So new Honda owner, made the switch from subaru. Bought a Canadian si 91 with a d16z6 swapped into it and some old school mods like a light speed header. Threw some strut tower bars on it and looking to improve not only the suspension but the power as well. Not looking for a lot of power more towards throttle response. More of a autocross fun daily kind of deal. If I want a crazy time attack car I'll buy another one and gut it and then turbo it. But what engine that's easily swappable into this chassis provides the best response?

 

Well, it came with a D16a6 from the factory and the previous owner dropped in another d-series, which is already the easiest swap. Keeping it d-series means you can use the same axles, mounts, trans, exhaust etc.

If you want to change to a different engine series, perhaps a B18 or B20 would be a good choice. They're plentiful and reasonably cheap. Of course this means you'd need new mounts, a B-series transmission (cable actuated, unless you want to convert $$), new axles, likely some exhaust modification, a different ecu (you may have to convert to OBD1 if yours isn't done already)...etc. Easy? Depending on your skill level, maybe.

If you are looking for snappyness and quick acceleration you can look into changing your final drive ratio. This will effectively result in a lower top speed but it will make a big difference in acceleration (it will also rev higher in 5th gear on the highway). Keep in mind this does not change your hp whatsoever, it only affects gearing.

 

The gearing seems pretty high already I'm hitting about 2800~ at 60mph...maybe just add a cam and call it good?

 

Get what you have fine tuned. Cams might make it a bit more snappy. Light weight clutch/flywheel setup as well as light wheels. Check your ignition timing, maybe you have room for a couple degrees advance. Otherwise a swap would probably be easier/more effective than something like ITB's.

 

I've been looking at itbs on a daily series and it seems like they have a lot of problems. Hard to tune and not reliable. Also what is a good suspension spring/strut combo or coil over brand to get? Not looking for low slam status just really good handling. I think the previous owners either heated or cut the stock Springs but thankfully not by much.

 

I think you should put an EJ20 in it.