Originally Posted by
TheOtherDave™
I would not call the H22A2 a downgrade. Not by a long shot.
For the displacement, it had a pretty damn good rod to stroke ratio in it's time. It had plenty of head flow and a decent set of cams to boot.
But as far as swaps are concerned, the game has moved on and the K-series is where it's at. Both the H-series and B-series are old news.
The OP said he plans to buy a DC Integra with the intention of swapping the motor rather than rebuilding it.
If I were to do the same, I too would go find an early DC4 with a solid, rust-free body. Then, go about piecing together a K24A2/ K20A hybrid... using the bottom end off a CR-V and the head off of either the EP3 CTR or the DC5 ITR.
The H-series is by far cheaper and still quite potent with an H2B adapter kit you can utilize the B series transmission. And you can just ask John if it doesn't have potential.
But to deface a DC2 for the sake of putting in a FRM-sleeved, cable operated engine for more money than it would take to boost reliably, I say theres no reason.
I still would rather go H than K anyway, at least until the K prices drop some more.