What the heck is a "Mini-Me"?

Well, in some Honda circles, a Mini-Me is known as a SOHC 1.6 Liter Non-Vtec engine, mated with a later model SOHC 1.6 liter VTEC engine head.

Basically, you take a D16A6 engine (1988 Honda Civic/CRX Si) and the head from a D16Z6 (1992-1995 Honda Civic Si/Ex), and voila, a mini-me. Why would you do this? Well, it's a lot cheaper than purchasing a whole D16Z6 long block. If the D16A6 engine is already there, it is much easier to pull the head, and swap them. You get the power of VTEC, and you also raise your compression almost a full point, which could end up being good or bad.

Here are the pro's and con's as I have experienced them:

PROS:

1. Hell, you get VTEC. You also get the cool ass sound that comes with VTEC, assuming you have an aftermarket intake.
2. The new VTEC head probably has a lot less mileage on it compared to that A6 head you just pulled off with approx. 200K on it already!
3. Around 20-25 more HP depending on the tuning, etc.
4. You get to put VTEC stickers on...weeee!
5. A really nifty learning experience.

CONS:

1. Timing, timing, timing. It is a bitch to get right. You'll see...
2. The Distributor doesn't line up exactly, so a bit of creative welding (kidding), and placement is required to get it to fit correctly.
3. Aftermarket VTEC controller, or similar required, as well as new(used) FPR.
4. I'm pretty sure you just voided your factory waranty.
5. I kept getting an occasional ECU code 1, and 3.

Anyways, if you want a step by step, then click HERE to goto the write-up I did.  Otherwise, click HERE, HERE, and HERE to see the pics I took of my Mini-Me head swap.