Topic: Engine Decision

[Masta]

I'm starting to save up my money to go for an engine swap in my 99 Civic Ex and I'm wanting to go with either a h23 block with h22a vtec head(or just a jdm h22a) or go with a b20vtec combination(Possibly a jdm gsr or type r engine would work for me but I'd really rather stick with the larger displacement bc of torque, but I don't mean take a 1.8 and stroke it to a 2.0 or 2.1 or whatever, i want this car to last, so plz don't recommend a b18c motor stroked unless you absolutely believe that it would last.). Any way I go I'm wanting to boost it and I'm wanting to push around 12-16 lbs of boost. I know all of the engines would be powerful so It's not really a matter of which would have the better output, but I don't really know which one would hold up the longest and would be easier to drop in. Also I would like to know what tranny would go best with the b20vtec. I'm not for positive but I'm guessing sticking with a prelude tranny for the h23 or h22 swap would be the best bet, but i could be wrong so thats why i'm asking. I know to stick with the tranny that came with the engine for the gsr and type-r so thats not a question I need answered(Unless I'm wrong) Also, before yall have to ask... I'm wanting this to be a streetable car, but almost to the point to where its not. I want to be able to run very quick times at the track, but also be able to drive it around like a weekend show-off car. It will NOT be a daily driver. Just driven around town once and a while, and to the drag strip, and to shows. So also before you inquire into to much thought, I would also like to know about any suspension adjustments or axle changes I would have to make or any other changes.

[OverLord]

Since you are planning on boosting the motor, I would suggest you get a B18C and sleeve it to 84mm with (Golden Eagle, darton, or RS machine) sleeves. This will get you close to 2.0 liters. I would then get some turbo pistons (JE, Weisco, Endyn) 8.5-9.5 CR for streetability, If you have access to 93+ octane you could use a higher CR. Get some good rods (eagle, crower, manley, pauter) and have the entire rotating assembly balanced and blueprinted. I would suggest you have an experienced honda machine shop do all of the work for you. I would use the stock cams and get a complete port and polish done on the head to improve flow. Research the typr of turbo system that will work best for your combo. A popular turbo is the t3/t4 hybrid for its faster spool and larger power potential. Build the turbo system with good components. For the tranny you probably want to also stick with the GSR. It has taller gears than the type r but shorter than the LS tranny so it should work fine. Of course you want to get a good clutch and resurface the flywheel as well.

This combo will give you good power and one hell of a fun car. Just so you know When using an H22 you only have one tranny choice, with the B series motors you have many choices. Also if you plan on boosting you will have no worries about torque trust me. Any more questions fire away.

[Masta]

Thx Overlord! I had thought all along that going with the b18c would probably be the best bet but I just couldn't hide the fact that I wanted the FAT torque the prelude engines have. All your ideas go along with what I would have planned so... Thx very much for helping me along with my decision.  

[OverLord]

That is what we are here for. I had the same questions when I was trying to decide and TORQUE was huge for me as well. Trust me with a turbo B18 you will love the torque it creates.

[utahteg]

Overlord is right, with a turbo you can pretty much double your torque with about 6-8 lbs of boost (depends on the engine, turbo, and setup of course).