So on our 1996 Honda Accord EX the motor has finally started giving us problems. It's got 278k miles on it so I'm assuming it probably needs a full rebuild. The head is cracked and it's leaking anti freeze into the exhaust. This is the reason for the rebuild in the first place. I just figured while having it rebuilt maybe I could make it a little faster while I'm at it. I really don't want to spend a fortune as it's an old beater, but I'd like to make it faster too. I don't drag race it and I'd like it to remain very reliable. Any suggestions on what to have done?

Also any experience with Inline Pro? They are a few hours from here and I know a few guys around here really like them. I was thinking of having them do it, but when talking to them they told me that I really need to decide what I want to have done as the possibilities are endless. I really like the V6 our 06 Accord has, and would like it similar to that, however, I realize that may not happen without dumping tons of money into it.

 

Are you doing all the labour yourself?

Even if not, I'd just buy and replace OEM internals with forged pistons, throw a h22 head and big t/b, CAI and you're havin fun in a month!

 

No, I want Inline Pro or whatever shop I decide to go with to rebuild it. I've thought about a H22 many times, but I don't want to pay a shop to do the swap and I don't have the skill. It seems like every time I hear about someone doing a swap they are playing around with it working on it for months to get it right. By the time I paid a shop to do all that I'd be broke.

I see you said throw a H22 head on there. Since I need a new head anyway, is there anything else I need to do this? Or should I just talk to Inline Pro about a H22 head?

Right now I have a stock F22 with a CAI and that's it. I had an aftermarket exhaust, but after getting a ticket, I put the factory one back on.

Can I re use my K&N CAI or if I swap to a H22 head do I need to swap CAI's?

Any idea on what I should expect to pay total with labor for a setup like that?

 

It only took me a day and a half just to get my F22 out and in with my JDM H22A. That includes clutch work, etc. But I did the wiring when it was still on my SOHC motor in the engine bay. Its not hard at all. Just do a little research and you should find all your answers.

 

A mild F23a1 is also a good, easy, inexpensive option. We installed one in a 94 Accord coupe. Ran like a Beast!

 

So anyone got a parts list I should go with? Or should I talk to them about a H22 head on the F22 bottom end? Do you have to wire that up? The swap isn't what worries me about swapping in a H22. It's the wiring work. It seems like people I talk to talk about how they are tracking down wiring problems for months half the time. I don't want that. I want to drop it in and it last me another 278k hard miles just like this one did.


BTW when you say inexpensive option what are we talking here? I want to drop this thing off at a shop and pick it up when done. I don't want to do any work on it. What should I expect to pay here.

 

An H22 swap might be difficult for someone inexperienced. Find a shop thats done Honda swaps. An H22 swap would be more expensive than an F23 swap. You really should consider an F23 swap. Youll use the same wiring and intake manifold from the F22. Youll like an F23a1 in your Accord. Theyre very torquey.

 

What kind of price should I expect to pay for a F23a1 swap? That's not out of the question. I'm really not sure what I want to do yet.

 

i just meant a h22 HEAD for better flow (good for N/A engines i've been told)