papaown

Hey everyone, got another question before I start. I currently have 8k (usd) to spend, and I will be moving to Montreal. Gas is crazy there, so I was thinking possibly about a civic and a decent engine swap. I'm new to Hondas, grew up around American cars most of my life, so please correct me if I'm wrong, I like constructive criticism.

Current list :

-Adjustable coilovers
-GSR Engine/Tranny swap
-Slotted/drilled rotors
-New rims/tires
-Underdrive crank/alternator pullies
-CAI
-4-2-1 header
-test pipe
-Apexi WS2 Catback (once it is all installed, I'll determine if it's too raspy or not, if it is, I'll be putting a high flow cat in place of the test pipe)
-New clutch/ lightweight flywheel
-Simple launch controller
-Front/Rear sway bars

If anyone has any input or alternatives that I should do, please let me know. I'm pretty new to Hondas, so I'm sure I could get more power for cheaper.

~P.S. I will be getting a pretty beat up Civic hatchback, doing the body work myself (no rust, just dings) it's pretty much just a roller Civic with stock rims, no engine/tranny. I will possibly be going b18c (gsr) but if anyone thinks a different route would be better, let me know. Also, does anyone have any estimates on possible drag times with slicks, I would consider myself a pretty good driver. Thanks.

nix94delsol

JDM H22a with M2B4 LSD transmission. You came from american cars and this is torquey as hell.

papaown

I've heard that the H22 transmission isn't near as reliable as the GSR? Correct me if I'm wrong?

nix94delsol

its fine as long as you dont drive like an *******. Mine never had any problems. Go H2b if possible though, i just figured an LSD in an h22 transmission would be easier.

papaown

Nah, I'm not one of those people that go crazy launching at lights, or rev at every possible moment. I drive like a grandma on the street, and occasionally like to hit up the track, and I take an overkill amount of care of my cars. I won't be installing this myself, would an H or a B series be cheaper on the wallet to install?

cleansi

most importantly a good tune

nix94delsol

you get more for your money with an H22a. I had more torque than a b16 did horsepower, which is cool. If you decide to go with the H series get the USDM p13 ecu that goes to the VTEC model prelude, its not governed as opposed to the JDM one. The only drawback ive ever seen to an h series is the tranny cables, which isnt a big deal. Instead of using linkages they use a cable system very close to that of the K series. if theyre at too much of an angle theyll bend and gears could become disabled (ask me how i know). As long as theyre not binding youre all set.

papaown

Wouldn't this be an unbelievably expensive install if it's relatively the same as a K series? Sorry for all of the questions lol, learning. I've heard the k series is almost a waste of money, just because of the difficulty of installation?

nix94delsol

nahh, k series are so expensive because of the "k pro" system needed to run it. An H22a is a set of mounts, a tiny bit of wiring, a set of axles, and you have to move your radiator fan cause the slave cylinder gets in the way of the fan. youll also need a new fuel line unless you use the one off a 93 accord. The swap took me 2 weeks total. thats hitting an unbelieveable amount of snags.

papaown

Thanks a ton, you were a huge help. I'm actually going to go H22a now because of cost, and I love torque

Vindicator9000

You're going to have problems finding a hatch in Montreal that's not terribly rusted.

I see nothing wrong with your list other than the slotted rotors. I wouldn't waste my money on them, they're not any better than OEM on a Civic.

If you do suspension, go either full coilovers, or replace the shocks if you're doing sleeve coilovers. Stock shocks can't handle a drop for long without blowing

I like the GSR swap. I got one myself, with a B16 transmission. It's fun, and easier than an H22 swap.

nix94delsol

no prob bud, il PM you my cell number just in case you get stuck somewhere, ive done the swap twice so i have some experience.

THEdumbGURU

one caveat for the OP. i have heard that the h series swaps tend to make the car a little nose heavy. but nix94delsol can probably confirm or deny if the handling is really affected at all by the added weight up front

nix94delsol

nahh not really, the only thing that i felt that messed with the steering, is not having power steering =P

THEdumbGURU

that might make something of a difference lol. but yeah i've never owned or driven a h swapped car so i was only going off info i had researched before thanks for clearing that up (for me and the OP)

nix94delsol

its quite a shock going from a d15b7 to an H22a daily driven. The first time i drove it i got out and i was all shaky lol

THEdumbGURU

that would be quite a change.... not a bad change though lol

Jimster480

B20VTEC is another option, but that depends on what your emissions lets you get away with.

THEdumbGURU

i don't believe that you can buy a complete b20 swap (correct me if i am wrong ... again) and the b20 doesn't have near as much hp as a h22. just food for thought on that

azandford

just build whatever comes in the car and turbo it

THEdumbGURU

but that would probably end up costing more and being less reliable/ have worse mpg than a swap. and since the OP wants to have a decently fuel efficient car that has some kick (that's how i interpreted their first post) a swap makes a little bit more sense. my $0.02

Jimster480

B20VTEC man.

THEdumbGURU

??

nix94delsol

B20 block, b18c1/5 or b16a2/3 head

Jimster480

you dont know what that is? is that what your saying?