1990 Accord Engine swap

[Crypticvisionz]

Hey guys, I was just given a 1990 Honda Accord that has thrown a rod. I've found two different engines I can put it in, and would like to see if there would be any particular challenges in putting in the better of the two. The standard engine is a F22A1, and I've been able to get my hands on an F22B1 which is basically the same engine + the Vtec. Anyone know of particular issues I may run into trying to do this swap?


Thanks in advance!

[d112crzy]

first off, i dont recommend you swap any f22bx in there, unless you can get it for free or really really cheap, if youre gona swap some other engine in there other than the stock one, i would go h22, h23 or f22a6, which is the 'ex' version of the cb7.

[Crypticvisionz]

I can get either engine for $500, I don't have the money to throw in an H series engine, nor do I have the time or know how for ANY of it.

[owequitit]

The F22B1 will be a little disappointing for the amount of work required for the wiring etc. It isn't difficult, it is just not worth it.

As far as F22A or H22, I disagree with that. The JDM F22B is pretty much equivalent to the H23 in terms of power/torque, but it only runs about $600 where as an H23 will be about $1300. The H22 is about another $1000 on top of that, if you can't find one for a steal. Big price differences.

Of your two choices though, I would just put an F22A1 in and find an A4 exhaust manifold, and A6 intake manifold and A6 cam and put those into the F22A1. That will make about as much power as the F22B1 without any of the wiring issues, and you can complete everything with the engine out of the car, and can find it for cheap.

[d112crzy]

what^^? i was talking about the f22bx, notice the x, i was not talking about the jdm f22b. cuz yes, the jdm f22b is basically the same as the h23, and i dont know where u are lookin for those h23's cuz the jdm f22b's and the h23 cost the same from the places where ive looked at them.

but yea, take his advise^^, get an a4 exhause mani, get a6 cam, and intake mani w/ tb and get the a6 ecu, and u should be pretty much the same as f22b1

[Crypticvisionz]

What are the wiring issues other than wiring up the Vtec? I am getting the ECU from the F22B1 engine, and the wiring harness...what issues may i be looking at?

[owequitit]

Sorry, I thought you were lumping the F22B in there too.

I have not found an F22B for more than $750 and I have not found an H23 for less than $1,000, and they are far and few between. I was stating approximate averages though. Don't forget that of the 2 the H23 is far less common. Where are you looking? I will certainly have to check them out. It would relieve a lot of the parts confusion.

[owequitit]

I believe the B2 was OBD II for starters. That means you will have to have an adapter to get the ECU and the existing wiring to work together. Some engine plugs and sensor will be different as well (you should be able to get most of them off of the F22A). You could possibly also get a 94-95 EX ECU which is still OBDI.

Keep in mind too, there won't be any "VTEC" like you are thinking of. The VTEC on the F22B essentially opens one intake valve below 3500 RPM and then at 3500 starts opening both. There won't be a "kick" when it engages, there won't be an audible difference and it really won't be any faster. I'm not saying don't do it, I just don't want you to be disappointed.

[Crypticvisionz]

I'm not looking for speed, I just want it up and running, and if the F22B1 has more power over all vs. the F22A1, and I can get them both for the same price, which is going to be best?

[integra_hot]

F22A1 b/c of the fact that you wont have to worry about any different wiring, just drop that engine in and when you are ready you can drop in a h series or do a frank

[Crypticvisionz]

Alright, so I ended up with the F22b1, if its the 4 cylinder with the Vtec. We spent the last few hours pulling the old engine out, and as we were we saw the exhaust manifold bolts on differently, so I'm gonna call the yard tomorrow and see if they have an exhaust manifold and downpipe for the B1. Anyone aware of any other issues I may have? I've got the ECU from the 96' EX, the Engine from a '96 EX, and the wiring harness for a '96 EX. We also ended up stripping out a REALLY rusted nut between the exhaust manifold and the down pipe...any tools you're aware of that will solve that nasty ass problem?

[d112crzy]

yea, the exhaust mani's are totally different, so u def. need to get that f22b mani. but it sounds like you have everything you need so far, good luck with the swap man



about the jdm f22b, those are as hard to find as the h23's since h23 is from the prelude si here in the us, and the f22b is from japan from the preludes over there. ive seen h23's for 800 and less, shit i know a few ppl that are selling them right now for about 800.

[sublime]

my JDM F20A sohc motor/tranny 5spd (40k)

[b-townCB7]

WWW.JDMENGINEDEPOT.COM has dohc f22bs for 600.00 all day every day. just another suggestion. i think that is where i will get my engine.

[Importkitz]

96 Accord F22's are OBD 2. You will have to use the wire harness off your original F22(OBD 1 harness). You will need an OBD 1 to OBD 2 ECU adapter harness. In my opinion, this swap into a 4th gen accord is not worth the price and hassle. You should find a 94-95 F22. With that swap, you will only have to swap pin A6 and A11 on the ECU Harness and run wires for vtec.

IMO: Get a F22A6 (fourth gen EX engine) because it is a direct swap and no headaches. Otherwise, go to DOHC F22, H23, or H22.

Good luck on your swap.