Verist

I might be getting a 97' Civic CX hatchback (getting it cheap) for a project car. That being said, what the hell should I do to it? I don't want to turbo.. I want it light and high revving. If someone could throw out some ideas, or point me in the right direction (Where I won't be attacked in forums etc.) I don't want to just pour cash in it, it does not have to be the fastest car ever... just something fun and I can beat on a little bit. A few question...

1. Which Motor? Please no Balanced and Blueprinted Spoon motor suggestions
2. What is this crap going to cost me, my skill level is simple bolt ons, so a shop is going to be involved.
3. What other questions should I be asking?

Thanks in advance!

MaxGeek

B18 or K20.

gotswap

B18C-R/5 + bolt-ons.

No more then 5500 invested in mods, low 13 high 12 second car at sea level. Honda reliability and excellent gas mileage.

Verist

Wow , quick post... I thought I would check back before the Malaysian GP.. and judging by your avatar Maxgeek you will be watching it as well LOL. I think the K20 will cost $ and might make the car a bit front heavy.. B18 is the integra motor, that might be that difficult to source. How about the B16? Is it worthwhile?

gotswap

b16's are a waste of money. They just do not have enough HP. Source a type R motor from japan.

marrenr813

what state do you live in, if smog is not an issue get a type if you go b16 get a b16b(ctr) not a b16a. if smog is an issue get a b18 out of a gsr with all the necasary papers. A k sereis would only be good farr a track only car. with a b series you can still keep th p. steering and ac. Now if this was me i would sell it and buy an EG.

Just my .02

marrenr813

oh and when i bought my first car i didnt even know where the timing belt was, but after i snapped it ( the belt) after only a week of driving i quickly found out where to find it. Less than a few months later i had swapped out two motors and three trannys, inn variuos cars. It is really not that hard. If you have a friends that Know what they are doing that helps too. cost should be equal to a J's I/H/E and a set of tires for the S J/K. a swap; could run from a 3-10 grand depending on how mucch you want to do and how much you wan to do yourself.

sorry i will shut up know good luck

curiouz_G

go with the k series. a k20a or k20a2. a b18c5 could be sourced but its just as expensive as a k series sometimes depending on the mileage. the labor would be cheaper though to swap it into a hatch. personally id go with a k series... out with the old and in with the new

Columbo

I dont know if he would really want to do a K20... kinda expensive swap. Great swap if u wanna spit out the money for it... but if its just something u kinda want to have fun with... go with a b18c5 (still a little expensive) or just a B18c1. I really wouldnt bother with the b16... even tho u can find them for a pretty good price.

Hanzoo

there is a civic in town that has a K20 swap with a little work to the engine and alot of ripping out interior it can cost as much as a B swap with alot of upgrades and it could run almost the same times