support

[@ClumsyCars]

d15b8 and matching trans. modern ecu. 75 mpg

[@k24civic]

Hands down best 1.5 they ever built!

[@fernandocadena2625]

Thanks for the upload

[@fernandocadena2625]

Love your work

[@jesusberlanga4346]

Love it.....any engine u choose it will be a fun build to watch, thanks for the content

[@jasonshaw9240]

Cool stuff Brian and team . Should of Done it in a 87 Ed now ya talkn .

[@OwO---Drunk_Seulgi---OwO]

Carbureted de-stroked D15B that revs to 12K on 13:1 compression E85 Bonus points for adapting a 6 speed to it

[@BeeSta2009]

a D16 stroker would go bonkers in this chassis

[@Nope-lw4lp]

Couldn't agree more

[@UncleTriangle]

A 1st gen insight swap would fit very nicely in there.

[@m1klo13]

Yes please finish this project 🙏.

[@bennny_fa5]

Dohc d16 would be crazy cool in this chassis!

[@AcuraLvR82]

6:10 I actually have the same exact Snap-On Racebox that red toolbox in the back left in the video lol. I need matching lower cabinet like you have.

[@waynejordan7473]

A bseries awd setup with abs would be super cool

[@UncleTriangle]

Do the zc, it’s the closest to being a period correct swap, and it’s a good opportunity to renew interest in retro builds.

[@SgtWojcik]

Pls finish this project! Been waiting on this one for a while. I have a 1st Gen Accord ('81 HB) that I want to breathe new life into and to rid myself of all those vacuum lines on that EK engine.

[@celuiquipeut6527]

The 87 integra engine would be my pick. The D series. Build it good. Would be cool.

[@rapahelnavar6620]

B18b1 with a gsr 5 speed manual /p75ecu obd1 distributor best fun lil swap

[@mychalpstanton9188]

B18 perfect old and new

[@estewar03]

It'd be cool to see it finished this year. So, yes, please, asap. How's the mini TL coming along?

[@GarageBangBang]

J series with a s2000 trans.. the way the hood opens it would just be so unexpected lol and how cool would a rear mounted rad be ! Ambitious but epic lol

[@raimondnu3]

You Deff. Got Us on the First Half! Ultra Glad You Went With The J Series!!! 🦾

[@Nevoexpo]

Any K-Swap but I'm sure you'll be able to find several Acura RSX's with good powertrain / perfect for swap as they usually have a lot of rust issues but are otherwise extremely reliable!

[@Roboticdoughbull3k]

I too had one of the 1st gen bugeye I called them (before the square headlight version) mine was likewise 81. Absolutely please finish this in 2025 if not before.

[@Chris-de4km]

Hell yeah finish it soon

[@oxyeekithebeatgod2501]

D or B swap🔥🔥🔥

[@thumb100ourlife4]

Damn!! Dats a pretty bad gash on ur hand cuddy!!

[@polymenos]

Whats the story of that 3rd gen in the intro, i am interested

[@BigallPR]

This little jem would be great at AWD f20c s2k swap 👌💯

[@k24civic]

D16a8 or ew4! Greatest 2 engines honda ever built! Olds kool!!!

[@derekmarch7656]

D16 sohc for life

[@Wiltgenfab]

Was wondering what was going on with this car. Finish it!

[@yengher9033]

Nice.

[@Casey_and_Cars]

I know it likely wouldn't be doable in this chassis, but I really want to see the K20C4 and 10 speed swapped into an older gen Honda.

[@ZacVaper]

You guys do great work. I've a 97 Accord with a F22B2; any suggestions to get a little more power out of it? I did the cold air intake, headers, cat delete and deleted the balance shaft belt. Thank you.

[@Minibike-Isaac]

B series throttle body with port match intake manifold and a catback exhaust would add more power also a vtec head swap would be up your alley but if you wanna do an engine swap I'd go h22a like im doin in my 96 accord that came with f22b2

[@robertalicea5585]

Turbo it

[@remi009340]

Wheres the CB7 love at? Come on guys! Lol

[@asian_raisin]

A J series in there would be nuts. Wonder how hard it'll be to do a rear wheel drive K?

[@sixeight8683]

Id love to see a d16 vtec

[@mouachang874]

I would love to see it D or B swap

[@chaseseal1151]

An L15 would absolutely slap in this with a 10speed

[@yukonstriker1703]

K20Z3 😊

[@Minibike-Isaac]

Or k24z7 would be super fun🤘🏽🤘🏽

[@grahamgregoire7390]

Finish it!!!!! 2025. I'm impatient .

