I have found numerous info about doing the JDM swap but this is just for a North american swap.
I have just bought a 1998 CRV that has a great body and is over all great shape. The lifters were ticking a little louder than usual, i opened up the valve cover and found grooves worn on the exhaust cam lobes and rocker arms which are preventing me from adjusting the valves properly, there was also quite a bit of sludge in the head.
A little background: The vehicle was owned by an elderly couple that rarely went on the highway and live in a mild climate so I am guessing they did only short trips and didn't wait for the vehicle to warm up so they probably just hopped in, fired it up, put in gear and drove right away.

Most wreckers here will only sell the whole head for around $300-$400 dollars instead of just the camshaft and rocker arms.
Camshaft (only available from Honda), rocker arms and other things needed are around $600.
Used engines with lower KMs than mine can be found from $600-$800 with most having the timing belts done not too long ago.

I was wondering if I find a 1999-2001 engine to replace my 1998 engine will I need the ECU from the 1999-2001 for it to work properly? (I will be using an engine from a 1.5 gen automatic- to replace my 1998 engine with an auto).
Are the transmissions the same just a different way the OD/D4 is situated?

I would like the added 20 HP from the 1.5 Gen engine if it is not too much more of a hassle. I don't want to swap a B18 head or use a JDM engine or anything like that just a simple engine swap.

Thanks and look forward to some wisdom.

 

It would be plug and play. Not sure if you'd totally get the 20hp without the ECU and its specific timing and fuel maps but it would be a slight bump none the less. If you do go with the corresponding ECU you'll have to wire up the knock sensor as well as the 97-98 doesn't use one.

 

The intake is different and there's a knock sensor. Non-vtec b18 engines (b18b) have the same head so if you can source that, that'll work for you. I'd send you the parts you need but I always junk the non vtec heads. I've got some cams I think I could send you. Just pay shipping. Keep in mind I'm in Canada.

 

I am in Canada as well although on the other side in BC. I just did a compression test and was only 100 across the board (the messed up exhaust cam and valves might have something to do with it) so I am thinking to not put too much into this motor.

If I do find a 1.5 gen motor I would be taking intake and all. It's almost over confident underinsured season so I might be able to find one that someone puts on its side soon.

I might take you up on the offer if you have an exhaust camshaft kicking around. Mine has the cam lobes worn away on no 3 and 4 cyl. The lobes are worn so that there is a raised center on the low side anyone experienced this (I will get some pics up been I figure out how). Thanks

 

 

I'm in BC too! I've said this to other people but you could always put a Vtec head on it and enjoy way more gains than replacement OEM head.

Berz out.

 

Vtec head with a stock b20 block is a waste of money. You have to get arp rod bolts and Rehone the rods and get new bearings so you can take advantage of the vtec head and higher RPMs. If you don't you WILL spin a bearing.


My recommendation remains the same, I can send you a cam for free (plus shipping) or just get a low mileage JDM motor.