Hello all, I've been considering doing an engine swap in my '99 civic EX with just over 180k miles on it. I'm considering it because i've had the car forever and she's been excellent, I really want to buy a G35 but I dont particularly miss having a car payment, so with that being said i've been dabbing into the idea of swapping the engine for my car. My goal with the engine swap is to beef up the car a bit by adding more horsepower (ideally i'd like around 180-200). I don't plan on turboing the car or anything like that either. I don't have the budget for a K series engine, and from the little bit of research i've done today i've read the B series might be the way to go. My question to you guys is what specific engine should I look for given my desires, and do i have to do an entire engine swap? Or could i just buy the motor and call it good? I dont know too much about cars so if that is a dumb question I apologize in advance. Any advice is much appreciated, thanks!

 

looks like im the first to post a reply. there are multiple b series engines you can choose from and will have to do a motor and engine swap. will need something along the lines of hasport motor mounts.from what I have read you could also use 99-00 civic si engine harness and motor mounts and driver side motor mount bracket. there is b20B which is low compression ratio and a b20z2 which is a high compression which are both non vtec. then there are b18b1 which is non vtec. then the vtec options are b16a2 which are out of a 99-00 civic SI. and a b18c1 and b18c5. im sure some of my info might be off so im sure someone will correct me. I have never done the swap myself but done a lot of looking into it. there are so many options for a B series swap. good luck.hope this was some help.

 

BSWAP: you can use most of your mounts but need a 99/00 civic Si rear trans mounts. Swaps into car with no issues or mods needed.

Your engine harness will work but you may need to extend a few lines to comfortable fit a B-series motor. Virgin VTEC Bswap ECU will need knock sensor hooked up too.

You must get a complete swap to run a B-series (motor, trans, axles). I can't remember if you need 99/00 Civic Si shift linkage or if 94-01 Integra works. With the right parts, it's just plug and play.

ECU.....I am fuzzy on OBD2 stuff. I think you have an Immobilizer so a chipped ECU with a base map for whatever motor you run may be the best option. I would suggest a chipped ECU with a socket (to plug into laptop) for re-tuning later (dyno or street tune). Chipped ECU can delete certain sensors too (like knock)

The motors you want (IMO) for your hp needs is a OBD2 B18C1 (GSR) or B18C5 (Type R). These motors are getting older and hard to find USDM versions that haven't been beat to crap.

I prefer JDM motors from reputable dealers. I prefer hmotorsonline.com Steve is a good guy. GSR swap is cheaper (compared to ITR) but won't have as much hp (25hp or so).

Or try CL to find a local with a swap but caution should be used.

With your limited knowledge, I would stay away from OBD1 swaps (mostly because it's illegal, in most states, to put older motor in newer chassis). Some of the wiring (plugs) are different.