Warning: Long, loaded with questions.

I'd like your opinions guys. I want to do something engine-wise in a few months time. I would like to stay as cost-conscious as possible, but at the same time, not limit my potential power-wise. I will be staying N/A as I've already invested in a comptech race header..

1. Swap an A2 head that I find for under 1k. This I would like to complement with Type R pistons and or camshafts. If I went this route, I would like to keep part costs under 2k. The camshaft installation would be pretty simple but I think the piston install would be quite intensive. Would it be better to skip the piston installation in favor of the cams (in interest of cost)? I wouldn't have to deal with selling my engine either. I'm leaning towards this right now because I can slowly procure the parts one by one and it has the lowest initial cost.

This option releases a couple questions: How "good" is the A3 block? Will it stand up to 8000 revs/min regularly? Will this swap be reliable? Will it produce good power?

2. Get an A2 head, mate it with a K24 block, keep my 5 speed tranny. I would have the additional burden of selling my engine and storing it in the meantime. Probably the most troublesome option because I'd have to not only track down a good, cheap head but also a good, cheap block. And then have it assembled and installed. The upside being that it would probably produce the most power.

3. Get an A2 engine/tranny swap. Might actually be cheaper than option 1 in the long run, provided that I can get 1500-2000 for my A3. This option has probably the highest initial cost but is probably the most trouble-free as I'm just bolting up another stock Honda motor.

My goals with this step: to be able to hit 13s with not too much more work. Be reliable. Or rather: most bang for the buck (want to be able to secure funds in a couple months...I would love to get a K20a but that would take FOREVER to save up).

I'm looking for the engine gurus on this board to chime in: B18CxR, paynetech, etc. Thanks.

 

if your going to stay NA, get an A2.

no question about it

 

Im not an engine expert, but I agree with Jack on the full A2 swap + 6spd.

I do want to add, that getting 13s will be acheived by addressing traction as well as power...a pair of slicks for the front and some Motor Mount bushings will help alot.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B18CXr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">if your going to stay NA, get an A2.

no question about it</TD></TR></TABLE>

If possible get the JDM K20A2, but price is always attractive