Hey guys just wanted to get some input and ideas. I have a 99 SI here latley been hearing some knocking from the bottom end. Thinking about swapping in a JDM GSR or Type R. I have been told that the normal GSR is more buildable than the Type R is this true? Also is the wiring pretty much plug and play from the JDM motors and the Us market motors?

Thanks
Justin

 

just make sure you get an obd2 block because otherwise your going to be having issues..

 

The 99 si is OBD2b. The only GSR ecu that will plug in would be from a 2000-2001 GSR.

 

I wouldn't use the USDM 00-01 ECU since they have an immobilizer. I would use a USDM OBD2A P72 (96-99 GSR) ECU with a conversion harness. That would allow you to pass emissions unless you live in CA.

You can also use a USDM/JDM OBD1 ECU or JDM OBD2A/B ECU with a conversion harness. Then you'd have to keep your 99 Si ECU to plug in in order to pass emissions.

Unless you live in california, it doesn't matter if the engine is OBD2 or OBD1. The only advantage to the OBD2 engine is that it has the CKF on it. To run an OBD1 engine, you can bypass the CKF with the CKF trick. It's stupid easy and it definitely works. Again, that won't work in California.

You'll also have to run a wire or 2 for the butterflies to work.

Besides that, it's a drop in swap. No other wiring changes. Use your stock Si harness. I would keep your B16 transmission. It'll save you from having to buy a full swap...and GSR gearing sucks. You really just need a longblock with the intake manifold. You don't need a swap. Use all your old accesories (AC, alternator, PS).

The only reason a GSR swap is more "buildable" than a ITR swap is that the GSR swap starts out lower on the food chain. To make the same power as an ITR swap, you'd have to do some work to the GSR swap. Blacktop B18Cs are also slightly better for boost because of lower compression. But...that's very miniscule.

The GSR swaps are significantly less money, however. And compared to a B16, it will feel like a rocketship anyway.