I would like to take the time to thank everyone for reading through this and stating your proper opinion.

Basically, this is a simple question. I haven't gotten to the planing yet. What's a good place to start for me and my situation?

I don't make a heap of money but want to swap motors for something with less mileage on it, and build it into something powerful yet equally as reliable for a daily driver.(That's my plan for now, daily driver swap, but the more I think about that, the more I feel it isn't really worth it, or is it?). As a novice JUST stepping into the honda scene, and barely begining to get my hands dirty with cars, what do you guys recomend I do?

A. Should I just keep driving my 91 da daily, save for a swap, swap the motor, and build the top end the best I could? Then, if I feel I want to go deeper, drop the pistons and keep stock compression but put in better pistons? That way I keep it RELIABLE.

B. Should I buy a daily that I don't have to worry about at all and keep the da at bay and buy the b16a sirII motor, strip it to it's bare bones and begin work that way? Rasing compression, doing whatever I feel I need to-to get the kind of power I want while keeping reliability so I can race this thing for 4-5 years? Basically, Put away the DA and build it into an all DRAG car.

Should I, C? Seeing as I have no experience with these motors, or racing, just go ahead and drop in the b16 sirII into my 91 da so that I can grab a hold of what the motor is capable of compared to my stock LS b18a and go from there? And at the same time, I will have a more recent model engine running the car while I bring my LS block home and build an LS vtec?

D, Get the b16 sirII swapped, and just take it slow. Make it look nice with a clean wire tuck and get used to what vtec has to offer and see where to go from there.

I just feel if I drop in the b16, drive it everyday, I will put uneccessary wear on it so that when I get the chance to start building up the top end, slowly, it's going to be time to swap another motor because it's been my beater.

I guess what I'm looking for personally, is experience. I want to go through engines and see what's what. I want to know everything there is to know about hondas' jdm b-series engines, I feel like the B is a great place to begin for an enthusiast like me, I just don't know exactly where to start. B16 sirII in my daily sounded pretty good at first, but not so good now... I dont' know..Reading about what people are doing has helped, but most have been in the scene for so long, it's second nature to them. Me, I'm 6 months into it and going strong. I just want to make sure I make the right choice for me as I dont have money to just throw around at this point in my life, but I can't just sit here and look at my car, I have to fix every minor issue, do tune-ups, clean it, take car of it, untill it's perfect... All my money has been invested into my da thus far, and I plan to keep it up.


Or straight up, am I asking stupid questions? A B series sirII isn't that expensive, so just ******* pop one in your car... and rip it up.


I feel D is the way to go because it's more attainable and will be fun to do.

What would you do?

 

I say you keep your DA(my fav. body style EVER) and drop a 1st gen b16 into it. Then, take your b18 non vtec block and build it up to how yo want it and pop the b16 head on to it .Then you will have a reliable ls/vtec that would be pretty fast and pretty easy to maintain. The b16 will serve you well until you are ready to drop in the built b18 block.Once you have that block in with the b16 head, you can really start to do some upgrades as far as cams and valvetrain & maybe some portwork. I suggest you do A LOT of reading and use the search function that this site has to offer.You will learn a lot just from reading.

 

depending on the condition of your current motor, i would keep the stock motor...look for a cheap ls block and vtec head and build it on the side...when its all done put it in...
the reason i say this is because you said you were on a budget...this is the cheapest way to go about what you want to accomplish....

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i say this is because you said you were on a budget...</TD></TR></TABLE>

I don't know why I said that, I guess what I meant was I'm gong to spill every cent I save, on my car....

Alright thanks guys for throwing out some more ideas for me to think about. The thing is, I think I really like this as a hobbie, I really enjoy everything that goes with building an old school import from chassis on up. From reading all about it, to buying parts and finding hook ups to actually spending time upgrading the ride to an all out streetable beast that will see the track. I'm not at that level, but It's something I feel I can enjoy doing for a long long time.

Right now, I've been seriously thinking about buying a daily eg hatch/coupe. I like that car and I think it would be fun to have the da as a project car because that way, I can officially call my DA- a project car and just fucken save pay check to pay check on a motor build/body mods, the whole -9....

How many of you have a daily with your project car on the side?
How many of you drive your project car?

Anyone else want to help me out? Drop me a line! It would be greatly appreciated.




Modified by JDMsun at 7:17 PM 1/19/2007

 

Have you guys seen slow builds before that come up and become sick? And they're all posted on forums?

Well I think I made up my mind. In a couple weeks I'm going to be rolling in a new old school daily. Either a 88-89 EF9, or CRX, possibly an Si. I'm layin' down $600-800 on a daily and putting the da9 away for awhile. I'm excited, I feel like this is the right choice for me. But anyways, just thought I'd let ya'll know that.

This is her now, hope you like it.



Soon to be, my streetable all motor beast.

