I have a 1999 non VTEC Integra GS. I was wondering if there is a way to convert my current engine to VTEC or if I would be better off just buying a VTEC engine and doing a swap? Your opinions are much appreciated.

 

its called LS-V...

 

i'll be nice tonight...

its really up to you and your budget, plus how much you know about working on your motor (in the case it doesnt seem like you know alot)

just remember when doing LS-V you need to make sure you have everything before you start the install, or your just going to run into a big headache.

LS-V would be cheaper, if you have the parts (know what your looking for), and have the time to do it right. A swap would be "easier" but it could cost more, and you never know the actually condition of the motor, unless your buying it from someone you know.

just my 2 cents..

 

I have a friend who is a good mechanic and it was him that suggested converting to vtec. I just wanted to get some educated opinions from the community, because as you stated I do not know much about working on cars. I will never claim to be the most knowledgeable person when it comes to cars either. Cut me some slack here I am trying to learn.

 

and thats exactly why i made a second post in your thread. lol

 

Well I did find an article on Modified.com detailing the procedure for doing the VTEC head and ECU swap. It would seem as if that is the cheaper way to go and yes I am very limited as far as budget goes so a swap, (although I would love to swap to a GSR motor) really would not be economical for me. I do also intend to convert it to a 5 speed sometime down the road as well since it is an automatic. My wife is also currently driving the car and she didn't want a manual.

 

Here is a thread on how to convert it. This topic has been covered 100,000,000,000,000 times.

https://honda-tech.com/forums/all-motor-naturally-aspirated-44/how-build-%22reliable%22-lsvtec-b20vtec-1676914/

Read up and decide yourself. Although I think if I were you I would buy a gsr swap.

 

Here is a link to convert. I wouldn't waste the time or money though. When you're ready to build one sell your car and go buy a stick

https://honda-tech.com/forums/hybrid-engine-swaps-18/%5Bfaq%5D-96-00-auto-manual-swap-full-detail-44pics-2545764/

 

I think I can give you a straight forward answer....

• You mentioned that you have an automatic. In the US, none of the Vtec engines came in automatic - they were all manual. In Japan, there was a Vtec with automatic transmission but they were not very common. Therefore before you move forward, you'll need to figure out where/how to find a rare ecu for vtec w/automatic tranny.Without the proper ecu, your engine won't run. You may be able to get your stock ecu chipped for vtec - I'll leave that up to you to research.

• You can find a Vtec head for about 300 bucks. Vtec oil line kit with head gasket is about 200. So figure 5-600 all in. Assuming your friend will help you with the install. This would be a very basic motor with not much power potential due to the weak bottom end. If you have more time/money - you can build up the bottom end to handle the power. In which case, expect to spend at least $1200 total for a decently built ls/vtec engine that should last awhile.

• You can find a full b16 swap for about $1000 bucks nowadays. Drop in, plug and play. A GSR swap will run you about $1500 - $2000. This would be the easiest way to go. Hopefully your friend can help with the swap. If not, expect at least $600-$1000 for labor.

 

^
truth.

 

Don't drop a smaller engine in your car just because it has vtec. It may rev higher but it has less torque.

 

There's absolutely no point in doing an LS-V without spending the money to make it reliable, so figure on >$1000 for the conversion. Honestly, if you want a manual with a stronger engine and a manual tranny, I think the most time and money effective option is probably to buy a different car.

 

Don't waste your time and money on LS-VTEC...either be happy with what you have, or save up money and get a B18C1 or B18C5 swap. If I were you, I would just turbo what you have now, and keep it non-VTEC...but considering you had to ask this question, a basic set-up would probably be the best solution for you.

 

ditch the auto and buy a stick no matter what you do the auto will kill it for you.It is a pain in the *** to swap to a stick plus the car always feels sluggish after and does not feel soild. ive done one swap on a crx auto to standerd it just didnt feel the same as a stock stick. Just because you have it does not mean you have to mod it save your self the time and regret.

 

A couple of grand for the auto swap and a couple grand for the VTEC conversion is almost as much as you'd need to buy a GS-R, or swap a B20 or B18 into a Civic chassis.