So, I just purchased a 1998 Honda Accord LX to use for my daily driver until I get around to fixing my other car. Once that's done I want to be that guy and mod my Accord for the track.

You could just say, get a different car, but I want to try to do something different, while also somehow trying to stay within a reasonable budget (Sounds pretty unreasonable).

Anyway, to get to the point, my Accord has an F23a in it right now. I know that only puts out 150hp@5500rpm and 150ft/lb of torque@4500rpm. I've been reading a lot of posts trying to find out if it is even worth it to engine swap, or if I should just keep the F23a and do some modding. I'm not the most knowledgeable when it comes to this kind of thing. I was thinking about an F20b because they're starting to be cheaper than any H22a I have found. Apparently H22a is by far the best (according to nearly every post I read about it).

To finish this post off, I do know there have been loads of posts about this, but I would like to get some information straight to me, rather than reading the conversations between four people from 5 years ago. Any and all information that you can give me will be greatly appreciated and will help me immensely on my quest for knowledge.

Thanks a bunch!

P.S. I just did not mean to use the wrong "Bare" in the title. There was no pun intended there. That is all.

 

First thing to do before you choose swap or built would be to look into the health of your current F23. Compression test and leak down tests are a must. If those results come up good, I would start looking at information about boosting the F23. Lots of people have made good reliable power form the stock F23 within a decent budget. The ebay turbo kit's can work just fine if you get them tuned properly. Tuning is key, also helps the bottom line if you can do some of, if not all, the labour yourself.

 

Okay, I'll see about getting it tested here soon. I just fixed a hug valve cover oil leak and so far I have not seen any other leaks. The engine has almost 300k miles, but when I took the valve cover off, it looked very good, but I guess that doesn't mean anything when it comes to the lower half. So if it ends up lookin' like a no go on my current engine, what would be my options from there?

 

Ok, although I don't really think this is the platform to build on, if you must, then first get another engine, you can get a JDM replacement engine for about $600. This gives you the flexibility to do whatever you want while still having a functional car. So, you can either simply put in the replacement, or take that to a shop to build up further.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/JDM-HONDA-A...Cclp%3A2334524

But, I also think that if you are going to do any racing of any sort (other than drag racing) , I would spend the time to tighten up that suspension a lot, it's a very soft ride, too soft for racing stock. drop it a few inches, stiffer springs, bigger rear sway bar first, then race like that to see how it goes. 17 inch wheels if it were me. Make sure that steering rack is in good condition. Keep in mind this platform has very little aftermarket support as it is not generally used in racing, so you will have to work extra hard if you are going to build something competitive. A turbo on the street is one thing, but a turbo on a track is a lot more heat and destruction waiting to happen.

Be realistic as you go, because unless you just have a bunch of money lying around or are an amazing engine builder, you will spend more on this platform than many others to get the same results. Personally I find these cars reliable when used normally, but very fragile when you start to abuse them racing. If I was picking a car for racing, it's much easier, for example, to do things on the Civic platform because there's a huge aftermarket for so many years and so many people doing things it's easier to get a build done and get suport from the community. Even taking a similar era Civic and dropping in the Accord engine will do better than the accord will, since it's a simpler chasis, lighter weight, really easy to modify. Just giving you pause for thought.

Good luck

 

I've heavily considered a civic, I just can't get over how they look. I like the Accord cause it kind of reminds me of an Impreza. I actually do own a Prelude, but it has so many problems and not enough aftermarket parts that it doesn't seem worth it to me. Another problem is price. I like to buy maxing out at like $1.5k which limits my options a lot. Let me know if there are any good suggestions you have. Or even some good looking civics that maybe I've missed. Thanks!

 

If you think the Prelude doesn't have enough aftermarket parts...boy do I have news for you about your Accord. It's a bad time to get into the older Accord/Prelude modding scene because the good parts are all gone or $$$$$$$$ if you manage to track down anything. Even the once abundant and cheap JDM engines are mostly gone and what's left is in bad shape/overpriced.

For $1,500 you're not even going to get half a swap done. I would forget about making more power and focus on making the most out of what you have. A few select suspension, brake, tire, and gearing upgrades will go a long way into turning the car into something more fun.

 

Sorry I should have made that more clear. I only want to spend $1500 on a car I'm willing to spend more on an engine swap. But if I were to get another car I would not want to spend any more than $1500

 

Welp, my Accord just sprung another oil leak that I have no idea where it's coming from. I'm just gonna sell it and save up for a civic. I guess that makes the end of this thread lol. Well, if anyone in Texas is looking for an Accord with an oil leak, and a couple of other problems with easy fixes, let me know. I'm selling. Thanks for the help everyone that has commented so far.