so i am looking into getting a bit bigger of a motor then my current 2nd gen b16a. There are lots of choices as all of you are aware but these are the two i am debating. Im aware the k20a is a bit faster then the f20b but the cost is way higher then the f2b since i already have a nice ctr b series trans. so i just wanted to hear some other thoughts. currently just running second gen b16a with headers, test pipe, exhaust and a lighten flywheel, tuned on s300 in my 91 ed hatch. anyone with personal experience with these motors in ed hatches?
so opinions please.
thanks.

 

I've seen them both and I like the F20B much more than a K20A. Mostly for cost. But the power is very similar. When you put it in a 1900 lb car, it will come down to the driver experience more than the car's power. But I'm pretty sure the K-series trans is better than any B-series trans. Mostly due to gears. I'd still go with the F2B swap with the F20B motor.

 

I'm a huge fan of the K series but the f2b just seems better for you since your already like 40-50% there cost and parts wise. The beauty about it is if you hate the f2b sell it all and just go k. Good luck man!!

 

One of the major things for a K-swap will be the drive by wire for the shifter. I think people over look that often. You won't have that issue with the F2B. I think the K-series is the hot swap right now, but the F-series will be just as effective and a little bit more 'different'.

 

freemananana, would you mind elaborating a little more on the drive by wire for the shifter? i have heard of the system but not as far as how it relates to the shifter.

 

I just know the K and J series motors shift with wire/cables instead of a shift linkage. At least that's my understanding. It's something else you have to account for when doing the swap. I think it's too much. But then again I also kept a cable clutch because the hydro swaps were too much for me.

 

Ahhh you had me confused, the term "drive by wire" seems more directly related to electrical components such as the gas pedal in newer cars no longer having a cable directly linked to the throttle body. Cable shifter is the term I think most people are more familiar with in this case.

 

why would that be an issue?

 

Cable shifter, my mistake. Like all things cars, different strokes for different folks. And in my case, memory failing me and confusing terms.

Not sure what you are talking about. But the things I referred to would be budget oriented issues more than anything. Possibly skill based issues as well.

 

Sorry to diverge from the original topic, but why get rid of the B16? I say build the block and turbo it.

It is about your real goals. Many people have been successful turboing a D16 way pass 400hp up into 700hp. This leads the question of why even do a swap when someone's end goal is only in the 250s. The answer maybe simply is the cool factor and future expansion. So when you ask F2B vs K20, I am assuming you are looking for something different from what everyone else has, but has the power behind it. So still be different, get a really nice custom turbo setup.

A stock F or K will only give you 50 or so HP over the B16, where a build and turbo will keep giving.

 

well whited, i do see your point about such minor gains from the swap. my two issues with turbos right now is i have little knowledge about how to do them the right way so i would be relying more on the knowledge of others and all the friends i have around me with there 240's seem to be blowing up there stock sr20det a lot. i do chuckle at them a lot when i get honda and still can end the argument with "i get to spend more time driving me car than wrenching on it," but off topic. my other qualm with forced induction is that based on my limited driving time on turbocharged cars i like more having power when i want it opposed to waiting for a turbo to spool up. maybe these thoughts are naive and could possibly change one day but thats just how it is for now.

as for why i want to get rid of my b16 i just got to a point with trying to make it faster that the money i would spend on cams, retainers, tune, etc to make sure it was done the right way i could put another motor in a spend less.

 

It is naive. Turbos perform much better than you give them credit for. Any good turbo set up will spool faster than VTEC by a couple thousand RPM. The motor swap doesn't make sense to me personally though. Why not sell the car, with swap, and get a shell to swap a motor in? Or possibly find a clean shell and start a build with it, then sell your current car later.

 

Free, I love my car. For some reason, that's hard for me to put into words, I just love my little ed. I have owned a few but this is the first one that I have got to build/restore/mod with money I have earned and do (most of it) my self. So I just want to see the car through for a little while longer. That and living on a ship means I am restricted on where I could keep another car. All that might sound strange, but that's how I feel.

Well so all said and done I guess I will not be unhappy with either swap, but I think I would not be as thrilled as I imagine after all money spent for a k swap. So if what I want is a higher revving motor with an h-series feel then maybe the f2b might be just right. And with the parts I already have it won't break the bank too bad.

Thanks for the opinions guys

 

I recommend catching up a bit more on the turbo option before making any decision. You can build your block to be in the safe zone, and get help from a tuner shop to get it done right.