I have a manual 96 Hatch (DX) with about 230,000 miles on it (stock engine and still running strong)! I am looking to get a swap on my hatch but I am just so confused on what to do first. This car is my daily driver and I want a reliable engine that I can have fun with (mod & probably all motor). I have 5k to use towards this swap but I would like some money left over for some body and paint work if possible...
Here are some of my questions:
*What engine do you recommend? (I would guess a B-series)
*Currently my car did not pass smog, would the new swap pass?
*Can you install power steering with the swap?
*Will I have trouble with the DMV if I swap?
*After the swap can I pick up my car and drive it away or do I need a new transmission installed?
*How long will my car be in the shop?
Sorry for these dumb questions, I am just getting my feet wet in the swap scene so I dont know much about it. I will post some pics up soon so you can see what I am working with.
-- Edited by Nakagaki on Thursday 16th of April 2009 07:05:39 AM
It really depends on what you are looking for but the most common swap we do on those is the B16A. For the OBD1 swap (92-95 year motor) you would be looking at $2900 for the OBD2 (96-00) $3300 either has 168 hp. Another common swap for that is the B18C GSR swap, once again for the OBD1 swap (94-95 year motor) you would be looking at $3900 for the OBD2 (96-00) $4300 either has 168 hp As for your other questions let me answer them one by one:
*Currently my car did not pass smog, would the new swap pass?
Probably not while it may pass the pipe test is most likely will not pass the visual or the OBD2 plug in test. These swaps are pretty much intended for high performance off road use/ race use only. If you choose to drive your car on the street smog is not something we can guarantee. There are some alternatives such as finding a newer year US spec motor, etc. But these swaps are pretty much priced per job, basically I would have to look around for one. Once again however I can really only give you advise here, smog is not something we can guarantee.
*Can you install power steering with the swap?
Yes that is not a problem, however you will have to purchase a 99-00 Civic Si Power steering pump to be able to adapt power steering to your new engine.
*Will I have trouble with the DMV if I swap? Pretty much the same answer as above. Ho wever I would contact the State BAR for these guidelines sometimes even with the JDM engine there are some steps you can take to get your new engine "BAR legal".
*After the swap can I pick up my car and drive it away or do I need a new transmission installed?
If you decide to go with the B-Series swap, the transmission is included
*How long will my car be in the shop?
Average downtime on one of these swaps is about one week
If you have any further questions or would like to set up an appointment to have your Civic brought in feel free to contact me directly at anytime.
