I have the hard choice of going either b20/turbo or a b18c swap in my 96 civic cx. Reliability is a very big factor because I am a college student. If I do go with a turbo it would be low like 6-9 psi. Give me some idea because the choices are hurting my head.

 

if you just want reliability get a b18c1.

 

both are reliable(if the Turbo b20 stays with low boost).

but the boosted b20 will absolutley OWN the b18c


[Modified by WAFFLES, 2:30 PM 8/13/2002]

 

but cost twice as much

 

tru!

 

Well If the block is 900 and a ls transmission can be had for like 500 thats about 1400 and then add about 500 for misc such as ecu and other things and that gives you 1900-2000. Now a used turbo and with some directions from homemade turbo.com and I could have a b20 turbo for about 3000. Now the way I really would do it is still get the b20b, ls tranny, and other things for 2000. Then buy a greddy or other turbo kit and run at low boost such as 6-9 psi. At the most 4000? Now a b18c full swap is 3000. Add on intake, headers and exhaust I'm already at 4000 and I still need to add cams to get into the mid 13's while the b20 turbo would already be there. See the dilemma(spelling?)

 

the b18c1 is the best all-around motor right now but 3k for a swap is more than i would pay.
maybe for now, you should put in a stock b20z/jdm b with a close ratio tranny (99-00 si) and spray a little nos (75hp). the stock b20 will be reliable because it says HONDA on the valve cover. you will get respect with this setup in a cx.

 

You don't think the b16 tranny is too close. I' ve read that a gsr tranny would be best for na applications. The problem is you can get a jdm b20b for 1100 shipped and then a gsr tranny from sohfast for 1075 shipped totaling 2175 just for those 2 parts. Now I would need at least an ls intake manifold, a dx ecu or ls ecu, a 99-00 si rear mount and some other misc things totaling about 500. Which the grand total is like 2675 for everything. Thats more then a b16a3 swap which is 2600 shipped and a b18c swap that is 3300.00 shipped. Very tough decision

 

i know the si tran is close but they are probably cheaper than the gsr tran. as far as price, i have seen jdm itr (lsd) trans on H-T Classifieds and Partstrader go for $800. if you want the deals, you need to do some leg work. go to the local (within 50-100mi radius) junckyards and look around or search car-parts.com. i got my b20 long block for $600 (hella deal) from a local junkyard but i went and picked it up. also, i have been looking for a tran since Feb. and i finally found the ultimate cable tran but had to drive 490mi to get it.
put some effort into it. dont just buy stuff off the internet and wait for it at your door step (although thats nice)....that is going to be expensive.