First off, I'd like to make it clear that I'm ignorant of "civic technology", as the only imports I really know anything about are the NSX, Supra and RX-7. But, I thought it would be a blast to build a Street legal drag car using a '94 Honda Civic.

I've been reading some on the engines, although it seems the people I've talked to are as ignorant as I am when it comes to this car and the engines available for it. Two engines have jumped out at me though as possible swaps, those being the B16B and the B18C5.

I'm planning on using forced induction, turbocharger, and have been told that the B18C5 has too high compression ratio to deal with the added pressure (11.1 JDM). But, I'm under the impression that I'll need to rebuild the internals anyway to deal with the added pressure, and could simply lower the compression ratio then.

Would this work? Is it more work than that engine is worth? Is there another engine that I should look at before the ITR B18? What turbo would you recommend?

I'll mainly be drag racing, and I want to keep it street legal. I'll be gutting the car though, and losing every ounce I can, obviously rebuilding the suspension, etc. I'd like to dip into the 12's at the very least, but faster is better, as long as it's street legal I'm VERY open to ideas, as I haven't started to buy anything yet, this is all still in the planning stages, and I want to get every bit of input I can before I set it in stone with my credit card, heh.

Thanks much!

 

Look into the H22(Prelude engine).

 

If I was going to rebuild the entire motor anyway I don't think that I'd start with a B18C5. For drag only, look into an H22, B20, and LS or CR-VTEC. These motors will have more torque and are a cheaper base than the B18C5.

Besides the high compression of the B18C5, you would also need to address the more aggressive cams to turbo the motor.

 

for turbo apps and drag only im going to say either just get a b18c1 or maybe build a b20vtec.

h22 can be very good but i would stay away from building a h22turbo civic. its not imposible at all, but its a bit of a PITA.

if you are serious about making some power. a b18c1 block sleved to 84mm(2.0) with upgraded forged rods and pistons. mild port and poilished head. stock cams will do. either a skunk2 or edelbrock IM. and if you want to buy an off the shelf turbo set-up, I highly recomend a FULL-RACE turbo kit. you can pretty get the exact parts you want with going with them. and you will love the manifold

id say if you still want it streetable to go with a t3/t4. but if you dont care about a good bit of lag go with the T4.

remember that fuel management and dyno tuning are key to making RELIABLE power. 350-400 whp should be no problem with what i have listed. in a tin can hatch on slicks you should be able to break 11's very easily.