I have a 2000 Honda Civic SI that has been out of commission for awhile. Long story short, when it was running it had a slow undetected oil leak and eventually it threw a rod and made a hole in the block. Can I please get some advice on the best route to go? My goal is to just get it running again right now for the lowest price but to do the right stuff so I can keep modifying it when I get more money. I don't want to waste money buying stuff twice when I could have just spent a little more the first time to get a performance part. There are a couple ways I can go. I can buy a low mileage JDM engine which comes with the transmission, wire harnesses, etc. for a couple thousand but I don't need all the extra stuff. Another way, I can get a brand new block that comes with pistons, crankshaft, etc. for about $3,000 thru a honda mechanic I know who is helping me with this project. If I go this route I want to make sure im getting forged pistons and other upgraded performance parts with it. I want to set my car up so I can eventually put a turbo in it and I need to make sure I get the right parts to handle the pressure. So if anyone has some good advice to give me about which direction I should take this, I will really appreciate it. Keep in mind, I want to spend as little as possible right away to get it running again but want to make sure I get the right performance parts installed the first time to prep for upgrading later.

 

You should look in the parts classifieds in the forum jump. Their is always someone either selling a bare block or even fully built, sleeved blueprinted and all.

 

just buy a GSR used shortblock..you can get one for like 300 bucks on any forum for sale threads. Bang you got a 1.8 instead of the 1.6 annnnd it takes like a day to do.

 

X2, even an LS block could get you into an LSVTEC for fairly cheap, GSR block would be better suited to high RPM's though.

 

LS block is in my opinion over rated. The GSR bottom end is a better design and doesn't require the extra assembly procedures etc that the LS/VTEC or B20/VTEC builds require.

 

What engine is the GSR? B17? I talked to a honda mechanic and he said I should go with replacing the block with another b16a2 which I have now because the connections to the wire harnesses may differ. Is this true or will that block work with all my other current stuff?

 

no offense, but this "Honda Mechanic" doesn't sound too knowledgeable to the topic at hand. I am not saying he isnt the best Honda Mechanic ever, but I know the mechs at my work don't really have any idea about cross platforming etc. I am a Honda/Acura mechanic, and I am also an enthusiast. The block will bolt up perfectly fine.