hey guys, whats up? i'm not too familiar with hondas (i normally drive a tundra) and i just got my hands on a 98 civic lx sedan (my sister's old car), and i plan on using it as a daily driver. however, i also cannot stand it's anemic d16, so obviously i plan on doing a swap in the future. i was looking at doing an h22 swap into this car, but i'm not too sure if it's the better route to take. so i guess i've got two questions:

1) is an h22 worth the added weight over a b16/b18? and
2) what should i look out for?

thanks for the answers, sorry if it seem like a stupid topic to start

 

Take it from experience, h22s are a pain. Try a b18, smaller and they make close to the same power

 

Cute EK:

obviously, you've done it, so i'm inclined to believe you. from what i've read on doing searches, a few people are saying that simple bolt-ons (I/H/E) require even a little modification to fit within the engine bay of a civic. others are saying that it isn't too difficult, and that you'd get more power and torque using the same bolt-ons. in the end, all i want is something reliable, with a good amount of power. not looking to blow the doors off everyone i come across, but something that can get me from point a to point b while standing a good chance. don't plan on doing too much autocrossing, or anything similar. really, any help and/or elaborations would be VERY appreciated.

p.s. i'm also doing searches as we speak

 

If you're looking for something better power, but is still reliable, try a b16. They're cheaper anyway.

 

i found an h22 copmlete for 2300, and a b16 for approx 2500. not trying to disprove you in anyway, as i'm the newbie. ASSUMING the prices of both engines are accurate, would the cost difference lie in the install of the engines? If i got the b16 (or b18), i would swap it in myself, as 3 of my friends have swapped a B-series int otheir civics. also, would the OBD1 installed in a 98 Civic pass CA smog? Thanks again

 

You would not pass smog. Swapped motors have to be of the same year as the car or newer. You cannot change an OBD2 car to an obd1. But, even though it won't pass smog, doesn't mean you can't find a way. I have a 97 with a 89 B16 in it. haven't had any problems with Johhny Law yet.

 

no sorry using an obd1 system on a obd2 system wouldnt b able to pass smog. u have to make sure the motor is above the year of the car. for example u cant put a '95 b18b1 into a '97 civic. see the problem is if u want to have the car bar-ed then u would have to make sure u have a newer or the same year motor.

 

The thing you have to realize is that even thought the H22 might only run you 2300 bucks, there are a lot of hidden costs that you'll need. Mounts, axels, shift linkage, intermediate shaft, shifter box, and so on. That swap could easily put you close to 4 grand in just parts to make it work. If I were you, I'd go GSR. It's a direct bolt in and you said you're not looking for the faster car, just something reliable. I've had both and I'd suggest the B18C1.

 

$4k is about right for the H swap. Its a harder install, but you'll be faster than you would with a B series, which is much more of a direct bolt in swap.

 

well, i think i'm just going to do a B-series swap. i think that although it may (or may not be) as fast as an H series engine, the ease of install would be better on the B series. now, what are some things i should look out for when getting an engine? would N/A tuning be beneficial to the engine?