Ok Ive heard about this thing, and Ive heard good things and bad things. What I would like to know is:

What exactly is this.
How hard is it to do this?
How expensive is this?
How much power does it have?
Are there any maintenence problems associated with this engine?

Ive got a 93 SI and was considering this as an alternative to a full on H22 swap.

 

an alternative, but here are the downsides

1) will cost as much or more than a full h22a swap unless you have both engines already sitting

2) not nearly as reliable

3) to take advantage of the h22 head, the h23 block will need oil squirters machined in, which means a lot of work...without, the h23 block will overheat and eventually something will give at higher rpm......h22 block has these oil squirters to cool the piston/rod

4) you'll end up making a LITTLE more tq and the same or slightly more power.....i've heard that torque will be a lot better, but compare it to an h22a with intake/exhaust and you've got no advantages for a lot more work.....i'd never consider this

 

I've heard way more bad than good regarding this swap,in cost and reliability.Honda made those engines that way for a reason,something has to be said for factory reliability.I once considered this option but now "ll just wait until my H23 craps out then swap in an H22.Less hassle.

 

yeah, right. H22 heads normally arent sold for $2000+. i did this for under $1000, including forged pistons.
another farce. if it werent reliable, there wouldnt have been an H23 VTEC made available in the 1998-2000 Honda Accord Wagon in Japan.

you dont "need" the oil squirters. it's merely a safety precaution. second, the H22 squirters fit in with no machining. why do people keep thinking the H23 block is physically different than the H22 block? they're the same block. if you had experience with this swap, you'd know this.

i have personally done this swap. even with 8.8:1 compression it walks on H22 equipped Preludes with proper cams to take adavantage of the extra displacement. there is no more work to this swap than swapping a headgasket and timing belt. like i said, if you had done this, you would know.


for anyone interested in knowing the truth from someon who has actually done this swap, here's the parts list and procedures for completing a successful H23 VTEC. http://home.comcast.net/~mlokubo/h23vtec.htm

 

h23a1 and h22a1 are different blocks

the h22a/1 is factory "sleeved" (if you want to call it that)
with FRM.
its basically silica impregnated alluminum

the h23a1 is not FRM
the h23a1 crank is literally "flimsy" compared to an h22a1
especially on the #2 connecting rod journal.

that is one major difference not mentioning the engine internals
h22a1 also has different cooling lines on back of block as well as thermo housing.

the fact is that the h22a is one of the easiest and most affordable swaps you can do, and regardless of whether or not you say the oil squirters are for safety only...you dont know more than the honda engineers when it comes to these engines, the squirters are necessary because of the extreme temperatures the pistons are experiencing.

its about gaining .1 liter and losing 2000 rpm's of revable and power producing stroke.

~boomer

 

regarding the oil jets. they do fit the hseries blocks, but if you plan on running factory pistons the piston skirt will not clear the jet tips. im running type s pistons and have fitted the 2.3, 2.2, and jdm 2.2 pistons to check clearance.

depending on what you will build up from, it may require more than "swapping a headgasket and timing belt."

a couple people on this board have done the build. search the forums and you should find good information. then hit us up with harder questions

ludeboom, part numbers on the 2.3 and 2.2 block itself(alone) are the same...are you sure 2.2vtec blocks are frm only? the 2.2sohc is the bum leg with a diff part number.

v

 

according to my honda oem dealer connection:

h23a1 (1992) fully loaded block = 109915
h22a1 (1993) fully loaded block = 109916

i know you said bare block, but im basing my statement on my 1994 Honda Prelude Service Manual (1400 pages)

covers all 3 trims, and discuss's the h22a1 and h23a1 as having different cylinder wall construction and numerous other smaller differences.

it is possible the block is of the same forging, and that honda actually sleeves blocks to be used for the h22a1 before assembly.

~boomer

 

no frm in h23? sweet, i dont need sleeves.

 

i never felt inclined to read as much in my 93 helms. i have three blocks. 2 usdm2.3 and 1 jdm2.2 all of them have fitment for the oil jets and look identical to me. just diff stampings and internals. based on speculation im guessing you're right that honda adds the frm as needed on the specified applications. another piece of information is the difference in bore size. there is marked difference in the 2.3 and 2.2 hseries. another hint that honda uses the same cast for both and modifies as needed.

machinehead im sure neither of us are honda engineers...maybe further detail your research

 

bah. **** this.

i have provided a direct link to my website on how to do the swap, parts needed, etc.

i have done the swap. this is more than can be said about everyone else who has posted thus far.

i'm not going argue with anyone who hasnt ever taken apart their motor or an H23 for that matter... a ricer never listens to those who know.

but, for those who actually give a shit and want real answers and not speculation:

1. H23 blocks are stamped P13
2. H23 internals are stamped P14 to designate the different internals.
3. H23's have FRM. i dont care about no stinkin manual, cuz if you read it word for word, you'll know the H series uses FRM... the F series does not.
4. I have successfully done this swap, and saw the FRM liner (even had to hone it for the new pistons)