what sort of engine swap would be most logical and least expensive for a '96 LS integra? i want to be able to keep the a/c and things such as that.

 

You could always just do a typical GS-R swap, or you could go ITR. It's going to be a lot cheaper and more performance oriented than putting another LS motor in there, and certainly a lot more reliable and cheaper than going with an LS-VTEC setup.

I'd go with a GSR swap just because it's cheap, reliable, easy, there's tons of them floating around and you can keep all the stuff you stated above you wanted.

 

Yeah, B18C all the way. My friend put one in his Civic. He got the Engine, harness, ECU, front axles and a few other things for about $3000. Type R motors usually run about $5000 with everything I just mentioned, and if I'm not mistaken, the come with a 6spd Tranny too. But B18C is probably your best bet.

 

whats wroung with the LS? I say just slap a turbo on there

 

No, only a 5 speed.



Yeah, go GSR. They have lots of potential and are relatively cheap.