Looks like my engine (F22B2) is toast (low enough compression that it won't start). I live in NJ, so I have to deal with inspection every 2 years (and as soon as the inspection station starts back up), which means keeping OBD2 intact. With the work I'll have to go through, I'd rather upgrade the engine with something more potent instead of using the same old engine. So I'm looking at a better engine, but nothing over the top as far as extra bits I'd need to pick up to make the engine fit and work. I'd also like to keep my transmission, too, as it shifts fine. Here's what I've found so far:

- F22B1: Near-direct swap. Had one in my old 97 EX. Peppy, but nothing exciting.

- F23A: Seems like the prime candidate due to fitment, but not too amazing at just a 15hp gain.

- F22B DOHC: And this is the prime candidate for power, but I haven't seen much of this being used in OBD2 form.

- H22A: Plenty of these swaps out there, good power, but will it work on OBD2?

- F20B: Apparently pretty useless without the matching transmission, and manual combos were somewhat rare, and now expensive.

Any other swaps I'm missing? Is it possible to do anything as OBD2 beyond just the F23A? I don't mind doing extra work like swapping pins and adding some extra wiring for common things like VTEC, IAC, etc. I've got enough time and patience for that. Just want to keep the costs down on the extra parts beyond the engine, ECU, and maintenance parts (timing kit, valve cover gasket kit, belts, etc.) as much as possible.

 

the H22A4 is OBD2, should be a bolt-in swap. there may be some wiring to run, but nothing terrible. use the stock Prelude ECU. if you can get the complete swap with manual trans it will be for the better. gearing is much better than your LX 5spd.

 

The H22A4 is VETC and the Accord LX is not, so there may be differences in the wiring, but that is minor. Sounds like the way to go.

 

Hmm, the H22A4 seems a bit out of my price range, based on the prices on the market at the moment. Especially after adding the transmission. Heard there were some issues with immobilizers in the ECU, too. Don't mind adding VTEC wiring, though.