Hey guys, I have a 94 Integra auto and was wondering how tough it would be to convert it to a b18C with a 5 speed? I dont have the cash to buy a 5 speed now and would like to know if this is a good car to build up because I dont want to put money into it if not. For instance Im thinking of painting it soon but dont want to if i eventualy cant chage it to a manual. Thanks

 

A good import shop with knowledge should be able to do the full swap for you. But the labor cost isn't going to be cheap, expect to pay around 700 to 1k for the it, and around 3k for a decent B18C complete swap. IMO you should spend money on the swap instead of paint job only if you feel like keeping the car for the long run. Otherwise, I would suggest you just sell the car and find an used GSR.

 

First off, welcome to HAN. :cheers: Enjoy your stay.

While it isn't too hard to make the conversion from auto to manual, the resale value of the car absolutely plummets. If you plan on keeping the car for about eight to ten years, then it's not as much of an issue....

Honestly, my advice would be to sell your automatic Integra and buy a manual Integra, then take a close look at what you want out of the car.

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To illustrate this last point, let me tell you my story...

When I bought my DC Integra in 2001, I was set on building it up with a turbo kit, forged internals, etc. Power target in the high 200s...

But as I tallied up the costs.. I came to the realization that I'd wind up with a car that made impressive numbers, but wasn't as balanced in all it's performance capabilities. The cost to boost properly and reliably (± $4500.00) - for a front-wheel drive car - was simply too high for me to justify.

So instead I'm ordering a set of cams for my LS - along with other chassis items - and will keep the car naturally aspirated.

The question I'd ask is to you want put thousands of dollars into a car to be [what Dave Coleman refers to as] "an internet hero", or do you want a car that balanced and capable in all fields? :dunno:

It's something to ponder.

Once again, welcome.

 

That foo' has no respect for straight-line cars. :chuckles: h:

 

:werd: While I'd love a turbo, I'm MUCH rather spend that money on something that will make a difference in my life, like paying for part of an MBA or something.

On the other hand, getting some 85mm pistons and sleeves, with some nice cams and a general good rebuild, could be almost as satisfying for a third of the price, and still leave me with an option to turbo if I win the lottery or something

 

Exactly... hence my plan.

*Crower 402s (yes they're mild, but they are tame enough to get past CA smog nazis)
* Short Ram Intake [or DIY Icebox]
* 4-2-1 Header [DC Sports, most likely]. Cat-back is already done.
* Eibach Sway Bar upgrade. 18mm Front, 21mm rear.
* A decent short shifter.

Then, should my lotto numbers come in.. or when money allows.
* Crower's 2.2L stroker kit @ ±10.1:1 Compression Ratio...and a nice direct port nitrous setup. h:

Bah, enough bench racing.. as you were.

 

Mmm... Basically, I'd love to have my engine re-sleeved to 2.0L, get a blueprinting and rebuild done, balance out the internals, rebuild tranny with ITR final drive, LS 5th gear, and LSD, and boost it to 7-9 PSI on a garret T-28 turbo... Not the fastest car and no quarter mile queen, but would be a BLAST to drive

 

I don't know about you (tree loving hippie! Sorry, had to throw it out there h: ) but 402's are way too lame to spend money on. Buy some 404's and spend a couple hours every year to swap them out.