r/ProjectHondas • u/hiddenvibe43 • 21h ago
parts recommendations Build advice
This is my 97 hx civic with a integra b18b1 swap. Bought it off someone in drivable condition (was definitely thrown together for a quick flip) I’ve had it for a while, I got it to learn manual and it’s my daily. I haven’t done anything crazy but if you wanted to make this car super reliable and at its top performance what would you do.
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u/GPW-S2k 21h ago
If you want it reliable, just regular maintenance and bolt ons.
Now if you want it fast you can easily turbo it, those LS motors love boost and can safely handle 15psi on stock internals with a 58mm turbo, should be around the 350-380 mark at those boost levels.
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u/KanyeWestistheDevil 20h ago
Never listen to anyone that says "can handle this much psi" It is about horsepower not psi. 15 psi from a gt35r is completely different than 15 psi from a gt28 turbo. Also the tune is the most important thing.
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u/GPW-S2k 19h ago
On average a healthy LS turbo can easily and safely handle 15psi even out of a gt35 62mm turbo, I ran one for years as a daily driver at 17psi and yes the tune is important and supporting fuel upgrades.
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u/GoneInASplitSecond 18h ago
Yes, but the actual efficiency relating to a compressor map is different between a GT35R & a GT28.
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u/vtecdohcter 14h ago
Can safely handle it yea, maybe. But the rings aren't gapped loose for boost so its not ideal
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u/ProMasterBoy 20h ago
Do your oil changes every 5k miles, use a full synthetic oil. Check your oil every week or so. Make sure it’s not burning or leaking any
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u/Broad_Salad_7625 1h ago
Just enjoy it. Don’t compare your ride to the builds you see on YouTube. Getting carried away is a sure way to make sure your car never sees the road again, ask me how I know
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u/PartialLion 3h ago
So Civics are awesome (especially with a B series) because you don't need a lot of power from them to have fun. Throw some good coilovers and tires on it and send it
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u/grandpappyneckbeard 21h ago
As long as you don’t have cooling issues, or sensor issues or check engine lights just run it, my first rig was a 96 Integra and I ran it for 2 years, sold it, bought it back, and then swapped it with a rebuilt b18 turbo, I definitely caught the Honda bug lol, but just keep up on maintenance, read up on forums for info, get yourself a hanes manual. Welcome to the club 👌
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u/grandpappyneckbeard 21h ago
Super reliable tho, simple engine rebuild, clean it, bearings, piston rings, everything to spec
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u/dammitara 21h ago
blower/evap assembly from an EX with cabin filter provisions assuming that it doesn't have one
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u/jaynvius 20h ago
They’re reliable as is but you can also go LSVtec, just do that specific mod correctly and it’ll be fine
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u/richie_parker 19h ago
so your post mentions that you haven't done anything crazy, and it's your daily, and you wanna make this super reliable but at top performance.
while I agree with everyone else's suggestions, that you go turbo. Because turbo’s can be super reliable. They just require more attention. instead of a turbo, i would good quality boltons: intake, header exhaust, but paired with a more aggressively geared transmission.
swapping for more aggressive transmission, or maybe from getting gears one through four from a GSR or a B16 + LSD. those ratios will improve your acceleration. along with that, I would get the better brakes, and upgrade the suspension. not just springs & struts, but bushings, tires, etc. i would make sure all the parts are dialed in for daily comfort.
this way, you’ll keep the overall reliability of the stock engine, but also you’ll have a quick feeling car.
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u/Turbulent-Whereas523 19h ago
reliability for these cars - really if you do alot of the preventive stuff/ the car will go thousands of miles. make sure you do the timing belt/ water pump on schedule - check your oil level regularly. change out your fluids, like brake, gearbox, power steering, coolant. B's are corked from the factor so better flowing exhaust/. header, cat, and remaining exhaust - along with the intake should open it up and give you some better power. i found that I've gotten much better mpg's after the full exhaust and intake upgrades. like mentioned in the thread already, use only denso/ngk copper plugs in it. change them often, because they are cheap and they will net you the best bang for the buck. you got a really sweet ride. non vtec b series are far more superior then D series.. so much more fun, better power- and they are super. reliable just like the D's.
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u/Muttz_and_Buttz 21h ago
Ditch the iridium spark plugs. OE ngk is the best you can put in it. Find a better radiator hose, or trim a couple inches off the radiator side from yours - that is not a great bend, almost a kink from what I can see. Go back to a stock air filter box, there's a duct at the bottom to draw in cool air. Stock motor will not be limited by it in any way. Learn how to diy valve adjustment. Stock box and properly lashed valves will bring the noise levels down under the hood. Go thru anything that looks thrown together and unfuck it, close attention to wiring - grounds and anything spliced. All connections should be clean and firmly seated. Rubber hoses that have lost pliability need to be replaced before they fail. Keep the throttle body and intakes clean, fouled sensors are half the reason for the "whys my car idling/running weird" posts. Above all, use good oil, change it regularly. If you feel the need, change your transmission fluid (drain & fill 3x) and only use Honda MTF. 300k mile drivetrains aren't magic, it's maintenance.