97 Civic HX B16A2 or B18C swap

[lithium6977]

I have a 97 Civic HX and I'm thinking about swapping the d16y5 with a b18c. I'm wondering if this would be as easy as a b16a2 swap from a 99-00 Si or if I should even try it at all. If not, I think I'll just stick with the b16a2 swap. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[boostin4fun]

Its not really anymore work to swap the b18c in. They both use all of the same mounts and shift linkage. There is like 1 or 2 more wires you would have to add for the secodary butterflies in the intake manifold but thats no big deal. I would go with the b18c. I have a si and when I just had the b16 in it it dragged ass!! The ek civic has some weight to it. The b18c is a better choice. A good site to buy from is Specializing in JDM-USDM Engines & Parts...hmotorsonline.com I have personally got swaps from them and they are clean enough to eat off not to mention they have the best warranty and service out there. Good luck.

 

[lithium6977]

Would I be able to use the ecu and harness from the b18c, or would I have to use the harness from my old d16y5 engine and do some splicing? Also, would there be any problems with the cat? I don't have the cat-back exhaust, the cat's right after the manifold. would I need to switch to a cat-back?

 

[boostin4fun]

Would I be able to use the ecu and harness from the b18c, or would I have to use the harness from my old d16y5 engine and do some splicing? Also, would there be any problems with the cat? I don't have the cat-back exhaust, the cat's right after the manifold. would I need to switch to a cat-back?

You would defintely need the p72 ecu from the b18c swap because it is the only ecu that can run the secondary butterflies that are equipped in the intake manifold. You would be using your old harness and adding any wires that you need from the ecu to the engine bay. You will probably need a jumper harness to convert to whatever obd system your new ecu is using. I recommend a obd1 ecu and a obd2a-obd1 ecu jumper harness. The obd1 ecu is less emissions friendly and doesnt throw as many codes, plus they have the ability to be tuned and chipped. Your cat should be fine, if you get a swap that comes with the b series header. I know when you buy from hmotorsonline it does come with it. Otherwise you would have to buy one. But it should bolt right up.

 

[killercannible]

you don't have to run the secondary butterflys, many people bypass them because it involves extra wiring, if you don't want to use them then any ecu is applicable. Your best bet if your going to spend money on an ecu is to buy one chipped and programmed to your application. The guy at Phearable.net did my setup and it works awesome, his prices are real fair and he adjusts the ecu to your request.