Which engine?

[vincenity_23]

Which engine would you guys buy?

H22 or H23? Which one? I'm thinking of H23 but I'm not
Sure. I was also thinking F20b

Thanks

[F22Chris]

Your car and money, man. Read up on the different engines, and figure out which engine suits what you want in the end.

USDM H23a is non-vtec which I like, but it's up to you. And I'm pretty sure people are going to say the same thing - your car/money/choice.

[bobbycos]

^^^^^^^this^^^^^^^^^

[djcaz_aom]

So, do you just do what everyone else does or do you plan on building your car YOUR way?

It shouldn't matter what everyone else would buy. Buy what you want. After all, it is your money, right?

Now, as stated above, do some research on each engine and make an educated decision based on YOUR goals, not everyone else's. All the motors you listed are contenders in their own way.

[deevergote]

We can't tell you what you want. Do your research and figure that out for yourself.

[sonikaccord]

I would buy the F20b and bore it out to increase the displacement to 2200cc. Large bore and short stroke...but that's just me

[F22Chris]

I would buy the F20b and bore it out to increase the displacement to 2200cc. Large bore and short stroke...but that's just me

Lol.

[Raf99]

If you are going to keep the engine As-Is, then just go with the H22. More parts available, and cheaper. If you are going to customize the engine then pick your flavor, do research and do what you want.

[deevergote]

That's my thinking. The H22A is the most well-documented swap for the CB7. It is easier than the H23A (VTEC) and F20B because it exists in OBD1 form (so no conversions or "creative" ECU solutions are necessary.)
H22A parts are available at any Honda dealership, any parts store, and even junkyards (if you're lucky enough to find an H22A in one.) The H23A (VTEC) and F20B share many parts with the H22A, but not all. In the event that an unshared part breaks, you'll have to search for it overseas, pay a fortune for shipping, and wait a long time for its arrival.

The H22A is superior to the F20B in pretty much every way, especially since the F20B comes in 200ps and 180ps versions that are utterly indistinguishable from each other... so getting the 180ps version from even a reputable engine reseller is a risk. The H23A (VTEC) offers greater displacement, which provides a minor increase in performance... but I feel it's not significant enough to justify the added difficulty in installing and maintaining one.


Since only "H23" was said, I've only assumed the H23A (VTEC) was in consideration, as it's the only viable competition for the H22A and F20B. However, if the H23A1 was the engine in question, that of course is fairly pointless. Sure, it offers more horsepower and torque than the F22A, but it's going to take nearly as much time and money to install as an H22A.

In my opinion, there are only two worthwhile engine upgrades for the CB7: An H22A swap, or a PROPERLY built turbo F22A. I wouldn't waste the time or money on any other available option.

[vincenity_23]

thanks. i decided to go with a H23.

[vincenity_23]

i was thinking of doing that too but i wouldn't have space for another engine. so decided to go H23.

[deevergote]

H23A or H23A1?

[Grumpys93]

So even though everyone said h22 you pick the least out of all of them. I feel like your fishing for posts here.

[motohead623]

has anybody else had trouble with the FRM sleeves in their H swaps? I have had a bad experience with a prelude that devoured oil, and i've since been weary about the FRM motors.

[cb9love]

has anybody else had trouble with the FRM sleeves in their H swaps? I have had a bad experience with a prelude that devoured oil, and i've since been weary about the FRM motors.

The FRM sleeves a pretty hard material and they wear rings out relatively fast compared to other sleeves. This means when you do a refresh on your 15+ year old motor you need to change the rings as well as bearings , seals and gaskets. The FRM sleeves are good enough that as long as you didn't have a internal failure you can rering without having to hone or bore the motor. My research suggest you can rering a healthy FRM block 3 times before it's a issue. I have only gotten to the first rering, it will be many years before I get to 3 rerings.