Is it possible to swap a VTEC head onto a 92-96 2.3l prelude SI engine? im guessing this may be similar to LS/VTEC.

 

Yup.

 

Exact same procedure, and if you build one, I suggest you get aftermarket pistons with larger valve reliefs and rods as well, but that is not completely neccacary. If you aiming for a budget horseower per dollar for a Si prelude, that is the way to go. But if you do the head swap, I also suggest that you use Z-10's oil tap for the oil pump instead of drilling into the back of the block in the oil passage.

 

how hard is it to do the swap and how much will it costs for parts and labor. also what parts will i need?

 

not hard to do the swap, do a search on the internet and find an article about building the LSVTEC and thats all you need to do. The dowl pins will have to be modified for the head probably, not sure on the H-series, but that can be done at a machine shop, not a big deal. and go to http://www.z10eng.com and check out their oil fitting for the oil pump, this is where the oil feed for the head will come, and if your not good with a drill or dont have the extra money to afford to mess up, have a machine shop that you trust or a local tuner that you trust to drill the feed line into the back of the head. Other than that, do everything else that you would do as if you were swapping head gaskets, and yes, use the H23 head gasket.

 

I've heard thats its easier than an LS Vtec and that all you have to do is bolt the head on and there is no need for custom oil lines....

 

there is no vtec oil line on a H23

 

how much will it cost me though?

 

you do the labor, $1500, max, thats including buying ever new gasket new from honda, new water pump, timing belt,etc

 

It's also not the most reliable option. Your putting a head that was NOT meant to go on the block.

I say if your desperate, H22A1, otherwise... TURBO!

 

Ture, boost is the easiest way to make power, but this can be accomplished for half the price, and as long as every gasket is replaced, cam timing stays stock, and the head is checked, and milled for a flat surface, and that quality oil lines are used, and a v-afc or a H22A ecu is needed also, this set up can be as reliable as a stocker, its a good bang for buck considering it can add about 25 horse to the wheels and costs half that of a turbo.