[@hatchkid91]

Yes please finish

[@AZ-hf9ow]

H-Series

[@yeahman1756]

damn this thing on build B swap or K swap with a Aggressive Ae86 Watanabe black wheels be nice..

[@zericolson]

Honestly h swap is underated they are incredible engines. But b and k probably have both been done probably more b then ks but yeah.

[@johnsmothermon6856]

Have fun changing head gaskets on that 1.5 ltr.

[@vtecdk]

H22 H2B or a high reving F20B F2B

[@vincentspencer3699]

Throw the D Series in there. That way you don’t have to hack up the original frame rails.

[@robertalicea5585]

R18 swap

[@Peace-7-7-7]

Can you give a recommendation for an engine swap in a1979 Honda Accord? V6 and I4 options. Thank you in advance.

[@creambuilt]

I just my running 1980 civic hatch

[@Tediz421]

Are EV conversions still out of the question? The Teslonda guy could use some competition. He used a Tesla motor in his but a Ford Mach-E motor would be more compact and could fit in something like this. Plus it can potentially sequentially add power with added motor modules. Fruit for thought!

[@adriantirona1104]

Hey Brian a J series is insane but the QUE series would be QUErazy!!! ROFL LMAO

[@matthewpere1975]

Go all out mid engine rear drive jswap

[@GarageBangBang]

I approve this message im aquiring the parts to do this to my hatch the only thing i cant find are transmition shift cables for a mid engine j swap

[@matthewpere1975]

@jedbidia1988 custom, I saw this done in a mini Cooper on another channel he had to make them longer and route through the body.

[@GarageBangBang]

@@matthewpere1975 do u remeber channel name appreciate the info i literally have everything to get it started in a cpl weeks minus the cables

[@matthewpere1975]

@jedbidia1988 Nicole Johnsons detour or type in 500 hp honda powered mini cooper

[@GarageBangBang]

@@matthewpere1975 thanks a ton man appreciate it enjoy the rest of your sunday!

[@korosuchimu1479]

The stock engine with itb's would of been cool.

[@edgarmoreno6511]

5 cylinder would be cool I'd have to say. But maybe a little tight

[@erytingcris]

Ive come across the craziest outside the box mods. Its absolutely insane. I sent an email but not sure if you guys really care.

[@devinrovell]

l15 would be great for a car that size. and would keep it a 1500! lol well 1497 or w/e but still

[@VTECAcademy]

Totally, as long as you get enough tire under there.

[@jakelong4271]

Zc would be cool. Ive never seen anyone tune one

[@tomcurtisiii9840]

A dual carb d16sohc would be cool since it would eliminate the wiring

[@VTECAcademy]

Yeah I like that option. I have a Civic 1200 I may do that to.

[@ugotdriven]

K24 Superchaged

[@tonyf2652]

Complete the car

[@dc5fallout]

Hey do you have the motor mounts for a D16a1 and what you would need to do for it? I am looking for a 2nd Gen Civic in LA Another question, would other D series transmissions mount to the D16a1? and would a P28 ECU be able to get the motor to run? And what harness would you need for it? There's a D16a1 in the junk yard with an auto this is the reason I am asking

[@nicroberts8587]

Acura Vigor 5 cylinder

[@bgee461]

A ZC is the way to go. Or d16a6.

[@victorwilks88]

Turbo R18

[@fernandocadena2625]

I got an S2000 in the garage itching for someone to tinker under her bonnet she has the oem exhaust 😅

[@hugocruz6613]

K20c Type r

[@ARPorganics]

K24 rear wheel drive, please.

[@fernandocadena2625]

Interested in an S2000 sir for content 😊

[@nukesaway4806]

Honda Goldwing flat six

[@tonykartracer8032]

I vote for a ZC DOHC............. eBay TURBO!!

[@sammyvaldez852]

I would do the f23a1 engine. That's just my preference I love the k series transmission support bearing and bseries 900hp with dog box . But for 200 bucks running am former smog emissions technician so I think about what's can I really get bard. I would love love a f23a automatic in ef hatch back. 150hp 150 torque with power steering and ac pump and condenser. No matter what it's just so basic and perfect 4300 weight accord into a 2300weight hatch. I can only imagine what's 13in lenko wheels with 23.5 racemaster slick would do stock ECU emissions harness virgin from factory. Would be like on some spec Miata wheels on Goodyear rs-a eagles. It really basic concept not $10000 swap

[@maroonsr20]

1.9 tdi... thing would rip!!!

[@crypticalgravy271]

What about a D16Y8 or D16Z6?

[@1972mdc]

Make the background music quieter

[@milkman2705]

awd-B20

[@TheDrtye]

L15a? Or just too tall with the intake manifold?