I just put a 95 ls motor in my Civic EX last week. I like it so far but I am wondering if I could have done better with another motor. I want this car to last for the next 6 years so I need reliability. Here is what is done so far:

95 LS motor w/ 42k $2500
DC 4 into 1 headers, Apexi WS exaust, Hi-flow Cat, AEM CAI, new acura clutch
Total of $4500 installed with $200 going to tax.

1.
I was thinking of getting a Type R motor that goes for $4500 on most sites. I am probably going to loose 1k or so by changing the motors so that brings my total to 5500. I paid $500 for the LS install but that was obd1 to obd1. I am guessing around 1000 for install. That brings me to 6500 with stock exaust, headers and intake.

2.
Turbo, SC or build the LS motor. I need it to be reliable though so I guess that takes away the ls/vtec and the turbo. It should be around 3-4k to do either. that puts me at 7500-8000 for the LS.

What the hell should I do?

 

If you want reliable go with a type r or stick with what you have now.

 

 

Ok if I stick with the LS motor:

I want to run high 14's all motor I guess is the most reliable. So what elce will I need besides the basic bolt-ons?

 

I too would go with the itr

 

Why not an LSVTEC?

 

i personally would not have paid that much for a ls swap. i just put on in my ex also. i have a gsr tranny though. total cost for mine was about 1200 with various parts and costs. ( i did it my self, with the help of friends , mostly devin17 off here, heh) i have I/E and test pipe. it pulls really well. i am very happy with the swap. and will be getting a zex kit as soon a i have the $.

stock with bolt ons you should be in the low 15's. so i say get some cams, cam gears and other stuff like that to get into the 14's possibly. do that and go give it a run on the 1/4 and see what ya do. if you arent happy u can always just go with a small shot of zex or somthing to get you into the 14's.


[Modified by jcstites, 3:57 AM 8/22/2002]

 

Not to sure of the Reliability of the LS/Vtec. I have heard to many stories of the motors dying after one or two years of use. I need this one to last for 6 years or more!

 

High 14's should be easily attainable with bolt-ons. I have this same setup (95 EX with Bonestock B18B).
I run consistent 15.2's w/ an ocassional 15.1. All i have in "mods", is a custom 2.25" exhaust running to an ES oval...

 

dawg a honda motor is a honda motor it will last as long as you want all depends on how you take care of it. an lsvtec is the cheapest way to do things. spend the money on a type r head b/c you really dont have to do any thing to the head and buy some type r internals for the block. get a type r tranny and youll be set and have a wicked street car for daily driving. just get all basic bolt on, fuel, and ignition. you can get a type head for 700 complete, 225 intake mani, 1125 for a tranny you should have everything else. then spend the rest on the other performance parts. there a machanic at honda in temecula that has a lsvtec in his car for 3 years and so far no probs but its not the 6 years your looking for but i think its going to make it.


or just get the type r motor and just call it a day.


[Modified by W.ZeroB18C1T, 4:45 AM 8/22/2002]

 

What about a Type R tranny on the Stock LS? My transmission is messed up and the shop I took it too said they would replace it for free because it has a warrany. I may be able to pay some more $$ to get the Type R tranny.

 

Honestly I would save up and build a custom turbo, or just buy the kit. It would be more reliable than a Frank motor. Pretty reliable if you just keep up with maintanance, there are plenty of people with turboed LS motors and I haven't heard of any real problems before.

 

Oh yea, and I think the turboed LS motor would be faster than LS/VTEC too.

 

I haven't read anyone elses replies, but I personally would just get a ITR tranny with a 4.785(i think thats what it is) FD. I have seen an LS integra do the 1/8 at 9.8 and i have a b16 which is supposed to be high 14's in the 1/4 and i do 9.9 (EDIT: to clarify in the 1/8).I have also seen eg with lsmotor with b16 tranny race a ek b16 with type r cams and the ek didnt pull till the top of 4th. The tranny i think would be most reliable and cheapest way out.

Terry


[Modified by WhiteHonda, 4:49 AM 9/5/2002]