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I bought a 1996 Honda Civic DX two weeks ago from a private seller.  I've already had numerous problems with it, most of which have been resolved, but a couple of mechanics have told me that it has the wrong motor in it--a J8 instead of a J6. They say that this is why the engine 'pings' or taps when I'm accelerating or going uphill. There are some connectors inside the car that don't match up.

One mechanic says that too much pinging can damage the car & suggested that I try premium gas to see if it makes a difference.  I did put in premium last time, although I don't think it makes a big difference with the sounds.  

The other mechanic says that it shouldn't cause long-term damage.  He said that fixing it would require going to the salvage yard & looking underneath cars to get the wiring from a J6 engine, which he doesn't have time to do.  

Right now, the car runs & idles well.  It doesn't have much zip when accelerating, and I'm trying to take it easy to avoid causing pinging, but other than that it seems fine & has passed inspection.  

My questions are:

1. Will this cause damage if I don't do anything about it, at least in the near future?  

2. Is there any other way to go about fixing it than having my mechanic look under cars in the salvage yard, which he doesn't intend to do?  

Thank you!  

there have been terrible problems with stolen motors being installed in hondas and other small cars...  

there have also been a lot of  stolen cars sold with changed numbers...  or paper work from a crashed car...

you really did not post enough engine numbers to get a proper answer...   i also try my best not to work on hondas.. only because i am familiar enough with them to really get deep into them...  other techs know more  about them... so i try to pass..

post some more engine numbers.. they are on the front of the engine near where the transmission bolts on..  


pinging can damage most car engines... it is usually caused by the EGR not functioning..  having blocked passages in the intake..  some one has messed up the vacuum hoses..

here is a search i did that found some stuff at the other various magazines on this site... you might find a bit of info there..

http://www.importtuner.com/sch/02/1996-civic/articles/index.html?SearchSource=SourceInterlinkMedia

next time you buy a car ... have a mechanic who works on that brand look at it..    or if you are a AAA member.. some of the larger offices have car inspection services for members... 70 bucks last time i heard...