So this coming summer I'm thinking about rebuilding an engine and then dropping it in a da9 the following year when i return from my exchange program. I never did any serious engine work so I'm looking for tips and suggestions. My goal is to have an all motor b-series just above 200hp, maybe in the 220 range if possible. Right now I'm interested in a b18c1 or b18c5. My friend also mentioned to me i could do a b20 lower end with a b18 head for lower compression. I know I want everything machined so i'm essentially starting from scratch, but I don't know what parts to upgrade to achieve my desired power range. I have a lot of time, so I plan on installing everything myself if possible. Looking to spend less than a couple grand.

 

That's not going to happen for less than a "couple of grand", even if you don't account for getting the longblock (B18C1 or C5) already.
It may be best to check out the FAQs at the top highlighted in grey, start looking at other builds in the forums similar to what you're looking for. This forum has over 17 years of archived files on this engine, so there's no one particular method for "tips / tricks" to doing what you're trying to do. We're not really the best "spoon feeders" here, so if you have specific questions, they'll be answered more readily than specific "tips".

I suppose the only "tips" are
A) don't cheap out on the parts you use.. Garbage In=Garbage out.
B) OEM supplemental parts really are your best friend and best option regardless of cost.
C) Don't buy used Oil or water pumps or timing belts.
D) Get a Helms Manual online. Pay the money, as it's worth every cent. It will answer about 80% of the future questions that you'll have soon.

 

so less than say, 3000 dollars?

 

Possibly. Depends upon what you get, and how, / who does machining, etc. This isn't a fix cost. Like anything, whatever the budget is, add 30% for other incidentals.

You're never going to know the full cost before you get started. No one knows that

 

It costs a lot more than you would think. Even after you budget for the things like cams, intake, pistons and such you have to add all the gaskets, assembly lube and all that little stuff. I recently finished rebuilding my b20v and it cost enough I'd have gotten a gsr swap from hmotors if I would have known how much my build cost and I'd still come out cheaper.

 

yea theres no guarantee it'l be less than 3000 dollars

 

I'm really just trying to get an idea of what I'm up against. I didn't start planning or anything, I'm just trying to figure out if this is an obtainable goal with my experience and budget. I think I'm going to look into some books for more specific details, but I wanted to hear other peoples opinions.

 

Very few books even exist anymore (virtual or softcover) for specifically this kind of build, but you can use Google to find the archived threads of H-Tas to what you need to make the build work. (There's over 17 years of archives here) The reason why $ estimates aren't very precise is because there are so many combinations of parts to be used for the same build that it can easily change the whole process of $500-$2000 depending upon your goals and purpose.

The best way to approach this is to build the list of parts and machining first. Don't sweat the cost yet until you get a complete list. I know that it seems rugged to do it that way, but you'll easily compromise the build if you look at the cost of each individual component. Also try to look at your purpose and goal in mind. If you're trying to keep this engine 20 years, you'll spend more for the better parts. Want to just beat the hell out of it at the races or street? plan to spend less, but that means you may be under the car more than in the car, if you get my meaning here.

Lastly, look at other builds in the forum that similarly conform to what you're looking for.. Those are the best examples of tips/tricks to use. Look at the builds, their purpose, parts used, etc, then compare that to today's prices for the same parts, and add 20%-30% of that cost for extras in case something goes wrong.

Tell you what.. I'll throw in my wife's build from... (Oh God.. 7 years ago? ) that's still in the archives as an example.

https://honda-tech.com/forums/all-mo...es-na-2458563/

 

You can do it, just take your time. Like Shodan said, google and this forum are great resources. I just rebuilt my b20vtec and it was my first engine build. If I can do it anyone can.

 

Did you do everything yourself besides the machining obviously?

 

Just found a B18c1 longblock on craigslist for $750

 

I sent the head off to Prodigy Race Engine (slowsleeper on here) and sent the tranny off, but other than that and the machine work I did it all myself. It was a good learning experience.