I just recently (6 mo.s or so) got heavily into fixing up my ride. I've got a 96 HX civic right now, w/ basic bolt ons (i-h-e). The bad part is I bought those when I first got it, and since then I've realized that the ole D16 is not the best way to go So after having sunk about a grand into it, I'm ready to start over w/ something fresh. I thought about a b18c, but those are just too $$$ for my meager budget. I've narrowed it down to either a b16 or a b18b (or LS/vtec, since i have no clue how much that would cost to get done, i don't know if it's out of my price range) or keeping what I have and going forced induction. So which way would you peeps suggest I go? Keep in mind that I'm not trying to be the fastest civic around; I am just tired of losing to ricers w/ kitchen tables on the back of their rides and solid chrome rims. Any help would be appreciated. Oh yeah, I've got about 4 grand or so to work with, and while I can figure most mechanical things out, I'm prolly gonna pay a local shop to install it so I know it gets done right.

 

Cheap little LS motor with a turbo

 

Well i think you can take either the B16 or the B18c route. I would recommend the B18c if you want more torque, but if you plan to do some internal works, get the B16 and redo the valvetrain. The LS/Vtec is a nice setup but can be pretty costly to get it built right. Good luck

 

well, while i was at school i couldnt buy **** for my car or i wouldnt have food money for the week.

 

graduate from college...get a JOB and get whatever you want.

-tell

 

AMEN to that

I hate being broke

 

put a b18 in there, and later, when you get more money, go ls/vtec or turbo. Believe me, this is the best way to do it.

 

That's what I'm doing.

 

ls engine is not to much man 500 to 600 here in seattle so im not sure what it will be where you live

 

buy a used greddy turbo
then when you have enough for an swap
buy a new manifold and your golden

 

If you just want to beat some ricers, get NOS and a 75 shot. Put the rest into beer and getting laid. That is what I did when I was in college.

R/g NOS
I knew this kid who had a 75 shot on a stock 97 hatch and he was hanging with a GSX with his boost turned up. Only stop light to stop light though.

 

better yet ..dont race on the streets..those ricers are a bunch of ********* anyways..u dont have to be one too

 

save your money after you get outa school and get whatever you want!! Its better not to spend all your money and not have any to fix your ride when stuff breaks!

 

He only has $4k.

Go LS with basic boltons. Turbo later on.

 

I would do a b16 for now, that should hold you over and then turbo it when you get more money. that's just my opinion but it would be cheaper to go LS and turbo that later too. I just like the b16 though.

s

 

b18c's can be boughten for 2500
ive seen 2 ad's for 2000GSR motors with papers complete for 2500
b18b's can be boughten for 1600-1700 dollars complete swap

http://www.recycler.com
http://www.thepartstrader.com
disclaimer: these are prices ive seen posted in so. cal
depending who you know or dont know it will be more expensive or less

id Go with a GSR if i had 4000
an LS motor with p30 pistons b16a tranny, and some cams would be pretty nice

 

What college will you be going to. Or are you in college already?

 

i agree...if you insist on modding right now for little $ i say b16 or b18b and fi later when you get more funds

 

Go with the B18c if you can find a good deal. If not get the LS then turbo it later after you get some more money. Just do not get a B16. If you get a B16 then your car will basically be a civic Si, which is not that fast.

 

Please allow me to be different, and say turbo the D16. Without cutting corners anywhere, Greddy Turbo kit with BOV and intercooler, guages, plus $700 for installation and tune up with colder plugs, dist, belt, etc... my brother is going turbo next week or so for less than $4000 ($3700) on his D16Z and he will walk a B16 or a B18B anyday, he'll walk me and I have a B20. If he breaks anything, D series parts are half the price of B series parts. With the money we save we are getting a turbo cam, and a full turbo exhaust this winter. BTW, He is going into his sophmore year of college this fall, all paid for by him. It really is probably the best bang for buck civic upgrade.

 

B18B=less money for other things

 

thanks for all the advice everyone. I think I'm gonna see how much an LS is gonna run me, and then I'll throw in some bolt ons. Everyone seems to agree that that setup is pretty decent. Like I said, I know I'm not gonna be winning much at the track, I just want a little something extra under the hood so that I can hold my own. oh yeah, lshatchturbo, I'm going to UNF now (went to UF 2 years ago for a year).
Gracias all

 

I think you're making a wise decision. The LS engine will definitely make your car a hell of a lot quicker than the HX engine (not fast, but quicker). It should be quick enough (as compared to your old engine) to keep you happy for the time being...then save up for the turbo. With what you save by getting this engine, you can combine it with whatever you may make during the year/next summer break and then you'll have a turbo by this time next year.

 

If I were you I would buy a turbo for your single cam and continue saving money till after you graduate then go for a swap. Turbo'ed single cams can hang pretty good with most hybrids unless their modded.

 

you'll have more fun drivin a ls hybrid wit the torque, you don't really need to downshift to much to move, its fun, and like everyone said, once your done wit school or have more funds to spend, drop in a turbo, and you'll have a lot more "FUN" and keep it off the streets, peace torque is fun to have!