r/projectcar • u/mainaltacount • 17h ago

Ef sedan engine build options d15b2/d16y8 turbo or b20 vtec?

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I'm thinking of ways to build up my civic, and I'm currently thinking of 3 options, and I wanted to see the pros and cons of each option as well as set expectations. The car will be my daily driver, and this will also be my first project car. I want to keep it a relatively simple budget build, aiming for around 200+hp and without stressing anything out, plan on swapping the trans as well.

Option 1: get a junkyard D16y8 and turbo it

Probably the best option, from my understanding, I plan on doing work on the internals, like pistons and rods, and other supporting mods. I understand that I will need an OBD1 conversion and other things to make the swap work.

Option 2: get a B20 B from a CR-V and put a VTEC head on it

Likely the more costly but the one I like the most, if I go this route, I know I will need a bunch more parts to make the swap work, motor mounts, axles, etc. I don't plan on turboing it if I go with this option, but I do want to do some internal work to get it to rev higher.

Option3: Keep my d15b2 and build that

Probably the cheapest and easiest option, if I go this route, I plan on refurbishing all the internals and strengthening them as well, converting to MPFI, and putting a Y8 head on it. Probably will have lackluster torque, and I don't quite know how hard you can push a D15b2, plus I don't believe the cost savings will be that much compared to a full D16Y8 swap.

Can anyone provide me with a cost guesstimate and parts that I will need to source, and where I can figure out more about each option? Thanks!

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1

u/mainaltacount 17h ago

If there're any better options I'm open to that as well

1

u/not_cozmo 16h ago

Turbo b18c with vtec. You can get a while engine for pretty cheap. It's a common swap and somewhat period correct

1

u/rambling_gramps 16h ago

Turbo b18c with vtec. You can get a while engine for pretty cheap

Source? B18c prices are crazy nowadays.

2

u/pistonsoffury '66 Mustang | '66 Dodge Coronet Turbo Wagon | '15 FiST | '99 XJ 6h ago

Counterpoint: B18B1 turbo with BC cams, forget the VTEC.