I recently purchased an exceptionally clean 2dr EX 5sp. The car is in amazing condition inside and out- Dark green with beige leather that is in good shape. Bought it as a run-about and for the economy getting me back and forth to work. We have affectionately nick-named it my "Go-cart"...

I love driving it, but I have already found that it seems very lacking in the HP department. I say this coming from a 2002 Camaro SS convertible and a 2006 300 SRT8 so my frame of reference may be a bit skewed...

I was wondering if some of the folks here could provide some links for power options for the FB22B1 (if I have that right). I have no interest on an engine swap and would prefer to go with all engine, targeting 300HP. Not sure if this is possible (roughly a double in HP) without forced induction, but looking for solid RELIABLE performance and economy in a daily driver, not a dedicated racer. In fact, subdued performance is the goal with no ginormous muffler or visual queues; the more subtle the better.

I am a complete noob for Honda tech, so please be gentle!

Thanks in advance- starting a long journey!

/r

Allen

 

To get 300 hp out of a stock motor you will need to not only go forced induction, but to pull apart the motor and reinforce the bottom end components. F22B1s aren't really good for naturally aspirated builds and generally people use these motors for forced induction. Nice iron sleeves in those blocks friendly to aftermarket pistons and the like.

For the fuel economy bit a 300 hp n/a engine is going to be a pig regardless if it has four cylinders or 8, or sits in a camaro or an accord.

Also keep in mind, that dropping 300 horses into a 2700 pound front wheel drive sedan is a little different than a 3500 pound muscle car. You don't need as much to get these cars moving. You can get into the high fourteen second range with 200 at the crank.

You can do an i/h/e and a cam and be around 150-160 or so at the wheels and thats about as much as you can get without major engine work or a swap.

 

That's kinda what I figured as far as HP numbers, I just have no idea what potential these motor have.

The difference in curb weight is a huge factor that I honestly never really put into perspective. My old SRT8 was quick thanks to a monster motor, but it was moving a 2+ ton brick! Getting back into reality, I am guessing the 200 HP mark is more realistic to have a significant improvement in performance.

I think in stock trim, fresh from the factory the EX engine was rated around 135 from what I've been able to find. Doesn't sound like 200 is realistic without some sort of forced induction.

What are historically other weak links? Just wondering about clutch, tranny and front-end items that may need upgrading if I can get the numbers up into the 200 range...

Thanks for the reply; looking forward to learning a lot...


Allen

 

145 at the crank to be specific. 200 at the wheels, you won't get there without big power adders (NOS/forced induction). But, you can get to 200 with a turbo and stock internals if you tune right.

You won't have a problem with anything in the drivetrain at 200 hp. Do a clutch if you like a snappier pedal maybe and a stainless hydraulic line (clutch) makes the engagement a lot better.

Aside from that, you will probably want to get some urethane motor mounts as the stock ones are pretty squishy.