habanerored06si

So I'm in the process of putting a swap into my Sol. I have a friend whos selling me a b16 that has had work done on it and has been very well maintained (he's a mechanic and takes pride in his property).

He's selling a B16A OBD1

Specs (for those who don't know already and just to help visualize comparisons)

JDM B16A (Second Generation)

Found in:
1992 JDM Acura Integra "XSi" (DA6)
1991–1994 JDM Honda Civic Sir/SiRII (EG6)
1991–1993 JDM Honda Civic Ferio SiR (EG9)
1992–1995 JDM Honda CRX Del sol SiR (EG2)
1996–1998 JDM Honda Civic Sir/SiRII (EK4)
1995–1998 JDM Honda Civic Ferio Si (EK4)
Displacement: 1,595 cc (97.3 cu in) 1.6-liter
Compression: 10.4:1
Bore: 81.0 mm (3.2 in)
Stroke: 77.4 mm (3.0 in)
Rod Length: 134 mm (5.3 in)
Rod/stroke ratio: 1.745
Power: MT: 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @ 7,800 rpm & 16.0 kg·m (157 N·m; 116 lb·ft) @ 7,300 rpm
VTEC engagement: 5800 rpm
Redline: 8200 rpm (AT: 7700 rpm )
Transmission: YS1/S4C/Y21/S21 (4.4 final drive, optional LSD)
ECU code: P30 (EG2/EG6/EG9)
OBD1

However there has been alot of K20A3's popping up in my area for sale.

Specs

K20A3

Found In
2002-2005 Honda Civic Si (EP3)
2002-2004 Honda Civic SiR (EP3)(Canadian version of US Civic Si)
2002-2006 Acura RSX
Displacement: 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in)
Compression: 9.8:1
Power: 160 hp(120 kW) @ 6500 rpm(SAE net J1349 Rev 8/04)
Torque: 140 lb·ft (190 N·m)* (191 N·m) @ 5000 rpm(SAE net J1349 Rev 8/04)
Redline: 6800 rpm
i-VTEC Engagement Window: 2200 rpm

I'm going with a B16 because long-term I want to go boost. From the research I've conducted, B16a (for my budget [$400-$600], it's DOHC, Great Gas milage, has great compression) is my top choice however this motor lacks in Torque.

Then I'm noticing k20a3 long block + tranny's going for around 500-600 (Having the i-Vtec, and more Torque). No ecu's or axles so I'd have to purchase them for another $200-$300? Fab work I'd do myself.

So I want boost long-term, you've seen my budget (or financial figures I want to stay around), fab work and installation would be done by myself. Which route would you guys suggest for my needs?

*For arguments sake please stick to these two engines (K20a3 and B16A. Of course B16A2/A3 can be discussed). Better alternatives; B18c1/B18c5/H22/H2B/K20Z/K20A etc, are not in my price range. B18B is an unfavorable option as it doesn't have Vtec.

Bseriescivic5

Honestly, I like the B16a over the k20a3 all day long... its a MUCH easier swap to do, axells will run you more than that, depending what chasis this is going in will dictate the rest, but your going to need a mount kit, shifter box, Kpro... etc... so in the end, the b16a swap is like 1500 bucks tops all said and done, and the k20 is easilly over 3k most likely.

JDM_teh_WIN!!

I would say if you plan on boosting either platform is good. I wouldn't choose a K20A3 because of the head, no vtec on the exhaust side. Good exhaust flow is imperative to making power. That said it would cost more to replace the head with a Type-S or Type-R head.

m_shake

There's a reason k20a3 swaps are cheap, they are garbage. Just getting all the stuff needed to do the k swap will cost alot...

habanerored06si

Argh, you know what I forgot about the shift box required for K-Swaps.

Thanks for the quick replies guys. I'm going B series.

kyden

shift box, mounts, k pro, etc.

Bseriescivic5

yea, its the "KISS" principle.... Now, if you plan to make big power down the road you would already have the K-swap stuff to support a better K-platform, but honestly its not worth the hassel.... I still dont buy into all the K-series hype.... all motor is one thing, but the fastest turbo cars are still B-series.