hlang151

So I've got this 2000 Si. I love it, but it needs some love.

Currently sits pretty much stock, expect for a whale ***** and Eibach sport suspension. It's appearance is an intermediate step after being bashed at Uni by some sorority bitch. But since I can't exactly finish the paint and body work in this brick weather I'm looking to improve the inner workings of the vehicle.

My original thought was to do a B18C5 swap, but the cost for the additional power is a bit out of my range. I tossed around the idea of going LS VTEC, but this is my daily and it has got to be reliable.

So I have returned to the idea of just rebuilding what I've got. I'm totally charmed by the car and power isn't exactly my top priority.

Can anyone offer their opinions?

What are common swaps for the EK that are reasonably priced (1-2k) and good for a beginner?

If I decide to just do a complete rebuild of the B16 what will that entail (cost, time, etc)? What should I look for and what upgrades are absolutely necessary?

Honestly, I love the car as is, but these things overwhelm me and I don't even know where to start.



EDIT: after looking at that picture more I feel the need to explain myself. Those are the Honda factory performace wheels, but I got new lungs so the center caps don't fit.

CO671

iTrader: (1)

I'm a bit confused on why you would want to swap your B out for another B or anything.

For around $2,000 you can consider just turbocharging your stock B16 and tune for under 300hp

B_Swapped93

With used/cheap parts realistically you're looking at 3.5-4k if new parts are being used. Don't waste money on a N/A b16 with 110ftlbs of tq. Imo just save till you have more.

B serious

iTrader: (1)

OP, if those are Honda wheels, use ball seat lug nuts. Those appear to be just regular cone seat lug nuts that are too long. Buy ones meant for Hondas.

As far as engines go....if thats a numbers matching EM1, it might be worth it to keep it that way. I.e. rebuild the stock engine...that is...if there's anything wrong with it.

What's wrong with it that you think it needs a refresh? What are you looking to refresh? Leaky seals and T belt water pump? Or bad rings and worn cylinder walls?

purgat0ry

iTrader: (3)

Holy crap that hood...

"power isn't exactly my top priority"
Yet
"What are common swaps for the EK that are reasonably priced (1-2k) and good for a beginner?"
Op Pick one.

If you aren't having mechanical issues with the engine and it's not going to blow up the next day due to some crazy amount of neglect, just do a tune up and worry about the rest of the body / suspension / tune up.

That being said, for a DD, there is nothing really wrong with the stock 99-00 suspension, save for possibly rotten bushings and broken sway bar linkages.

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

Rebuild the B16 and make it as close to stock as possible.
The car has more value stock.
Id kill for a minty 2000 SI.
I dont know why everyone bashes the b-16... The power is there, you dont need 200hp + to go fast.
It has enough power for me in the twisties on track!

purgat0ry

iTrader: (3)

This

It's what I'm doing with mine, I'm going to enjoy the **** out of it come spring and it's completion.

doctorake

this, and it is an EM1 not an EK.

B serious

iTrader: (1)

A B16 in an EM makes for a very slow car. Don't fool yourselves into thinking B16s are quick when put into 2600+LB cars.

That being said, EM1s and any Si before 06 was always slow. There aren't any fast (factory) Si's till about 06. The point of Si's, as this OP pointed out, Is the charm that they possess. I love EM1s because they're cool...not because they're fast. They're not much faster than EX's till about 70+MPH.

But a 12 sec EX still isn't as cool as a stock EM1.

In either case....B16s are ridiculously slow in coupes.

B_Swapped93

Pretty sure that's an ej8 who molests an Si to that point, driving it in the winter even.

crazyhouse2011

Maybe a B20 would be a better choice?

B_Swapped93

confiemed

Ps go pickup under age girls

crazyhouse2011

On a side note I was on a roll in a mcdonalds drive thru the other day. Until i got to the window and the girl smiled at me. She had braces. Ugh... ****.

B_Swapped93

Aim higher then mcdons bro....starbucks at least.

hlang151

That's what I wanted to do, but pressure from my step-dad (Cadillac drag racer guy) and my boyfriend (ex-Honda guy) lead me to believe that the only cool thing possible was to swap or turbo charge. Both of which just sound over the top considering I love the car as is.

The only real problems (that I can articulate, because I know jack **** about cars) are typical 190k car problems. She BURNS oil, like 4qts or more to add between 5k. Timing belt is coming up. I wish I knew more about what I'm looking for. I just have that feeling that it needs some help, with the way it feels anymore.

hlang151

Yeaaah, just kinda ignore that failure. Full aesthetic rebuild coming in the spring and that **** will be long gone.

hlang151

Good to know my intuition on what to do with this car wasn't so bad.

EDIT: I don't know how to quote more than one post at a time.

marcelosm

I so it by hitting quote and copying what comes out. The go to whatever else you wanna quote and click quote again and just paste there.

dirty19

iTrader: (1)

I disagree with you on the fact the car isnt slow... its the driver.
Just from road racing experiences alone a competent driver can make that EM1 with the B-16 run circles around a superior HP'd car.
I've seen it dozens of times.
The engine doesnt make the car fast.. its the driver!

B serious

iTrader: (1)

^no...EM1s are slow. I will agree that during HPDE's, one can out drive other people based on skill. But if you put that same guy in a faster car, he will go faster.

All things being relative...from someone who has owned multiple EM1s and tracked an EM1....EM1s are S-L-O-W in all aspects. Maybe the name "Si" comes from the fact that you will sigh at the car's dismal performance. Not to say you can't make them go fast. Also not to say that EM1s arent awesome cars. Speed just isn't their strong point. But...it's meant to be an Si...not a type R.

Anyway, OP, I would have the original engine rebuilt with OEM parts as much as possible. Don't put something lame like a LS VTEC, GSR, or JDM B16 in an 1 that has the original engine. Keep it numbers matching unless you're actually going to a worthwhile swap. It's your car in the end...but...just my suggestion.

AlwayzN2Sumthin

Civic Jordan wheels? If I'm not mistaken. They must be very rare over in the states.