Originally Posted by
redr2
I have virtually the same engine in my '78 Civic with dual carbs and several other mods. I have also driven another 1st gen Civic with a D16Y8 (VTEC). The EK/EL motors with the twin carbs pull harder out of the hole (more torque) but they cannot hang with the newer VTEC motor once you reach about 4000 rpm. This is with a stock D16 accept for the header.
I like the old school motors for the torque and general retro look but must admit that $ for $ the D16 VTEC swap is the way to go. There is not too much point in boosting the motors, nitrous, etc as they become limited with the lack of traction and this is with 15" Z rated tires.
There are few cars on the road that can keep up with these little cars running these VTEC swaps.