VoltageLS

Hey guys, i've been debating on what engine swap i'm gonna do to my 97 HB, and it's finally becoming a reality after i get my check from the insurance company. I've basically narrowed it down to 3 choices...listed below. What do you guys think? Is the B18C1 worth the extra $ over the B16, if i'm looking for something relatively inexpensive and reliable? I know that the extra torque on the B18's really help getting around town, just want to hear personal opinions.


[Modified by VoltageLS, 4:37 PM 1/1/2002]

HXMan

Well...since you said something reliable, that kinda cuts out the b18b turbo.

I have a b16a2 but would have to recommend a b18c. Torque really helps, and a b16 doesn't have **** for torque!

gsrvx

The b18b turbo can be reliable...but you can't be cheap. I agree with HXMan, b18c1 is the way to go.

-Rod

clean

where do you even get a b18b from, all i see is b16a and b18c1's or 5s. never seen a b18b for sale where i looked online

jdmciviceg

b18c1 all the way. Way fun and very dependable. Its worth the extra $$ over the b16a2.

Darin D.

b16a...unless you want the car to be fast.

Spade

I voted for the B18C1 however, (pause for effect) if you are mainly just daily driving with a little bit of racing get yourself a B20Z........TORQUE the starting point in all engines. Horsepower is just how fast you can rev the torque......hint hint.

milo

B18C- if you want a fast, reliable car..

KawiGreenVTEC

GSR

Speed PHreak

Well my vote goes for the Turbo LS, i'm kinda biased tho........I don't daily drive mine. But I used to daily drive an LS hatch before I wrecked it, torque is good!

WhiteHonda

I say go H22 theres your torque and your HP for the same price as the b16.. but the mount kit is gonna get ya.... prolly still worth the money

SoulSurfer

H22 in a Civic for a daily driver? I sure hope not.

KawiGreenVTEC

And tell me why not? Please I would like to know have you ever driven a Civic H22 Hybrid, because if you had you would know that this "oh H22 is too heavy" bullcrap is just that bullcrap, it's a myth, yes it does make a Civic a little front heavy but not anything like people make it out to be. I ship motors all over the country a H22 with tranny is only approx 200lbs heavier than a GSR with tranny. It's not as heavy as everyone makes it out to be, and there are plenty of people daily driving H22 Hybrid Civic's.

jdm_latino

hey kawi
how much for a h22a swap compleat shipped to 14301

shawnhayes

It's not just the weight, it's the extra cutting/welding that needs to be done. The B-series, as you know, swaps in very well, and you have to just plain screw it up to make it unreliable.

An H-22, on the other hand, requires custom fabrication just to mount (yes, sure HASPORT has done most of the work BUT) - if just ONE of those custom welds (heck, even if it was welded - which some people don't even do) breaks, then you might be driving a 2500 lb unguided missile.

The question was a "reliable" swap. While an H-22 can be reliable, that depends on too many "if's" for most of the folks around here.

wuhungsixxx

my b18c kicks ***...hehehe

VoltageLS

Well, it looks like the consensus would overwhemingly be in favor of the B18C1. Now what if we looked at the price/value factor. Is it genuinely worth the extra 1k over a B16a2? That extra 1k would help me make the car an even more complete vehicle, possibly netting some suspension upgrades and not to mention a nice set of fastbrakes with upgraded calipers. I personally haven't rode in a B16a2 or B18C equipped vehicle, but i'd like to hear some of your personal stories about how you felt about the cars you've rode in with these swaps. Thanks guys..this is why i came here in the first place, look at the posts in this thread, really informative!

KawiGreenVTEC

Been driven em for 3 years without becoming a "guided missle"

shawnhayes

Most people who bother doing the H22 swap can do it well, but the question was "reliable daily driver" - all the custom welding/fabrication makes the H22 not fit the "reliable daily driver" qualification. On the other hand, there is no difference to the stock B-series motors being bolted into Civic chassis than the stock intention, and these parts are tested extensively for roadworthiness.

So, sure, the H22 can be a reliable daily driver, but it requires hard work and a dedicated swapper to do it properly - making the B series motors a better choice because almost anybody with a proper set of hand tools, a motor lift, and a service manual can make a B series swap reliable.

KawiGreenVTEC

Point well taken.

rioninja

If its a daily driver, i agree with spade. B20 all the way.

gsrvx

That's pretty much why I'm deciding to go with a gsr motor once i get my hatch. I was going to have a h22 swap done...but I'm a newbie when it comes to performance...and you gotta start at the shallow end. If I ever wanna do maintainence, modifications, or anything else...I wouldn't feel comfortable with the h22. Seems like there are so many more resources for b series engines.

-Rod

91int

How about a ls/vtec @ 195hp ? check out package 2. Cost around $8.5K (approx.)
http://www.importbuilders.com/crated_motors.htm

Yesman

I can vouch for this statement. bishop--who drives a 00 honda civic Si.

HXMan

You need to come to the darkside then.....