get a dohc zc vs. 1stgen b16?
 

which swap would be better for performance, for ease, for price? it would be goining into a 91 hatch.

The ZC will cost about half as much or less and be much easier.
I think spending twice as much on the B16a swap is worth it though because you're not getting a hell of a lot more performance or potential than your stock motor with the DOHC ZC.

Dohc zc bolts right in just like any other d series engine. You can probably get them for like $600 or less. 1st gen B16's go for like around $1500 complete swap but then you'll also need the jdm ef9 shift linkage or cut and weld to short the b series shift linkage.

not to mention mounts and other stuff you are going to need or run into.

Performance: B16A.
Ease: ZC
Cost: ZC

Once you get a B-series in there though, it will be super easy to upgrade. Example: once you have a B16A, all you need is a B18C shortblock (~$700) and you're running just like a full B18C minus about .2 compression.

So what's the difference between a b16 head and a b18C1 head?

Combustion chamber size, port size and shape, intake manifold bolt pattern, cam grinds.

wouldn't that make B18 pistons too big for the B16 head?

i think i would go for the performance. and since you said that the b series would be easy to upgrade. and when you say b18c shortblock, your talkin about the whole gsr or R bottom end right? and what are you talkin bout when you say that.

and what about built for turbo, which one would be better?