Ok, here's the deal. I have a '86 Integra (D16A1) with 263k mi on it. I'm going to rebuild or replace the engine with a J-spec. I purchased this car for $150 and don't want to sink too much into it. What would you more knowledgeable guys recommend I put in this car? I was considering a ZC in place of the current powerplant. I also considered a B18A or B, but was unsure if I would need a different transmission.
Another possibility is a frankenstien engine... mixing a head from another engine or something. I thought I read years back about putting a 18 head on a 16, but I don't remember how/why/what. I don't want this car to be fast. That's not my goal. I have a 13BT powered RX7 convertible for that and a Honda RC51 if I want to go faster than that. I was just wondering if there are any trick parts or anything I should be on the look out for while I'm in this project. Like I said... I don't want to spend much more than a proper rebuild would cost. I'm just looking for some advice on efficiently spending my money.
Also, I'm not just a backyard mechanic. I was a Rotary engine tech for years. My garage includes a TIG welders and a 9,000 lb lift. This car is just a beater that I like to run around in, cuz the Mazda and my F350 get crap fuel economy. Niether of them are very economical to take to the grocery store, either. The F350 is hard to park, sometimes, and the Mazda has no trunk space. Thanks for any input.
Don.

 

The only two engines choices I know of that will work with the stock transmission and stock engine mounts are the stock engine and the early JDM ZC (from the 1986-89 Integra and 1984-87 Civic/CRX, both sold in Japan). I don't think any other heads (besides the very similar ZC) will work on that engine either. If it's just a beater, I'd rebuilt it or drop a used stock engine in.

 

if its only a beater, just throw in some new suspension, brakes, rod ends, and drive it as is. For a cheap upgrade use ZC internals.