 

from what i can see the DA looks pretty clean...lol unless the pics you posted were of the good side...

heres the thing you really want to think about though...
YOU NEED A PLAN!!!!
if you go and just start buying random parts for your setup your gonna throw a bunch of money at something that is never gonna be as good as it could have been if you had a good plan to start with....
you already seem like your headed in the right direction just read as much as you can before you start buying any parts...honda-tech has an awesome archive of information if you go to the search menu...
a haynes manual for the car/motor you plan to build will be a valuable tool for you now and in the future

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Suck my DX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">from what i can see the DA looks pretty clean...lol unless the pics you posted were of the good side...

</TD></TR></TABLE>

Thanks, THere actually isn't a bad side to it anywhere. I found the car the way it is but with steelies on it so I think I found a good deal, and a perfect car to to start a project on.

And as far as the plan, yeah, I know it's important. I'm lucky to have some connections at hand but the forum has been providing me with more than enough information that I can handle sometimes.

So far, what's in the plan is my tokico blue install. My daily car coming next. Putting away the DA9. Saving and buying a jdm b16 from hmotorsonline, swapping it in, swapping the b18a1 out and begining the build of the top end portion of the b16.

Now, do you think it's best to do it this way? Actually installing the engine and building top end? It doesn't sound like that's the best idea. The best way to do it would probably be to fully build the b16 from the block up and then installing it. But I don't think I have the funds, nor the experience OR the knowledge to do it that way so I think building the top end would suffice.

?

Here's an old picture, The front bumper now has the jdm amber corners.


I've also put back the whole interoir I stripped. I'm running full interior and love it.
Iknow the da chasis isn't the best, but I love it.

 

did you already buy the tokiko blues? theyre more of a stock replacment not really oriented towards performance...

is there a problem with the current motor in your car?
why dont you just build a vtec head on the side and do a vtec conversion when the head is done?
way cheaper than buying a whole motor and having a spare block with low resale value after you use the head.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Suck my DX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">did you already buy the tokiko blues? theyre more of a stock replacment not really oriented towards performance...

is there a problem with the current motor in your car?
why dont you just build a vtec head on the side and do a vtec conversion when the head is done?
way cheaper than buying a whole motor and having a spare block with low resale value after you use the head.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, I bought them, they're sitting in my room right now... MMMMMMM. I see what your saying. I just know I want to build jdm motors, not usdm motors, they don't compare. Other than that, I had daily driving in mind when I bought my tokico's so I was going after a better ride since I was driving everyday and it was horrid. Uhm, I think I'm still going to put them on this coming week because I want to get started on the project. See, that's why I'm worried about the decisions I'm making now, I already feel like I'm wasting my hard earned money and that sucks. I feel the idea of it being part of the whole I'm a tuner idea though, once you become one, it's money your gonna throw around like crazy to get the right set-up, I realize that much, nor does that bother me because I've fully dedicated myself to this project. I was actually going to get koni yellow adjustable shocks with additional pieces, I forget what they're called, that allow the shock to have some lee-way once they're installed, I think you know what I mean......................... And currently my computer is to damn ******* slow-because I'm downloading a **** load of music-to check what they're called............BUT anyway, I probably would've wasted money on those, a lot more.... So, I ended up getting the blues because my hommie suggested I don't waste my money with the koni yellow bull and that he's been drag racing with blues all his life and there's no problem with that at all... ?... Just what I heard. He's a member on here, search for Manuel, he's been working with hondas for 10years now so I respect his advice a whole lot.

There's acouple small oil leaks on my car. I took the valve cover off to just look at the cams because I was reading about honda motors and how vtec works and all that **** at the time and I stripped 2 bolts right off and it broke the pieces that the bolts screw on to completely &lt;--yeah, stupid.... so there's a VERY small oil leak under the valve cover by the header... Also, under the car there's a small leak that doesn't drip but get's saturated with oil... I'm guessing it's the oil pan... Other than that. It's been idling low and begins to bog a tad bit, I'm guessing that's from the air I'm losing out of the valve cover being missing two bolts as I drive her daily... Probably something else involved aswell. And last but definately not least, my brakes need to be bled bad. I know I want to get rid of the poor torque less baby monster and add some stock horses to work with-with the 92-95 obd1 jdm b16 along with it's transmission... I think I'll be happy with that.


