I'm looking to swap in a motor in my 99civic EX, i also have a 99si with the basic bolt ons. I wanna do a swap that will put my EX at around the same level as my Si. These are the 2 cheapest swaps i can find that put out reasonable numbers.
F23A1(sohc vtec 2.3 liters, 150hp, 152tq) B18B(dohc 1.8 liters, 140hp, 124-8tq)
I've already looked into cost issues for both swaps and they are around the same cost to put it in and running. I'm not looking to go any kinda forced induction, only the basic bolt ons(I/H/E) Maybe high flow cat, TB, camshft,cam gears. Most of the money went into the suspension. I'm looking for your opinions on this, and see if you know of anyone thats done thses swaps.

 

b18b ... ive seen people ask about the f23 swap but i never actually seen it done

 

hey man, the f23a1 is going to give u hella problems. it is a much more difficult swap to do with not so much less potential, but less cheap potential than the trusty b-series. the b-series will bolt up into your car with very minimal work, the f23 is going to take custom axles, shift linkage, motor mounts, ecu, etc. but most of all the b18b is about the same price to begin with and is dohc, despite not being vtec, is an all around great motor even with the comon bolt ons. stick with the b-series, you're looking at to much work for not enough pay off with the f23a1. plus, if you ever decide you want vtec, do a frankenstein swap and ur looking at somewhere in the range of 180hp, for maybe 700-1000 dollars, and if u ever did change ur mind and go turbo, the b18b is a great candidate.

 

i'd love to see someone do the F23 swap....I believe it has hella potential.

It has roller rockers....

custom cam regrind
ARP rod bolts.
H22 pistons. (sleeves need to be bored .040) and rods machined
TUNING

oh, and an H22 transmission

that would be sick, but a helluva lot harder than an LS swap.