K20 vs. B18C EK swap Challenge

[scott]

for me it would be the b18c cos its cheaper and i use my car every day.

 

[Championship White]

I believe the reason the k20 doesnt handle as well is due to engine rotation. The K turns the other way. When the b turns it actually pulls the front end down, the k turns the other way and the effect is lost.

Haha, I really hope that is a joke. It's a balanced assembly!

 

[LiamEk4]

i am going through a k swap as we speak it has been a mad and crazy trip but in am sure it will all be ok at the end .

i used a eg subframe and the ekk2 mount mate and i think it is a much when doing a k swap to keep the engine weigh and the shaft lineament even, you can use the dc2 subframe to and it is being tuned on a kpro ecu.

the b18c6 conversion is a cheaper option and far easy and less stressful lol if you can mate try and find some to take you out in both and then decide which is best for you

but for the money i would say go for the k swap, although i cant say it is the best as mine is not finished yet, but i did have a b18c6 in my ek before and i was very happy with the way the engine was preforming i just fanced a change so i went for the kswap.

i say go for it mate

 

[thunderboy]

The k-series gearboxes are sublime! such smooth shifting!

The power involved realy does out class the b-series.

However, the price is usually a good couple of thousand more than a b-series swap. So it's comes down to decided if you can afford the extra or not. Dont go for cheap parts and you will enjoy it. If you compromise it with something 2nd rate you'll never get to fully appreciate it

 

[_JT]

K20 would be the best option I think. Yes it costs more, but for that cost you will have:
- Custom header
- Custom exhaust
- Custom intake
- Hondata ECU
- 6th gear

If you buy a B18C with:
- Good after market header
- Good after market exhaust
- Good intake
- Hondata S300

How big would the difference be then?
B18C will be easily 2000 pound, header 300 for a 98 spec, Hondata S300 400 quid 2nd hand, intake say 100. So that is easily 2800 for a B18C that will then make around 215-220. Yes the K20 will cost much more but will give you 20hp extra easily, 6th gear, broader power band and is easier to get more power out. Apart from the mpg which, is said, pretty good too.

Then there are parts that are brand new while you get the second hand with a B18C swap like engine mounts and shafts, if you calculate new ones on top for the B18 the difference will again become smaller. K20's on themself aren't so expensive, that also goes for the really low mileage ones. And if you choose the right shifter, you'll have a customizable shifter too

So imho it's a great swap and worth it's money, but you have to have the money; a stock B18C swap can be done for 2k + extras like timing belt.

Let's take it further. If you want to get a B18C swap up to the same leven as a K20 swap (and still with less room for extra power, smaller power band and no 6th gear):
- B18C 2000
- New engine mounts 400
- New driveshafts 400
- Good header 300
- Exhaust 400
- Intake 100
- Hondata S300 400 2nd hand

Then, for extra power:
- Good cams 500
- Retainers 150
- Valve springs 150
- Intake 300
- Throttle body 200

That's already about 5k. Then I'd rather spend just that little bit more for a newer, lower mileage engine with a broader powerband, more room to tune, 6th gear and better mpg.

Or am I missing something here?

 

[Willis]

JT got it spot on. I think it all comes down to tuneablilty (i think thats a word haha).

Haha, I really hope that is a joke. It's a balanced assembly!

Could it not be that the ks are mounted further forward in the bay?? Maybe it has something to do with more weight being shifted onto the O/S of the chassis too?

 

[pablowest]

I really preferred K20. But what is important is you like what you choose.

 

[tama666]

^^^
I never like what I choose, which is why I am on this forum. lol

 

[gwarfare]

plain out honest truth i walk k20 all day with my b series. I perfer to run a b, but if you got the cash and the mechanic skills, go with a k20 big displacement and a timing chain.

 

[vti2010]

I currently have a b18c1 swap. Im planning on doing a kswap in the future, but for now I'm having fun with the b18 its pretty quick. Good luck on your decision!

X2 my b18 keeps neck and neck with a b20 and so much fun in and out of corners id say in my eyes a b18 as its to much hassle converting it u might as well spend the money on boosting or a supercharger for a b series the mount ur gonna sPend on a k swop. Good luck with u build m8

 

[LAEK9TUNER]

what about a k20a3 block with a k20a head in an ek hatch?

 

[lazybean]

just boost the B16 =P
seriously though what would the price comparison be?

 

[LAEK9TUNER]

lol i dont have a motor period