kinda new to this and need some ideas

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dietirish

New Member
OK so ive got a 97 civic HX it has the D16 SOHC non vtec, 5spd trans

raised in a family that knew nothing about cars now im moved out and am really getting into my car. I've looked around a bit and I have my mind set on a B18 turned B20 and (none picked out yet) all new internals, turbo (some where around 25lbs and yes will build the engine to take that much) stage1 clutch short throw shifter and the list goes on... have 4 questions

1) how hard is this, I do have a a couple friends to help me (2 that have built the car they drive) but noone has done this swap and anyone who has done it before please anything would help at this point

2) what B18 model has the best block to build off of, i assume that the blocks are all the same but i want to try and think of everything

3) to those who have done this, what all is really needed to do the swap to begin with (all my other mods will have to come later this will be a long term project car (have a 5mo. old and school bills)) will it mount to my civic trans? will it really match the engine mounts? did you have to bend anything?

4) I kinda want to do twin intake, no reason really but just want to anyone know of any premade twin intake kits if so where and how much?

Thanks
 
The number one thing is research, research, research...start reading, on this site, and elsewhere...

I'll attempt to provide you with some basic answers.

1.) A B-series swap isn't horribly hard. It's not exactly a bolt-in affair, but it's pretty easy compared to say, a K-series or H22. Make sure the engine matches the OBD setup of the car, that will make things a lot easier.

2.) What exactly do you mean when you say you want to take a B18 and turn it into a 2-liter? Do you mean stroke it, or do you want to start with a 2-liter block? You can take the 2-liter CR-V block and put a VTEC head on it.

3.) A B-series motor will not bolt up to your stock transmission. You'll need to buy a complete B-series swap. You'll also need B-series mounts from an Integra or Del Sol VTEC.

4.) I don't know of any pre-made kits, and why would you want that anyway? I doubt it would bring any power gains and it's just going to take up room in your engine bay. Do you realize that with a turbo setup you ditch the regular intake and header? If you're boosted you're not going to have room for two intake pipes under your hood. You'll probably barely have room for one.

Hope that helps somewhat. Now start reading...
 
Oh, and FYI, if you have an HX, then it does have VTEC. It may not say it on the valve cover, but the HX engine does have a form of VTEC...
 
Oh, and FYI, if you have an HX, then it does have VTEC. It may not say it on the valve cover, but the HX engine does have a form of VTEC...

I wish it does have the VTEC wiring set up for it but nothing connected to it, not even close to first owner so my have been removed

also about the b18 to a 2.0, im not going to stroke it that wouldn't work with a turbo set up but have heard of ppl boaring (sp?) out the engine to a 2.0

also any other sites you would recommend that i read
 
You can bore out a B18, but alternatively you could just start with a B20 block. That's essentially what they are, a bored out LS motor, and they're cheap...
 
I started out with a b18 block bored out to a b20 but, I just felt like the walls where to thin (had sleeves though) but just before installation found a crack in the block........ so I got a b20z block. I live in ohio, and finding a block that was in great shap was an absolute bitch.... I would just stick to the b18 and not mess with bores or looking for a b20 block unless you have a bunch of time to spare.
 
whould the b18 5 speed trans work with he b20 or do they make a manual for the b20 cause ive never heard of a 5 spd CRV

Im not to worried about time I live in Tennessee and theres a junk yard about every 500 or so feet lol and if it takes too long ill go b18 and not worry about it. thanks for the info about the thinning walls tho.
 
whould the b18 5 speed trans work with he b20 or do they make a manual for the b20 cause ive never heard of a 5 spd CRV

Im not to worried about time I live in Tennessee and theres a junk yard about every 500 or so feet lol and if it takes too long ill go b18 and not worry about it. thanks for the info about the thinning walls tho.

any b16/b18 trans will work
 
yeah I used the b18 tranny with mine. The only problem i have with it is the damn gears are so short in it..... there is a longer 5th in it but if you are looking for gas friendly maybe think else where lol, but if not I would say it is the best all round tranny for that build (with a longer 5th in it).
 
OK so this may sound like a dumb question but what is OBD 1,2,3 sorry ya Im new
 
whould the b18 5 speed trans work with he b20 or do they make a manual for the b20 cause ive never heard of a 5 spd CRV

Im not to worried about time I live in Tennessee and theres a junk yard about every 500 or so feet lol and if it takes too long ill go b18 and not worry about it. thanks for the info about the thinning walls tho.

The CR-V does come in manual, but it's set up for AWD, so you can't use that transmission in your car. Any other B-series transmission (B16,17,18, etc.) will work.

As for the OBD stuff, it has to do with wiring and emissions control systems (OBD = On-Board Diagnostics). Pre-1992 cars have OBD0, 92-95 have OBD1, and 96+ have OBD2. Do some research on it and you'll figure it out...
 
yeah I used the b18 tranny with mine. The only problem i have with it is the damn gears are so short in it..... there is a longer 5th in it but if you are looking for gas friendly maybe think else where lol, but if not I would say it is the best all round tranny for that build (with a longer 5th in it).

It depends on what transmission you use. The B16 and Type R transmissions have the shortest gearing, the LS transmission have the longest gearing, and the GS-R transmissions are somewhat in between...
 
just like to thank everyone that helped and after reading alot this week and seeing many many threads that were just like mine but also finding very helpful ones im really starting to get a good idea of what i want to do and just how much this is going to cost, but Tons of thanks to all who helped out (rep has been added)

some things have come up a little with money but within the year hope to start a thread with a ton detailed pics to help ppl but mostly to let all who help during the way see what they helped create!


O and went to the 1/8 mile drag for the first time ever friday ran and 11.21 @65.2mph with a .002 reaction time :) cant wait to see that drop with a new engine

again thanks
 
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