1997 Honda Civic HX- Rebuild??

[boostmaster]

Hey all:

My little civic is sick!
She's got some bad bearings. (rings are worn as well) Engine has 230k.
It's a D series d16Y5 if I am not mistaken.

So, I'm kinda stuck. Not sure which route to take and looking for some input.
Body is in decent shape with a little bit of rust in the quarters (the usual spot for these cars). Interior is decent. 5-speed is near perfect with new clutch.

I was thinking of rebuilding but with machine work and the probable need for a new crank it would be well over $1k.

I was thinking of buying an imported low-mile engine but we're close to $1k again.

I even briefly considered a swap to a (b series?) but I really like the mpg and have to keep a very tight budget.

Not really sure if it's feasible to spend so much on a car that is not worth a whole lot. Looking for some suggestions.

Any thoughts, tips, tricks, input is welcome!

[Daox]

Are there any in the local salvage yards with lower mileage?

[boostmaster]

Actually, there's usually one or two Honda's in the local yards but they are usually just shells by the time anyone can get to them. Besides, there's the issue of finding a like-kind D16Y5 and of course the likelihood that the salvaged car's engine was no good as well...

I'm leaning more towards the rebuild with my machine shop doing the clean up, pistons, bearings and crank- maybe freshen up the head while I'm at it. (I've been hunting around and can get a crank and a complete rebuild kit for about $500 total.)- So, then it's just the matter of the machine work and minimal labor. I can do the rest.

Still not sure if it's the best idea or not.

Any other thoughts? Even ideas on the potential rebuild are appreciated.

[Baltothewolf]

Absolutely rebuild it. Good tranny, decent body, and 230k miles is good to get out a car, rebuild and go for 460k :P. They don't make the newer Hondas like they used to.