My dad has offered me a 1991 Si for $500 but it needs a new motor. I know very little about the B20A5, but I heard that its a headache to work on. Is this true, or is it worth getting?

 

ahh perfect chance to make an h22 sleeper.

depends on what is wrong with it.

 

Not sure how hard it is to work on, but the b20a5 is supposed to be a good motor. your 91 should have the b21a1 though. I've heard the b21 is a pos. If you could get a new motor for $1000ish and the car for $500ish I would think it would be a good deal. I don't think there's a lot of power to be made on them though. Goodluck

Here you can get a b20a5 for $495
http://www.nippon-motors.com/honda.htm

 

Is your 91 a plain Si or the 2.0Si? If it's the plain Si, then you have the B21a1. Else it's the B20a5. The b20a5 is the better motor when talking about it's ability to last.

But none of that matters as yours is blown.

You could do the H22 swap into it. Plan on 3500-5000 for it though.

The best bang for the buck would be to get the JDM B20a. You'll find them for like 500-750 shipped and install is like installing the US version. Just make sure to only swap the block and head. Keep all the US manifolds, tranny and accessories (emissions mostly).

 

yea for sure, for 500bux do a simple drop in of the B20 ... unless you want the expensive h22 power house sleeper :D .. any other swaps I dont think would be worthwhile for the amount of custom work required.

The B21 engine is 145hp and is notorious for burning oil because of the weak FRM sleeves in the block ... the B20A5 I think uses Iron sleeves and is 135hp and is known to last some time longer.

Just like above, get a jdm longblock cheapy cheapy and you've got yourself a quick inexpensive car with a good low mileage motor.

 

I went over there today, and it turns out that its a 88-89 2.0S. Now if Im correct those cars are caurbarated, like cars from piror to the 80s right?

 

Yes, it's a carborated beast! 100 or 110 hp PITA. Unless you want a project lude, I'd steer clear of it...