Hello! I have a CD5 EX with the lovely F22B1 (that's w/vtec). Lovely why? Because of the sound. It sounds absolutely glorious, like a V8 that's been chopped in half, lost some burble, but gained refinement.
It sounds like a 4-cylinder and v8 and v6 all had a long orgy and a weird 4 cylinder came out. And it has a lovely torque curve, probably because the Vtec kicks in so low, around 4500 rpm.

I want to create a GT car out of this thing. Why? Because as I was driving it around on roadtrips, I noticed it felt really stable at high speeds, and kept getting more and more stable the faster I went, unlike say, a civic. And it's comfy, then there's the sound (I have a home-made cold air thing, it's a lot shorter but in the same location as the original air box, with a pod, and the anti-VTEC noise resonators have been deleted). And it handles well enough, though it needs suspension work.

All in all, I've been planning and researching for months now. I know pretty much everything I need, but I have one big question before I start:

Should I go with the H22 swap or keep the F22B1?

I know that the H22 will be easier to boost, and has more parts, but... all the sounds from it are annoying. Too high pitched, all the time.

I'm aiming for 600whp; I will build the bottom end, suspension, transmission, and adjust the interior as well as some minor details on the exterior before the build, I'm gonna get the JDM fog lights and an SiR lip, with added splitter, and use the holes to duct air to my brakes in front, and to the engine bay and transmission. I am going to get a fan, and fog machine, and then use my electrical engineering skills to bump the fan to go faster, and check out diffuser options, build one of those, get the rear SiR spoiler thing (this: SiRWingAccord.jpg Photo by rival12 Photobucket)
and also make ducting for my rear brakes. A 5 lug conversion using prelude parts, and then TL-S wheels, with wilwood brakes. I'm gonna rip out the interior, look for chassis flex, weld, etc, and even though it's decently stiff already, make it killer.

It's gonna be the most epic 5th gen build ever. A GT car, with ride and comfort, but also a sporting spirit. And around 600whp.

But what heart do I choose?
The burbly f22 or the high-revving h22?

And will a built f22 be able to do this? I've heard things and read on forums that it's possible. But I also want to smooth our power delivery with a twin scroll, and the exhaust ports may be problematic for this, I have heard.

But I don't like the sound of the H22. And don't feel like it would match the GTness I want to build. I think the F22 will be better for a high-speed highway autobahn GT type cruiser. Highways, interstates, and mountain roads. The F22 should, even built up, get slightly better mileage, which since the thing has a small tank, is also important.

The H22 has more torque, but it all starts way high up, whereas the F22 Vtec kicks in at around 4000, 4500 RPM, and has a better torque curve. Which I like.

It'll be easier to build an H22 for sure, and easier to get parts.
But the F22 might be worth it.

And no "put a V6 in it" talk. 4 cylinder is what I want to do, no matter what.

F22? Or H22?

Or... F22A swap? ...

Help!

 

H22 swap is your best bet. Don't forget to have the block sleeved. As for the sound, the exhaust system plays a major role. Have you heard a 5th gen 'lude with a GReddy (TI-C, I believe)? It sounds beefy as you know what; no ricey raspy sound.

Also, if you boost, you're going to need to tune, which means that VTEC engagement could be lowered, but it depends on your setup due to the torque curve the engine will produce. You'll also want the longer F22 gears if you boost the H.

 

False. H22 with F22 trans is a lazy turd. The gearing is not matched at all. The increased rev capability of the H series quickly makes the F22 gearing way too long. Like 130mph in 3rd gear too long. For OP's goal of 600whp the trans is going to need work anyway if it's going to hold the power for any length of time. I would recommend a USDM H23A1 trans with an aftermarket helical LSD, an F22 5th gear swap(or possibly a cuff), having the case strengthened, and carbon synchros. . It may be ideal to swap to a 4.6 final drive depending on how high the engine is spun and tire size used.

 

That kind of Horsepower comes with a major cost of reliability and cooling issues. I would think a more reasonable goal of 300-400 would be what you need for any kind of racing outside of Drag. Even that much power feels like its pushing it for reliability.

I would think that a 600whp engine you would want long gears if you were drag racing it so maybe the f22 trans, assuming it would hold up to that power. For anything else you would definitely not want to use any off the shelf transmission, it would need to be carefully calculated to fit the driving style and engine. Aradin knows this stuff well.

Honestly F22/H22 at the high power that he is looking for who cares which block you start with. You need more than Vtec or dual Cams for that power, lol. I would think Vtec would be more of a hindrance at that point than anything. Stamp the block with whatever label you want, it wont matter at that point since it would be extensively modified.

AccordEX. Honestly I don't think you are working with the right car for you needs... In my experience the 4th Gen prelude handles worlds better than any accord I have ever driven. Your going to put $20k into a car that will most likely still get beat by a Miata. Hey but who am I to say its a bad idea, I am still working on tuning my accord with H23A. The engine is worth double what the car is worth. lol. If you do anything interesting make sure to document it here, I am always eager to see.

For street driving... I'm pretty happy with my H23A-Vtec plenty of torque and it still revs. Should be very dependable. I have the TL 04-05 rims on my accord and I love the look but honestly they are pretty heavy, I'm thinking if I want to race this car in any way I would go with something much lighter.

 

At the end of the day, it will still be a fwd grocery getter.
Its economy VTEC, not performance VTEC in f22b1's.




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