Putting a V8 engine into a Civic
Samurai_Brazil
12-17-2008, 07:05 PM
I don't know anything about cars but I have a 1997 Honda Civic DX and i was wondering if it would be possible to put a Hemi or Viper engine into my car and what kind of modifications would be needed. Would it be possible to get 750 HP? Thanks for helping me out!:popcorn:
CivicSpoon
12-17-2008, 10:19 PM
Here's the generic answer, that anyone will give you...
Anything is possible, if you have the right amount of money, the right amount of knowledge, or you can find someone to do it for you ($$$).
Now here's an answer, based on my opinion (as well as many others, I'm sure). A swap like this just isn't practical. You'd end up spending a ton of money on a car, just to be "different". And 750hp in a Civic chassis is a race car. Seriously, the general consensus on usable power in a street car Civic is around 350-400whp. Any more than that, and you're just going to spin your tires in every gear. Not to mention how dangerous it would be, unless the person doing this swap was a true chassis builder (not just some backyard mechanic who thinks they can weld). I also hope you have a very deep wallet. You'll likely spend tens of thousands of dollars. Realistically, if you really want a Hemi or a Viper engine, start out with a chassis that is made to handle those engines. If you just want more power in your Civic, then choose a realistic engine to start with. Honda/Acura K-series engines make great power, and there are plenty of aftermarket parts available for them. Hasport also just came out with the J-series engine mount kit, to put a Honda/Acura V6 J-series engine into your chassis. Regardless, if you really want more power, expect to pay for it, and pay a decent amount of money for someone to do the work for you. There are no easy modifications when you don't know anything about cars.
Just to give you a better idea what needs to be done for a V8 swap/conversion, here's one someone did with a Corvette LS1 engine:
http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2004368
Anything is possible, if you have the right amount of money, the right amount of knowledge, or you can find someone to do it for you ($$$).
Now here's an answer, based on my opinion (as well as many others, I'm sure). A swap like this just isn't practical. You'd end up spending a ton of money on a car, just to be "different". And 750hp in a Civic chassis is a race car. Seriously, the general consensus on usable power in a street car Civic is around 350-400whp. Any more than that, and you're just going to spin your tires in every gear. Not to mention how dangerous it would be, unless the person doing this swap was a true chassis builder (not just some backyard mechanic who thinks they can weld). I also hope you have a very deep wallet. You'll likely spend tens of thousands of dollars. Realistically, if you really want a Hemi or a Viper engine, start out with a chassis that is made to handle those engines. If you just want more power in your Civic, then choose a realistic engine to start with. Honda/Acura K-series engines make great power, and there are plenty of aftermarket parts available for them. Hasport also just came out with the J-series engine mount kit, to put a Honda/Acura V6 J-series engine into your chassis. Regardless, if you really want more power, expect to pay for it, and pay a decent amount of money for someone to do the work for you. There are no easy modifications when you don't know anything about cars.
Just to give you a better idea what needs to be done for a V8 swap/conversion, here's one someone did with a Corvette LS1 engine:
http://www.honda-tech.com/showthread.php?t=2004368
Automotive Network, Inc., Copyright ©2026