1.6 to 2.3 upgrade

[pithi69]

Hey guys, well my brother has a 2.3 Vtec from a 2001 Accord sitting around and I was wondering if it would be a straight bolt in into my 1990 Civic. If not what mods would I need to make and what else would I need, ecu, wiring... Also, do you think it would be possible to use my old transmission with the 2.3? Thanks!

[Tony]

Check the FAQ. The only direct drop in is another D-series engine(Most USDM Civic). The B-series from an Integra requires a mount kit, but is the next easiest swap. Don't know about the 2.3 Accord motor, Im assuming its part of the F-series which I don't even know if they make a mount kit for that or if the H-series kit would work. Either way, check the FAQ for most common swaps. Kris has a nice informative post on there on engine swaps, I think its on the 2nd or 3rd page.

[FrodoGT]

F and H are the same tranny pattern and I know an h22 is a bolt in on an accord so I imagine itd work fine with an H mount kit.

But seriously. The f23a4 makes 148 hp and about 140~ lb of tq. Its not worth it to swap into your car when a b18 could do almost that AND weigh less AND cost less for mounts AND use less fuel. The headache would be monstrous, and I just finished one of the easiest ways to mount a new engine into a car, a d series and I would never want to attempt an h/f swap...having to convert the shifter to cable shifting plus the damn thing is MONSTROUS in our engine bays and basically requires a shoehorn to get it in..not to mention a big hammer and a grinder.

[Tony]

I know somewhat of the headache you just went through Frodo. I did not do a OBD conversion(well not rewiring, technically it was converted, but I just used the whole harness), but I did just get through getting rid of 3/4 of the wiring in my CRX while swapping a z6 in it(1G CRX btw).

I have done the B swaps and they aren't that bad. But I will agree on the headache with the F. I would rather just go ahead and swap in a H. The H isn't a direct bolt in on the Accords, it does require a change in mounts, but all that can be had from the Prelude instead of buying kits. That is why I said I don't know if the F would work on the H mounts.

[skate1968]

Originally Posted by Tony

...check the FAQ for most common swaps. Kris has a nice informative post on there on engine swaps, I think its on the 2nd or 3rd page.

I was just reading Kris's post on swaps. I agree, it is nice and informative. Scroll down about to halfway down this page:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...=118785&page=2

[Christ]

Stay away from the F-series motors... they're too big, you won't be happy, and they can't handle half the upgrades that a B can w/o a complete rebuild and aftermarket parts.

You will need a custom wiring harness, custom mounts, new ECU, it won't bolt to your D tranny no matter how hard you try, unless you contact lakewood and have a plate made...

You're looking at 2-3k or more to bolt it in, plus days off work crying bc it's not working out, a really big headache, and a few broken blood vessels in your eyes from sleepless nights wondering why you even bothered.

Eventually, you'll call it quits, sell your Honda, and get a Taurus.

Then, even if you finally do get it in, you're going to end up w/ a front heavy car that doesn't accelerate for shit, has no power (at least not what you wanted), brakes funny, and an engine that sits in the engine bay leaning forward, making your car's braking dynamics even worse, b/c the weight transfer will take traction away from the rear of the car during braking.

Starting to get the point yet?

[pithi69]

LOL okay! Thanks for the heads up!!

[Christ]

No problem... 'swhat I'm here for.

[Tony]

I have recently found out the F does take well to the DSM setup stock. No big boost, but it does accept it well. But so far, thats all I have heard about the F.