which engine would give best performance stock-wise in a 93 hatch civic

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b18 civic hatchback

It really depends on how you drive. The B18B doesn't have quite as much power as the B16A, but the torque advantage will help you launch and will pull really hard at lower rpms than the B16 (the B18A is like a toned-down B18B, btw). However, if you're as rev-happy as I am, you'd probably have more fun with a B16A. It also depends on what your long-term plans are for it. If you're looking at FI down the road, go with the B18A or B.

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Your Forum Turbo Groupie...

Also your official Forum EF and GTR Brain-Trust

also, in a 93 hatch, the b18b would be a bit easier to install than the A.

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Yes, there's a "Replacement for Displacement". Its called Volumetric Efficiency.