Considering Swap Options H22/H23/F20

[305S0L]

6GA,

Need the guru's input on this:

My car has just hit 155,000 on its original F23 motor/transmission. The motor needs a tune up. Its leaking oil from the intake manifold area (manifold has puddles of oil under the injector rail).

Instead of fixing this and considering the mileage; I'm considering a swap.

A local shop, Island Boy Tuning, quoted me $2000 for a either a H22/H23/F20b with low miles (40k-60k) with warranty. Im going to keep shopping around but what would ya'll suggest would be a reasonable price? Any tips in seeking this type of swap?

Ideally, i would like a V6 swap but sourcing a donor CL-S in my area is almost ipossible. Theres one for sale on local CL with 180,000 miles for $6K

 

[Jordan_H]

Is $2000 just buying the swap or them installing it too? I know you said you couldn't afford the v6 swap but also its a lot of work when you could have just bought a v6 accord.

 

[Varnell]

You first need to establish a balance between your price range and the hp/tq/mpg/reliability of the potential engine compared to an F23 replacement.

$2k isn't a bad price with a warranty. I'm assuming it's just the engine and that you'd keep your 5spd transmission? Does this price include replacement flywheel, clutch, seals, gaskets, timing belt, etc.

 

[james'99]

Definitely a lot more to consider going forward with a swap like this. That certainly sounds like it is on the cheaper end. Varnell has made some great points. I think the F23 is a great motor. I would personally consider a swap as well at this point but personally, I'd have to have the tranny to go with it.

With that said, do you know what is leaking oil? It honestly sounds like something very simple. Valve Cover Gasket, or VTEC solenoid gasket,

 

[305S0L]

Thanks for all the input guys.

Yes, for 2k for the swap includes engine and trans, not sure if it comes with new replacement parts such as flywheel, clutch, seals, gaskets, etc; but I will request these if I were to go ahead with the swap.

Jordan, As for a V6 swap, its not that I can't afford it but rather how much of a pain collecting parts is.

Varnell, my hp/tq/reliability goal is to achieve somewhere close to 200hp on a stock block. Not considering turbo. I drive a lot (500 miles weekly) and really need a reliable motor. This shop specializes in these swaps and is highly reputable.

James, not sure exactly where the leak is coming from but it's safe to assume all those gaskets must be replaced. It's leaking in that general area. I forgot to mention that I also have a power steering leak.

 

[james'99]

I think 200HP is a nice number. If you were to go V6, that would be crazy amounts of money and as Jordan said, best to start with a different car. Good you are getting the trans. Is that $2k covering the labor too?

Also, is your power steering leak from the pump or elsewhere? Only reason I'm asking is because an engine swap won't fix that leak.

 

[xci.ed6]

power steering is not replaced when you swap (usually).

Start by fixing the leaks.

 

[akoutmos]

Another thing to consider, which I don't think anyone else has brought up, is the issue of emissions. Depending on what your set up is, you may have issues getting your car passed.

Check with the emissions regulations in your county/state.

 

[305S0L]

James, thanks for the advice. And yes $2k covers labor. The power steering leak is coming from the rack itself. Under the driver side. I know a swap won't fix this but it's something else to consider that must be fixed.

Xci.ed6, I'm aware the power steering leak won't be fixed by a swap. I just mentioned that for info, that's another thing to fix.

 

[305S0L]

Another thing to consider, which I don't think anyone else has brought up, is the issue of emissions. Depending on what your set up is, you may have issues getting your car passed.

Check with the emissions regulations in your county/state.

Luckily not something I have to worry about here in Florida thanks for the suggestion!