Hello Guys,
Before I start, I will state that I have done a lot of research before posting. There is just too much information to sort. I am not looking to be spoon fed the whole project, rather just the experience of you guys and a couple of indications.
I have mostly worked with domestic V8 based cars, so I don't have a ton of knowledge on hondas, but it appears to be a great platform to build just about anything.

Basically, I want to build a turbo AWD 5th or 6th civic, I want to retain AC and I'd like to make around 250-300whp on pump gas.
The goal is to have a daily driver with the old school analog feel with great driver's engagement. I'd also like to have a noticeable VTEC.
I know it's stupid, but I'd like to keep/add AC.

My idea would be to buy a 1st or 2nd gen manual CRV, do a proper turbo setup on it and dial it out properly. I would then find a 5th or 6th gen civic hatch shell, do a rust-protection job, paint it and do the powertrain swap on it.

At this point, my question is related to what CRV to buy. (Below is what I found after researching for a couple days)
First gen
Pros:

• B series appear to be simplier on ECU side
• "Better" VTEC kick
• Might be easier to do a swap for a better B series engine
• Base CRV likely cheaper

Cons:

• Weak powertrain (especially transfer case), unlikely to handle 300whp target (I read about the billet transfer case, and something about a doxbox transmission, but not ideal for a street application)
• Can't shift at high RPM with the SBXM transmission

Second gen
Pros:

• Powertrain should handle 300hp without modifications
• Didn't hear any issues about shifting

Cons:

• Engine may not sound as "raw" or "wild
• Might be more complicated to swap to a proper VTEC engine

Basically, I'd like to make this project as straightfoward as possible and limit the amount of fabrication. What would be the easiest CRV to start with? Can I take a 2nd gen CRV powertrain in a 5th gen civic without major modification of the crossmembers?
If not, is there a new solution I haven't found about the SBXM transmission from the 1st gen CRV?
What engine should I look for?

My budget is around 20-25k, and I don't expect this to be completed overnight.

Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks for your time!

 

So, with some more research, it seems the "better" option in term of powertrain would be to go with a 2nd gen CRV with a K24a swap, which appears to be reasonably easy.

The information left to find is to know is how "direct" the CRV crossmembers are to a 5/6th gen civic.

 

Not trying to thread jack. I'm in the same boat as you. I'm currently B18C1 turbo. I'm in a higher HP bracket. From my research, K is the way to go. Money wise and parts available. The SBXM transmission has almost no aftermarket support . And what's out there, is really expensive. I have to much invested in my setup to go K series. And since this HT, not everyone going to have funds like you. With your budget, you could build a monster of a car (if you do the work yourself). Go K series. For my project I have everything figured out besides the SBXM transmission. I'm in talks with a few companies about what can be done to support higher HP numbers. Good luck on your build.

 

Thanks for the reply. However, I have decided to go for a DSM instead. Similar result for a lot less work.

 

I was putting out 540whp out of my SBXM for years before it popped. I was launching it incorrectly for a long time when the case finally gave out. I ended up going with a billet housing and transfer case, and had all of the gears WPC treated for some added insurance. You really can spend as much as you want or deem necessary. It all depends on how you drive it and your suspension set up. The SBXM can take 300whp all day IMO, if taken care of and driven properly.