Hey guys.. iam kinda new to the performace car world, but i have been very interested in getting started for some time now, I have a 94 teg LS. I am looking to swap a GSR engine into it. Ive called around to shops and they all act stupid, they have no idea what iam talking about. This is the typical question i ask "Hi, do you guys swap engines?" "Yes" "Ok will you put a integra GSR engine into my Integra LS?" this is were i get stupid answers. One guy asked me about the computer chip, but i had no idea what he was talking about, he asked if he would have to change the computer chip around since it wasnt the same engine...... My question is basically this: What does it take to put a GSR engine into my LS? What do i have to say to the jackass's when i call them up? And how should i search for a good mechanic to do it for me?

Thanks a lot ahead of time for all your responses

 

Do it yourself and save.

check out..... http://hybrid.honda-perf.org for lots of cool info about swaps.

 

hehe i dont have the time to do it myself, i try to do all my repairs myself but an engine swap would just take way to much time (which i dont have) full time student and full time work takes up most of your free hours

 

Why not just turbo the LS? It would be cheaper and the car will be much faster.

Dustin

 

Is your LS engine currently in good shape? If it is, I vote for keeping it and slapping on a turbo. If it's in need of a rebuild, it's a great opportunity to build your engine for turbo!

Used GS-R engines are way overpriced IMO.

 

ok so im kinda confused...
why would the ls be faster with turbo then a GSR? I thought the GSR stock came has 30 more HP?

 

Turbo: No need to remove the engine and all that crap, retains the original engine, however, the engine needs to be built with stronger internal parts to handle forced induction (turbo), would require more maintenance, potentially outputting 200 or more horsepower with the right tuning (boost, etc, etc). Maybe the turbo Integra owners can explain what they had to do for this setup and what kind of maintenance needs to be done.

GS-R or Type R swap: The easiest and most straight-forward thing to do. 170hp instantly for the GS-R and 195hp for the Type R engine. More reliable horsepower. You can basically start building your engine up from there for whatever you want. When you get hold of a GS-R engine, make sure it's a B18C1, and the Type R would be the B18C5. I'm not sure what's the exact number designation for the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) B18C engines which are obviously equipped in the Honda cars in Japan. Believe me, they're not that much different than the ones in the US, besides the fact that the US-spec ones, you can get them smogged for sure. If you're buying an engine, get the compression checked (?), make sure it has all the neccessary parts (engine block, ECU, transmission, etc.). In other words, make sure you're purchasing a "complete swap". Yes, it is recommended that you change out the ECU as well since the shop guy you referred to asked you that question.

Cost: Turbo vs. Engine swap. Pretty much the same. It depends on what kind of results you want, how much time you have, and how much time you'd spend maintaining either setup. In other words, if you know your stuff, go turbo. If ya don't. An engine swap is an easier choice. Turbo kits would run you around $3,000 for the parts and some more money installed. Dropping in the engine would cost you from $3,000-$5,000, depending where you do it, and where you do it.

Another alternative setup I could recommend is doing an LS/VTEC. Basically, the LS engine (which is in your car) has a better response on the lower RPM's and the VTEC engines have better response on the higher RPM's. Basically, you replace the original head with a VTEC head (from a VTEC B-series engine) onto a non-VTEC B-series engine (B18A's [90-93 Integras] and B18B's [94-00 Integras]), build the engine up to handle the VTEC setup, a new ECU that supports VTEC (from any B-series VTEC engine, reprogram your existing one, or purchase an electronic VTEC controller), then do a buncha crap with the oil squirters, etc, etc. It's kind of a pain in the *** if you want it built right. It's not neccessary to remove the engine out of the car to do this. However, it's a pretty advanced setup and it requires some proper tuning as well. I know, it's quite confusing. @_@

Most people just start off with basic bolt-on performance parts on their cars like an aftermarket header (DC Sports, Comptech, Apexi, GReddy, etc), an aftermarket exhaust system (GReddy, Tanabe, Apexi, Comptech, DC Sports, HKS, Thermal, etc), and an air intake system (AEM, K&N, Injen, HKS, etc). Sure, they don't give you massive horsepower gains, but it's a small place to start.

Anyway, just do your research, I'm sure some of us here will be more than happy to direct you to some online literature. Read magazines, online articles, and ask around. If I were you, I'd just do more research on your options and keep saving up. Who knows what you might wanna do later when you learn more? I understand it's quite confusing for someone who's new to car tuning. Sorry if my explainations aren't that good. I gave it my best. I haven't slept all night. So, if I have any mistakes or something I forgot to explain, can someone do me a favor and clear it up? Thanks. @_@ Good luck with your new car!

 

I just wanted to thank you Takumi for all of the sound advice you gave to our fellow member. i see you only have 9 posts so you must be somewhat new to our board, so let be be the first to welcome you!

 

Oh, no prob! ^_^ My friend referred me to honda-tech.com. He told me the people around here are cool. I usually lurked around, but I never really registered until recently. It's been quite a while since I've actively posted in a car related message board. I used to post quite a bit on g2ic.com, Super Honda, and the Velocity Racing Team board (mostly caters to non-Hondas), but I've stopped for the longest time. Thanks for the welcome!

Heehee, those emoticons are neat. ^_^


[Modified by Takumi, 9:17 AM 9/22/2001]

 

Takumi thank you so much your post is very very helpful

 

Yea, no prob, when you pick up an import magazine, the best place to look for info is the "Reader's Letters" section. That's basically one of the best sections in a magazine because that's where they usually answer questions from readers. There's usually readers of those magazines who are in the same position as you are. ^_^

I forgot to add that an LS/VTEC setup can easily get you up to 190hp or more. Considering you get the characteristics of an LS engine and characteristics of a VTEC engine, you get a well rounded setup. Though...this setup requires a list of parts and procedures, which can get a bit complicated if you barely know what's going on. @_@


[Modified by Takumi, 10:35 AM 9/22/2001]

 

LS/VTEC gets you a nasty rod/stroke ratio. Turbo is probably more reliable

Dustin