H22 vs. B16/18

[shoobathelemur]

I've been looking into various motor swaps for an EJ Civic and one that I never really see too much is the H22A. I was wondering if there was any reason in particular or do most people just opt for the B because its a more direct swap?

Mainly what I'm looking for is the best combination of swap ease, power potential, and minimal cost. Right now, I have the D16Y8. I'm deciding between the B18C, B16A, or the H22A.

Any recommendations? Pros and cons of each perhaps?

[8695Beaters]

the H22 is heavy and unless you go hardcore turbo, the power will no offset the weight. Plus you will ruin the balance on your Civic.

The B16 should be a straight bolt-in. The Si came with one, so if you can find a decent front clip, just swap everything into your car (manual transmission included). There won't be any tricks, and no fab work. An H22 can't offer that.

You might be able to get away with a B18, but it is taller. It will probably fit, but won't be as plug and play as the B16. Since off-hand I don't know the exact differences between the engines, I can't say for sure.

If you can afford it, the K-Series is the way to go. A little bit of research and you will have an exceptionally fast car. In Florida, I bet there are people swapping in K24s into their brand new Civic Si's. If you can find one of those engines, you will be in business.

The B16 is your best bet. Find a junker and make a DIY Si.

[shoobathelemur]

Yeah. There's a K running around in an EK and it's boosted to the tune of 440 hp. I would love a K but that motor swap will cost more than my car did.

B series is what I felt was the best value. But I can't help but wonder if maybe I'd come out better off to sell mine and find an Si. The problem is finding one that hasn't been modded. And not getting it stolen. Thats a big prob around here too.

[8695Beaters]

Why do you want a stock car? Getting one that's already got some work done to it can be a helluva value. Just look at my 240SX. There is 10 grand worth of parts put into it. I got it for less than half that.

Finding an Si would be easier, but there are a couple of advantages I see with building your own. One, if it doesn't look like an Si, then it's not as much of a target to thieves. Second, insurance will be cheaper, because the VIN is an Si, even if the engine is not. And for your car, some of the parts that fit it now can work on your new engine if you put it into your current car. That will also save you some money. You can also keep your D as a backup motor if you want to go turbo.

[pg08]

i would do the h22 its a beast of an all motor engine and if you go boost later on i just saw one tuned in a accord that was pushing over 400 hp and tq i like the motor everyone has there opinions though i mean you line the 2 motors up the h22 would walk it stock but it is heavier plus no premium gas like you would heve to in the b18c's

[sligh]

For an all motor setup, I'm suggesting the B18c. Why the B instead of the K? Coz of all those aftermarket parts out there. If you decide to go FI in the long run, you could just go low compression and it still would be a decent FI build.

A stock B18c aint that bad either.

[8695Beaters]

Aftermarket, shmaftermarket, the K is a better engine. Way more power and much more potential. There is a smaller aftermarket because it is newer. Just wait, the B market will shrink and the K market will grow. But the K is more expensive, and like I said already, the B16 is a direct bolt-in.

[sligh]

Whatever you decide, always plan ahead. set an ultimate target or goal. NA or FI? 200 whp? 500 whp? Decide on your next step guided by your goal.

HTH.

[8695Beaters]

^^^ That is good advice. Everyone should remember that when they jump into a project.