i have a 2001 civic dx coupe 5sp manual. it has the non vtec d17a1 in it. i was thinking of putting a d17a2 head on it to make it a vtec. if i did that, would my engine be the same thing as a regular d17a2 that is in an ex? or would i be better off just putting an entirely new complete d17a2 engine in it? i want to get in the 275hp range, can a d17a2 make that kind of power? would it be worth it?

 

I don't know much about the d17's but for 275hp your only option is turbo or nitrous. If you really want to make power you'll want to look into a k-series swap.

 

Without a turbo, no. Will it be reliable? It could be, with the right amount of money invested (quite a bit, if you're curious).

For that power range, you're better off investing in a K-series engine swap.


This has all been covered in the FAQ's.

 

Turbo is cheaper then k-series swap. Reliability is in the tune and what parts you use.

 

hey thanks for replying guys. i still wanted to know if i put an a2 head on my engine to make it a vtec, would it be the same exact engine as any other stock d17a2, or would there be some other small differences? i was just wondering if maybe a regular d17a2 would be better for some reason, idk maybe more power/compression or something. or would a d17a1 with a new a2 head be better because of some difference in the blocks between a d17a1 and d17a2?

 

There's a nice thread on doing a head swap on the D17A1 to incorporate VTEC, but its not really worth it (unless you've got an A2 head just lying around).

 

I have a 03 coupe Ex 5 speed, and is very slow, i don't think is worth investing in a 1.7vtec. I'm looking more of a K-swap soon.

 

ok so what makes the d17 motors so slow? how do they compare to d16 motors in terms of power potential? i already know about the k swap and i would like to do it but it is pretty costly. that is why i made this thread asking about the d17 to see if some power could be made out of it.

 

I dont think with any amount of money you can make a d17 a desireable motor to modify. Ive been in a boosted one, bone stock motor on 7lbs, and was pretty lame. My stock b16b ran 2.1 sec faster in the 1/4 mile than that car. Im sure w/ a full build and lots of boost it could be fun, but at that money amount a k could be in the car already.

Save yourself any disappointment and take everyones advice...save up for a k swap. Or sell the car and get a platform that is easier to swap a b-series into.

 

how much cheaper is it to put a b series in a 6th gen civic than putting a k series in a 7th gen civic?

 

With a very stratigic budget junk yard hopping k-series swap into a 7th gen...around 4k. But dont think you'll be that lucky. I have seen it done a couple times but was w/ the weaker k20a3 and a accord motor.

5th or 6th gen chassis...b16 $1200-$2000 depending on how you go about getting everything. gsr swap $2000-$2500 again depending on your parts sourcing. I usually see full ready to go gsr swaps for sale for $2500.

 

what would be the cost difference of putting a b18c type r into a 1996-2000 civic compared to putting a k20a2 into a 2001 to 2005 civic?

 

k!

 

This information has been in the FAQ's thread for a few years now, bud. You could have just done some quick reading there.