I'm new to the Japanese import market, I've been driving BMW's. I just recently picked up a 97 integra GS for my sons first car. The car is in great condition body and interior wise, but the engine is bad. My question is will a b18c1 be a direct replacement?

 

If you also get the ecu, and wire up vtec which is about as difficult as installing an electrical outlet.

 

You'll need a different ECU to run it and you'll need to add a wire for the VTEC solenoid, but the the motor should bolt right in.

If the car is an automatic its more difficult, I'm not aware of any drop-in ECU that will work for that.

 

I don't need the harness?

 

Sorry for being a noob. I drive a BMW 550i m sport, so I know about those. But these Japanese imports are a little different. The is going to be for my son in a year or two.

 

Is the ecu different for an automatic?

 

The harness will make it easier since no need to wire vtec, and yes auto ecus are different.

 

So if I buy the harness, ecu, and motor I should be good?

 

Should be!

 

Thanks. Is there any upgrades I should make to the motor while its out? So I'm not struggling after the motor is back in?

 

Not necessarily upgrades but a full timing job, water pump, cam and crank seals, valve cover gasket, maybe oil pan gasket. Preventative stuff

 

Cool thanks for your help and time.

 

Is the GS an auto or manual? If it's an auto you'll need a JDM B18C auto ECU since there is no USDM ECU that will work.

 

Is the GS an auto or manual? If it's an auto you'll need a JDM B18C auto ECU since there is no USDM ECU that will work.

+1 to all this, and oil seals will wear a groove into the shafts over time, so if you can feel it with your fingernail, either sleeve the shaft or seat the seal such that the lips aren't lined up with the groove. Also the MyHondaHabit oil pan gasket is great, it's a bit expensive compared to OEM but definitely worth it.

 

It's an auto

 

If that's the case, and you don't want to do an auto to manual swap, have you considered swapping in a B20? The gear ratios in the auto will completely neuter the B18C even if you did get it all working properly, so you might as well save yourself $1500 and a lot of trouble. The B20 will drop right in and run with the same ECU, wiring, and trans no problem, and still have more power and torque than the stock motor if you opt for the high compression version.

 

I'm being told that a b20 in my 97 integra might not pass smog in California does anyone know if that's true?

 

That's a good point, I didn't realize you were in CA. If I recall correctly, the B20 is considered a "light truck engine" in CA so you won't be able to pass smog with it.

 

I think my eyes are bleeding from all the info I've been reading. Yeah I don't think it's going to work. Imy probably going to build my stock b18b1 to handle boost all new internals. I think that's going to be the easiest way to go.