i found a shop that would swap engine and transmission for 650 total. what is the lowest cost for an unbuilt ls/vtec engine if i decide to go with a b18b1 long block with a b16 head and tranny? i just want a ls/vtec engine to run on safely and slowly build it up when i have extra cash to spend. this is going to be my first car with a swapped engine, which is why i need to have a shop install it. i don't have too much knowledge of cars, but i know a little bit of basics, such as how to change brakes/rotors/oil. do you guys think maybe a ls/vtec is a bad choice for a first swapped engine? i have a budget of around $2000 to spend on the engine after cost of labor for installation. let me know some opinions. if $2000 is enough, can you guys tell me what is mandatory to change? i've done some research, but there is just so many possibilities and suggestions that i'm confused out of my mind. thanks

 

https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1676914

Im going to say that 2k is not enough
At least it wasnt for me but i didnt do bare minimum parts either and im going turbo

read around this and see if you still want to use stock everything

 

I think if you budget shop, look for the best deals, and not just the cheapest parts, you can complete it for under $2000, but thats a small budget to start with. Mind me asking why ls/vtec?

Why not something easier where you dont have to change all the parts to be reliable?

Something like a GSR swap?
LS Swap if you want that cheaper gas, and better gas mileage with the ls 5th gear...?
Even maybe an h2b...?

I did my h2b for roughly 2000...

longblock is around $700, tranny about $300, adapter plate $700 and then all the extra misc stuff (ecu, axles, mounts, linkage, etc.) ~$300. Of course i found deals where people had stuff that they just didnt want anymore...like the linkage, axles, etc...

 

so minus the sweet deals for this guy and he spends about 400$ more on the h2b kit and. and say mounts and such for another 400....plus you didnt add that a shop is doing it sooooo +650

 

i chose to go with ls/vtec because my friend recommended me. i want to learn more about mechanics and he figured that since a ls/vtec needs to be built, it'd be a good way to learn. sounds risky and stupid, but if i just install a gsr motor, i doubt i would want to continue building it.

i've been browsing around the internet and the cheapest low mile LS longblock i found was 750 before s+h. however i cant find a b16 transmission anywhere. do you guys know of any websites that aren't complete ripoffs? if you guys know any places to look for cheaper ls longblocks or pistons/timing belt/water pumps/etc for low prices, please let me know. thanks a lot