Modified by JDMsun at 9:48 PM 1/20/2007


Modified by JDMsun at 9:49 PM 1/20/2007


Modified by JDMsun at 9:49 PM 1/20/2007


Modified by JDMsun at 9:50 PM 1/20/2007


Modified by JDMsun at 9:50 PM 1/20/2007


Modified by JDMsun at 9:52 PM 1/20/2007


Modified by JDMsun at 9:53 PM 1/20/2007

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDMsun &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Soon to be, my streetable all motor beast. </TD></TR></TABLE>
if you want to build a street car that is all motor and a beast, i suggest you get something bigger then a 1.6 b16. For one it has no torque, and two might as well get something bigger so down the road you'll wouldn't have to swap out for something with a bigger displacement.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SiB16A &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if you want to build a street car that is all motor and a beast, i suggest you get something bigger then a 1.6 b16. For one it has no torque, and two might as well get something bigger so down the road you'll wouldn't have to swap out for something with a bigger displacement.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah but do you really think a jdm b16 isn't capable of such power? Why not? What's wrong with a 1.6L? TRue, it doesn't have ANY torque, but who says the top end isn't enough? And how good will it feel to have your b16 take gsr's all day long....? I mean, I don't know.. But I know It's capable. Also, I'm not aiming too high with the b16 either, I mean, I could get a b16 for like $1200 and that's the motor, tranny, ecu, and the install. I know all b-series parts are interchangeable so that's a big up which will allow me to switch all other necessary parts from my b18 onto IT... It's just makes more sense to me. Why reach so high and skimp over motors? Just to say you have big badass b18c? expletive that, b16s are just as capable to my knowledge. Obviously not stock, but anything's possible once you start messin' with it and know what your doing, you feel me? PLUS, I'm ready to swap out for something bigger in the future, I just don't see it happening know. No point.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JDMsun &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I don't make a heap of money but want to swap motors for something with less mileage on it, and build it into something powerful yet equally as reliable for a daily driver.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I say that if you have limited budget and limited time, but want something that will put a smile on your face, look into turbo or supercharger. I say this not to diss All-Motor, its just All-Motor requires alot more dedication from those two things I mentioned in the very begining that you may be limited on.

For a good All-Motor setup/swap your looking at alot of money and downtime. You can put together a turbo kit for a very good price using the knowledge available here on Honda-Tech. If you set a reasonable goal like 180HP, which is what you probably would have shot for on a limited budget NA setup, it will be very realiable and you won't have to tinker with a bunch of stuff (which means less chance of forgetting something and less downtime).

Again I'm not saying that FI is "better", I'm saying that for the price and "thrill" factor that your looking for, it would probably reward you better. NA is kind of like baller status. Everyone will admire you for doing it, but its because not everyone has the capacity to do it to any meaningful level.

 

the b16 is a great motor...however if your lookin to be fast it has no place in a heavy car...even with cams youll probably get smashed by a well driven eg/ef with a bolt on gsr...
dont get me wrong, the motor has potential, but you would need either a really light car or full engine build to compete with the larger displacment motors

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">NA is kind of like baller status. Everyone will admire you for doing it, but its because not everyone has the capacity to do it to any meaningful level. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Word, I see what your saying. I wanted to do turbo at the very beginning of all this. At the moment, it's just not something I'm into so much. I mean, just the term, FORCED induction is unattractive to me. I know I could boost a motor like 7-10 psi, probably even more depending on the parts used and the amount of work going into it and it will be fun, reliable and safe but I think a clean engine bay has something to do with what I'm after as far as engine build.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">he b16 is a great motor...however if your lookin to be fast it has no place in a heavy car...even with cams youll probably get smashed by a well driven eg/ef with a bolt on gsr...
dont get me wrong, the motor has potential, but you would need either a really light car or full engine build to compete with the larger displacment motors
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Part of my plan is to switch as many parts off the shell to da6 status which will lighten it up. Aswell as complete removal of the ac and power steering and a battery relocation to the back with a dry-cell battery and battery box. I do have a few sources for all the stuff I'm looking for. I think that alone will make a huge difference. If necessary I will strip the back portion of the interior althought I don't want to. I'm trying to keep the stock streetable interior, dont' want the flash factor to draw too much attention. I'm going to strip everything else possible without messin' with the stock interior look. Including the stereo. Maybe convert the power windows and automatic seat belts to manual down the line &lt;-- Just options I'm throwing out as I think of 'em.

What do you guys think?

I'm going to consider fully re-building the b16 before I swap it in actually. That might just be the best way to go for me.


Modified by JDMsun at 10:56 AM 1/21/2007

 

looks like you already know what you want to do so do it..
all im saying is the b16 isnt the best motor for the goal you want to accomplish...
the chassis is heavy to begin with and your gonna have to remove a lot of stuff to compensate for the lack of power/torque...
if your gonna be rebuilding the whole motor anyway might as well go with something that is gonna produce better results with the same parts...just my opinion...do what you want

 

i had an integra just like yours white and all wish i still had it

for a street car and daily i like
power windows
ac
power steering
and interior

i wouldnt take those things out of my everyday driven car

turbo would be good for you i think because you already have the best motor for it imo

if your woried about money already just keep it stock better for the car also

EDIT

your car has sunroof stupid to strip it out with 40lbs?? on the highest point of your car

and if you want a striped out da i had one one time all stock form factory
crank windows
no sun roof
no air
5 speed

look for one already like that if you really want it



Modified by williejohnson at 7:01 PM 1/21/2007

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">all im saying is the b16 isnt the best motor for the goal you want to accomplish...
the chassis is heavy to begin with and your gonna have to remove a lot of stuff to compensate for the lack of power/torque...
if your gonna be rebuilding the whole motor anyway might as well go with something that is gonna produce better results with the same parts...just my opinion...do what you want </TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, that's making sense to me. Maybe I should save my da for a k20 build or something, in the future when I got my life on a better track and have more money to put into it. Meanwhile maybe I'll get an oldschool EF9 and swap in a b16 in it. I'ma think about that.

 

Nevermind that^. I think I'm just lost. lol. I'ma take it slow. The ls/vtec conversion sounds like the best idea right now. Get a b16 head, put in work, get the kit and do that for now.