I like the early b16a because it's cheap, but if I can throw an integra (ie b18b, b18c1) in and pass smog, that'd be great. I've been reading along for a while and finally getting a rex. But I'm still not sure which is the best route, whether it be take my chances with the early b16a or hop up the stupid 62hp 8v it has in it. So can the car pass CA smog with a b18c1? Please say it can. Or if not, what has to be done to the b16a to pass the test?

 

The basic idea is... you can pass smog as long as the engine is the same age or NEWER than the chassis, and the engine came in a car that was emissions legal in california. For example, the ZC motor never came in a car in california... and thus was never considered for emissions regulations. The ZC is not on the 'replacement engine list' for CARB. JDM B16 motors did not come in cars in california, and are technically illegal. Some people have smogged them as del sol motors, etc with some work.

So yes, you can use a B18C1.

Dustin

 

Okay, get that (and by the way thanks for replying so fast) well you got a ZC in your rex, have you tried to pass that? So a B18C1 off any CA car will pass no problem? I've heard about a lot of places selling JDM swap packages, but where can I find a US or CA smog passable B18C1?

 

hey you sound just like me. I've got a 91 hf and the power is just so scary and intimidating that I want to do a gsr swap as well. Why bother with the b16's right.

 

Hit up local salvage yards. I found a 94 del sol vtec motor, tranny, ecu, the works. Sold the hydro tranny and bought a y1. Dustin succinctly defined your motor options, but if you want more info: http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage....s-Jan_1994.htm
If you haven't already bought a jdm motor and you're worried about smog issues, spend the extra money and get your b18, b or c, you'll be happy with either and you won't have to hassle with smog issues. It's more expensive but if you need to sell your car, you're responsible for smogging it. South Bay, as well as most of souther cali., is categorized as an ENHANCED area, meaning smog check every other year. With a usdm motor and accompanying ecu, this won't be an issue. The convenience of a zc is attractive, and if you've got the time and expertise to swap your old motor in when it's time for a smog check, that might be an option. Wasn't for me, I'm a mechanical retard. Good luck with your decision.

 

It's just that every thing I read about the B18C going into a 2nd generation CRX sucks. It sits to high this, it sits too low that, if it weren't for all the damn honest people trying to save other people time and grief, I'd just buy a B18C, install it, slam the hood on the valve cover bending it, and ofcourse drive the car anyway, come up on a dip too fast and nail the **** out of my headers and probably commit suicide right there in the middle of the road. Thanks, guys who have learned the hard way. I hope you're still alive.

 

the only place I've heard about a height problem with that engine is at honda-perf.com and they chose to lower the engine as per the engine mount kit was set up for. As far as being too high. I would think that any custom hood would be fine maybe it would give you a reason to buy a carbon-fiber SiR hood. ( i belive you can get them at http://www.jdmhondaparts.com )I would think that that would allow it to fit. But once I get mine I'm definitly going to keep it at the normal height that it should be at. If its to high than i'll just cut a hole thru my hood and that will be that. Hey an extra 80 or 90 horsepower and vtec is definitly worth a hole in my hood. HOw'bout you.

 

I like your attitude Crusher. I'll keep that in mind. Anyone else wanna put in some current experience on the issue of the quality of fit of a B18C into a 2nd generation CRX?

 

If you get the JDM SiR hood it might not fit with the USDM front end. I have no experience with it, but that's what I've heard. Though it would be cool to have a JDM front end .

 

JDM SiR hood requires the JDM SiR headlights and the JDM SiR bumper cover, along with some other miscellaneous parts.

I need to sell my JDM SiR lights now. Someone has to want them

Dustin

 

any motor same year or newer that is on the california list of replacement motors. you must also have all the smog devices/equipment that belong to the motor your swapping into your car installed as well. yes we all hear stories and know of people who have passed smog tests and some have even gotten JDM motors certified in california cars. all i can say about that is those people got lucky and the smog guy didnt care about being fined and/or losing his job and smog license. JDM motor will pass cali smog tests no problem but because they are not on the cali list of replacement motors they are not allowed.