Engine Swap Questions

[dephile]

I've been watching this board for the past few weeks, and I want to say thanks to everyone for posting such useful information.

I own a 99 Civic Ex and am considering dropping a new engine in it. I have some questions about the whole process. They aren't mechanical questions, because I am by no means a mechanic. I'll definitely be bringing the car to a shop to have the swap done professionally. I am considering dropping the h22 in there, but I am not definite yet. I have read the numerous pros and cons, and am still doing my research on the engines. Suggestions are always welcome and appreciated, but that isn't the main reason I am posting this.

Here are my main questions:

1) I live in Northern NJ. Does anyone have some suggestions to who or what shop would be reliable enough to do this kind of swap.
2) I plan on ordering the engine myself, then having the mechanic do the swap. Does anyone have an idea of what kind of warranty on the work done I should be getting. I will make sure the engine itself has a warranty on it, but what kind of warranty should I expect from the shop. I wouldn't want to fork over thousands of dollars to a shop and then have my car explode when I pull out of their lot. Any idea on what kind of guarantee I should get from the shop, and do they commonly even offer one when doing swaps?
3) If I took the car to a professional along with the engine, how long would the whole swap usually take. I know the shop itself could give me a better estimate, but I was wondering if any of you more experienced people could give me a general idea.
4) By doing this swap what other things should I upgrade in my car? Not necessarily for more power, just so my car is prepared to handle the new engine.

That sums it up for now. Sorry if I sound like a novice, when it comes to engines and car mechanics I don't know much technical stuff. I like to jump right into things. It gets me into trouble sometimes, but damn it's fun.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions, tips, and answers. Also if anyone knows some references for this kind of swap (h22 in a 99 civic ex) that would be great. I've only come across references for older civics with this swap. Thanks again.

[GSteg]

hrm...the 94-00 civics should be the same (by mounts, etc). if you have AIM, IM "v4lu3s" he's done the swap before and he could probably answer all your question needs.

[velocitySiR]

the mounts in an ex are the same for a h22?? no shit.... if i were you i wouldn't..... somebody said it best before.. it'd be like driving around town with your fat fuck friend riding on the hood, it will handle like balls.. i'd get a b18c or b16 and work them.... and depending on the shop is how long it'd take... theres a really good shop in pa dynamic motorsports (www.dms.org) they are crazy good.... i'd take the haul and try them.

[GSteg]

actually, if you have ever riden in an h22 powered civic, its not that bad. get some stiffer springs and you're set. it weights only about 80 lbs more than a B-series engine. relocate the battery. just IM the guy, he's done the swap so he can tell you what it's like.

[dephile]

Thanks for all your responses. I'll take a look at that shop in PA. I would take the haul for a good shop, but if something went wrong afterwards, the haul back would suck. I'll probably look for a place in NJ first.

I'm not definite on the h22 yet. I have been doing more research into the B series engines. The B18C1 sounds nice, and from what I have been reading with some upgraded internals that puppy can tear it up. Only thing is, like I said, I'm not a mechanic, and probably wouldn't have the guts to go ripping apart the engine and do internal work on it. It is my daily driver too, so I don't want to break it.

Another engine I was checking out was the B18C5 from the Integra Type R. Based on that engines specs I'm surprised I haven't seen more posts about that type of swap. Am I missing something? Does anyone know if there is a catch involved with that engine or something?

The only reason the h22 is an option for me is because I am thinking that once I drop the B in, and a few months go by, I'll be wanting more power and wishing I dropped the h22 in. But I am starting to sway towards a B series engine as I read more about it.

GSteg, I'll contact your friend when I see him online. I am at work during the day so unfortunately I can't hang on AIM during work. Posting on forums is another story. ;

Again, any suggestions or ideas are really appreciated.

[teresaluvr]

i thought u hafta get Si mounts for the h22 swap? w.e i havent done it, but i was seriously considering it and i decided not to and to go for a b18c. i heard h22 is too heavy and doesnt handle and im into handeling just as much as speed. however, the h22 is said to be awsome if ur just going in a straight line.

[teresaluvr]

and also i heard it ways more like 200 lbs more?

[supafly1024]

The B18C5 would be a great swap if you can find one, and if you're willing to pay the extra money for it. You get the same HP output of the H22 out of the 1.8 engine. It's worth looking around and seeing what kind of prices you can get on one.