Engine Swap adivce please
 

Hi Guys

I have a 2004 5dr Civic with a D15Y3 engine,

What I need to know is what engine would be a good swap for this model car, something that will be a easy swop that wont cost me an arm and a leg

Thanks in advance

N.B * I would prefer something that I change my tranny to something more perforamce based

Define arm and leg. Any time you do a swap there is going to be a minimum cost involved (parts mostly). Labor if you are not doing it yourself can run $1000 and up depending on the type of swap. You will always run into unexpected costs when you are working on a project (something breaks, something else needs to be replaced or upgraded).

I have put money aside to buy the engine, tranny, managment system, and about 5K for what ever comes up, I will do the work myself I am very good mechaniclly Im just not sure on what engine would be a good donor for my project

you can get just about any swap for 5k but im not sure what one would be a good choice for you good luck

you can only legally swap to a k series motor which is gonna cost some serious dough like more than these guys r saying

the only swaps avaliable for your car is the k20 which is alot of $$$ or the D17A1,
they are the only to motors that will fit without major modding needed.

Here is some swap information that I put together before deciding on what I wanted to do with mine. I hope this helps.

6th Generation

1. B18C1: Completely bolt-in swap, VTEC needs to be wired.
2. B16A2: Completely bolt in swap, VTEC needs to be wired.
3. B16A3: Completely bolt-in swap, VTEC needs to be wired, OBD Conversion.
4. B18C5: Completely bolt-in swap, VTEC needs to be wired.
5. B18B1: Completely bolt-in swap.
6. B16B: Completely bolt-in swap, VTEC needs to be wired.
7. H22A: Mount kit required, Hasport shift linkage, VTEC needs to be wired.
8. D16Z6: Completely bolt-in, OBD conversion, VTEC needs to be wired.
9. D16Y8: Completely bolt-in, VTEC needs to be wired.
The D16Z6 is another inexpensive option that can be installed without much trouble. This motor will bolt right in and can be found for around 600-800 dollars. The positive aspects of this engine include VTEC, availability, and price. Usually with this setup the d16 long block is mated with a cable d-series transmission. There are several options with the ECU. Either the D16Z ECU is used, or the stock ECU is retained and a VTEC controller added. *Remember, all 4th Generation Honda's use cable transmissions while 5th and 6th Generation Honda's use hydraulic transmissions.
The B16A2/3 is the most popular swap and probably yields the best power for the cost. First generation B16's usually cost around 1200-1500 minus the cost of engine mounts. It is important to note that this engine will NOT bolt directly into a 4th generation engine bay. Aftermarket engine mounts from Hasport, Place Racing or self-fabricated mounts will need to be used. The first generation B16 also came stock with a cable transmission and for the complete swap the axles, intermediate shaft, and ECU will be needed.
The B16B is a Japanese Domestic Motor and isn't very popular because of its smaller displacement and price tag. This engine was found in 1998 Civic Type R's and has a design similar to the B18C5. Its intake cam is slightly more aggressive and its compression is slightly higher. However, because of this engine's smaller displacement there it offers less torque. Therefore this engine offers little improvement over a B18C1 and when comparing price tags this engine is quickly dismissed. This engine comes with the same transmission as the ITR and has LSD. If the B16B can be purchased for less than 4000 it would be a great deal. Unfortunately its nearly impossible to find this engine that cheap and its recommended that a B16/B18 is purchased instead.
The B18C1 came in USDM Acura Integra GSR's between the years of 1994-2001. This engine has 170 horsepower and 128lbs of torque, which makes for a very fast daily driven car. For this swap the shift linkage, axles, and ECU will all be needed. Another important aspect of this swap that should be considered is the year of the engine. Post 1995 engines are all OBD2 and this can make for an easier swap. However, its also important to realize that switching a car from OBD1 and OBD2 or vice versa is not as complicated as it sounds. Skunk2 and other companies even make a conversion harness that makes the wiring completely push and plug.
The B18C5 came standard in 1997-2001 Integra Type R's. These engines are the highest performance B-series engine offered in the United States and carry the largest price tag. Compared a B18C1 these engines have higher performance camshafts, a lighter valve train and higher compression. In addition its intake manifold is designed for high-end horsepower, which does sacrifice some low-end torque. All of this amounts to 195 horsepower and 128 lbs of torque. The ITR transmission is the most highly sought after transmission coming standard with LSD and having the best final drive. Also, due to the age of these motors and their capability their price ranges between 4600 and 5200.
The H22A is found in Prelude VTEC's and JDM Accord's. This engine comes with 190-220 horsepower and is not considered a great candidate for Civic's and Integra's because of its larger size and weight. Hasport and other companies are making a mount kit for this engine but the geometry of the car is changed dramatically. (The engine and transmission are 85lbs heavier than a GSR motor) However, with the right suspension and some weight reduction the front end can be lightened to the point where the car will be drivable. The benefit's from this engine is its increased low end torque. Unfortunately its very difficult to retain air conditioning and room in the engine bay is at a minimum. Plus, the H-series engines have a poor rod/stroke ratio which translates into less revving capability and less potential with high end horsepower. Overall, this swap is not recommended although it can be done.


If you do an internet search for engine swap I am sure you can all kinds of information. I just noticed that this information is only for the 6th generation hondas.

i dont agree with this info...... he's car dont have these swaps avaliable, he dont have a dizzy like the motors u posted, his car has the individual coil packs, the only swaps avaliable is the d17 and the k20,

rofl @ roadliner, nt tho.

Just to reinforce wat hamor and 93civic yes the k20 and d17 are the only options. It is illegal to swap a motor that is older than the car.

orly? 93civic?

Well I live in South Africa and here you can put in a 1920 motor into your 2009 honda if you really wanted to as long as its not stolen. and you can put the car thru roadworthy when you done

"B18C1: Completely bolt-in swap, VTEC needs to be wired"

I am looking into doing this for a swap as I would want to Turbo it at a later stage

it wont fit unless you do some major modifying, the only engines that fit is the k20, and the d17

k 20 isnt gonna cost you all that much if you get it from an rsx
get one with the rear end half wrecked from an auction and it wont be a lot of $$$

lmao my bad =)

A b18 would look so funny in a 7th gen. imo. It would be like dressing your grandpa up like you did when you were a teenager. LOL

it sounds like you will only be able to fit the k20 or d17 in your car with out doing some major modifications.

I have a d17a1 in my car and boosted it
stock internals.
t25 turbo running 7 psi
410 cc fuel injectors
full exhaust
Tuned with AEM fuel ignition controller

i'm making about 180 HP at the wheels with this set up. and I have had it for about a year with no problems what so ever.

I just thought i'd throw this info out there for you since the d17 is an option. It all depends on what your goals are for the car.

here's a pic:
https://www.hondacivicforum.com/foru...pictureid=3801

why dont you just try to mod the engine to try to get more power out of it?
or id say d17 would probly be the best and easiest in your case