1.8 in my 1990

[Mikkels]

This weekend was a bit of a car weekend. Most of the time
spent attempting to replace the rear trailing arm bush in my
sons Integra but that is another story.

The bracket for the coils on the 1.8 has been modified to
take the 1.6 coils. Just needs some final holes drilled and
painting. I removed the Throttle body from the 1.8 manifold
and have the metal gasket as a template for making the
adapter. I removed the throttle body from the 1.6 to get
the paper gasket for comparison but unfortunately the gasket
is well stuck on so replaced the throttle body and will
order a fresh gasket.

Removed the cam cover on the 1.8 and noticed some minor
corrosion on several lobes of both cams. I panicked a bit
but ended up gently removing with 1200 paper and coating in
oil. The surface seems OK but maybe someone can tell me if
this will be OK.

Picked up the lightened flywheel from the machinist and
torqued and loctited in place. The next job is to get some
1/8 plate aluminium and make the adapter plate together with
modifying the plenum lower bolt locations to accept the 1.6
Throttle body. I am still a little unsure on this process
but I guess the only way to find out how is to go ahead and
do.

Anybody out there got an old 1.6 Throttle body that I can
use so I can keep my car mobile while I fiddle with the 1.8.
I would appreciate and return when the project is complete.

Don

[ross campbell]

Don; Give me a call, I have a few. Ross.

[Mikkels]

Many thanks Ross

I'll be in touch on Friday - You get to have a drive - if it
ever goes!

Don

[...]

[Mikkels]

Not much progress this weekend either. Other things on the agenda. The
coil bracket for the 1.8 has been modified to accept the 1.6 coils
thanks to a guy from work just some minor finishing work to do before it
is ready to go on. I removed the manifold ready to take in for welding
and machining to take the 1.6 throttle body, this will happen this week
I hope.


A couple more questions occupy my thoughts:

Oxygen sensor: The 1.6 oxygen sensor is mounted in the exhaust manifold
and is an unheated variety. The 1.8 version is a heated type and is
fitted to the down tube. I presume the system can tolerate the sensor
in a cooler place because it is a heated sensor. I plan to fit a 1.8
extractor which will site the sensor in this cooler point.

Will the 1.6 sensor be OK there or will I need to install a heated
sensor or get the mounting moved up one of the pipes closer to the
engine? I do not have a 1.8 sensor so would prefer to just fit the 1.6
in to the 1.8 mounting point.


Should I pull the engine and gearbox out as one unit or is just engine
easier?


Don

[lou Girardin]

Use the 1.8 O2 sensor, it's more accurate. Engine and gearbox is easier, if
you can get the car high enough.

[Mikkels]

This week has seen the loan throttle body (thanks Ross) and the manifold
go to an engineering shop to be mated up together.. The work required
is to weld up the bottom two mounting holes in the manifold and drill
and tap two new ones to match the 1.6 throttle body. In addition some
machining of the right side of the manifold is required to allow the
Throttle Position Sensor room. I hope to get the completed bits back
next week.


I purchased a nice set of extractors from Ross and have removed the old
exhaust assembly from the new motor and test fitted the extractors.
They certainly look the business. I am taking them to High Performance
Coatings to be coated. Give a nice alloy like look to the metal which
is very durable and meant to decrease heat radiation under the bonnet.
Spent a good part of the weekend polishing the Cam cover. This is still
not finished. It takes ages but looks great when done. I have still to
finish off the coil bracket and test mount the coils and leads. I need
to fabricate the adapter plate for the throttle body also. After that
just the clutch to fit and then I need the 1.6 out of old red.


As you can tell I'm not in any special hurry to get the job done. Just
fitting it in around my life.


Don