98 dx hatch swap options

98Romahatch

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Hi,

My car is a bone stock DX, 106 bhp non-vtec, 5 speed, gas sipping glory. The engine is starting to get tired and I'm looking for swap options. I'm looking for a engine/trans combo that won't be a horride pain in the ass to swap in. My goals are something has around 200 bhp, is reliable, easy to work on, and I want to stay naturally aspirated. I want it to be durable enough to take it on a road course if I want but mild enough to be driven daily. I have a budget of around 5k for this project. I'm new to Honda so bare with me please. So I'm asking you, what do you believe is the best course of action for my goals?
 

CHILD

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Buy a parted out K swap, k20a2 or k24a2 swap. Done.
 


mc360

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Something in that power range and easy to swap isnt going to be cheap, h series swaps are kind of cheap but a lot of work to be done from what I have read, k series is expensive Imo and not the easiest to swap. The best bet for easy and power is a b18c5 type r but idk if you can find one for 5k with everything. If it were me I would do turbo because its very easy to make 200whp and probably the cheapest route .
 

mc360

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had my K installed in less than 2 days lol. Only troubles i had with swapping mine were ALL caused by me. It was easier than my b16 swap.

complete B18c-R swap from the only place i'd ever buy an engine, for less than 5 grand
http://www.hmotorsonline.com/shop/sc2000search.cgi?what=page&item=30011
i knew they were 4500-5000$, a B series is a lot more plug and play than a k series is. i wouldnt want to do a b or k swap though like i said, you could have a very well put together turbo setup with a nice turbo kit then the injectors ecu and fuel pump for about 3200$. i know you said you want to stay na but i would weigh my options and do a lot of reasearch, a small turbo will be very fun and have little spool time and if you buy a quality kit you just bolt it on and go tune.
 

CHILD

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a B series is a lot more plug and play than a k series is. i know you said you want to stay na but i would weigh my options and do a lot of reasearch, a small turbo will be very fun and have little spool time and if you buy a quality kit you just bolt it on and go tune.
I don't think you know about the K's all that much. At the most, the only extra thing A k series swap would need over a B is a conversion harness (which would hold true with the B as well if mixing obd1 and obd2). Im sure a quick spooling sohc is fun, but after leaving b16 turbo swapped cars behind with a stock untuned K, I'd consider the options pretty closely. :D

you make some good points though, not trying to sound like a prick towards your responses for the OP
 

gbaby2089

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The issue with adding boost to the stock D in the car now is that, according to the OP, the engine is already a bit tired. With that said, if you're going to be refreshing an engine, wouldn't you rather go through the process of refreshing the engine you actually want? Rather than settling for something because its slightly more cost effective?

That said, a B or K should probably be refreshed before installation as well.

What about an H2B, OP?
 

mc360

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I don't think you know about the K's all that much. At the most, the only extra thing A k series swap would need over a B is a conversion harness (which would hold true with the B as well if mixing obd1 and obd2). Im sure a quick spooling sohc is fun, but after leaving b16 turbo swapped cars behind with a stock untuned K, I'd consider the options pretty closely. :D

you make some good points though, not trying to sound like a prick towards your responses for the OP
Your right I dont know a lot about k swaps but I have looked at a few, the harness isnt something thats super easy so most people pay for one premade, Then you need a new subframe dont you? special mounts from hasport (which are a lot more than some used ones) and removing the engine mount from the frame to attach the k mount and weld it on.

If your going to leave it stock I can see why people go with b over d series and k if they have money but I just think there are more parts to buy and break on a dohc than a sohc. If he buys an Imported motor whether its b or k he wont need a refresh since there usually 35-45000 miles on them
 

CHILD

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Your right I dont know a lot about k swaps but I have looked at a few, the harness isnt something thats super easy so most people pay for one premade, Then you need a new subframe dont you? special mounts from hasport (which are a lot more than some used ones) and removing the engine mount from the frame to attach the k mount and weld it on.
Those conversion harnesses are usually bought premade and are easily found for sale. You do not need to change subframes, that's an option for extra clearance, the motor mounts are no more special than aftermarket mounts for a B or D and are also up for sale constantly (people part out K swaps all night and day), and you dont need to remove any factory mounts or brackets in a 6th gen so no cutting or welding is required.
 

Sammo115

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Since Kswaps are becoming more common, its actually alot easier to do a Kswap now a days.

in my own opinion, I LOVE LOVE my Kseries. BUT hate the price tag for parts involving one. ( dont tell me, " it pays to play" BS ) because it doesn't.

Id go Bseiries if cost is an issue. which Bseries? If the OP persist on NA with 200hp ish. Id go with an LS-V but of course, one would need to research and accept what issues is to come with them LSV.
 

98Romahatch

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I want to stay NA, I prefer quick throttle response and I don't want all the added parts, turbo, intercooler, oil/coolant lines ect. I have an STi and I'm not that impressed with the turbo, the powerband is small, not impressive by any means (3-5.5rpm). I'm not looking for 200 whp I'm looking for an engine that has 200 bhp. Also there is no way I'm going to boost my 106hp sohc, non vtec engine or trying to add bolt-ons. I would never get what I wanted out of it, I think its better to swap.
 

CHILD

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200bhp..... You have the b18cR, f20, h22a, h23a vtec, k20a2, k20a, k24a2. That's pretty much listed in order from the least to most powerful as well as from the most straight forward to most involved swap. None are bad choices, and potential level goes up respectively to the order listed.
 

98Romahatch

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200bhp..... You have the b18cR, f20, h22a, h23a vtec, k20a2, k20a, k24a2. That's pretty much listed in order from the least to most powerful as well as from the most straight forward to most involved swap. None are bad choices, and potential level goes up respectively to the order listed.
F20, isn't that the S2000 engine? Forgive me if its not, I'm new to Honda.
 

CHILD

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F20, isn't that the S2000 engine? Forgive me if its not, I'm new to Honda.
There's a f20C which is the s2000 motor you're thinking of, but also an older f20B in euro accords that I'm referring to.
 

CHILD

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If it were me, I'd only go through hmotorsonline.com for an engine swap. Steve at hmotors can get you everything you need for every swap, and it will be top notch quality. For the power you want, your overall cost will be about the same regardless of which setup you choose. The only way to offset the cost is through second hand parts from someone. Each of these swaps puts you right around your budget.
 

98Romahatch

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Also I'm finding a good amount of the jdm b16 type R redtop engines around. They seem to make good power, are they a good engine to use or just a trap/money pit?
 

CHILD

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Also I'm finding a good amount of the jdm b16 type R redtop engines around. They seem to make good power, are they a good engine to use or just a trap/money pit?
Honestly, any of these motors are great. Just depends on what you're trying to do with it. The civic type R is short on your power goal but its a fun engine that revs for days. It'll be quick as is just slightly slower than a b18cR which is usually right around the same price. You'd appreciate the little extra torque and power in the b18c over the civic type r
 


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