Brayden_connolly
True Classic
You can spend just as much time and money building a 120hp Fiat motor as you will swapping to the K20, it just depends on which rabbit hole you wanna jump into.
I’ve driven my X daily from late May to late October for the past 5 years! 45km’s each way as well as wknds. The first 3 years with the original 1.3 and the last 2 with a used, unknown history fi 1.5 that I bolted all the 1.3 externals(carb)on. New belt/idler/cam seal and a set of plugs that’s it. It has NEVER left me stranded even when my alternator crapped out just as I left work as a thunderstorm started and I needed lights, wipers and defrost all on full it got me home!!! Now I have gone over just about every part of the car mechanically??? Just wanted some input from the people that know! I don’t baby the car either!!!I have not done a Honda swap, but from what I've read it would be tempting to consider the "B" engine option. Seems a more manageable project for the money. However any engine swap will be much more work and money than one would think.
My earlier point about either option (swap vs HP SOHC) was relative to what I understand the goals to be in this current example. The opening post stated he wants to use the car as his primary transportation, be reliable/dependable, for normal street use, with lots of miles a day. To me that is neither a engine-swapped nor modified car of any type. Especially not a old one that has little to no support for service/repairs. But part of that opinion might depend on one's lifestyle. If you happen to have a career that does not require you to be somewhere specific, on time, you don't have other people depending you to do something, your hands and clothes don't have to be clean when you finally get there, etc, etc, then sure...roll the dice every day and see what new adventure your car provides this time. As far as I know that only applies to a 16 year old living at home working part time as a dishwasher (or equivalent).
you've used the car as a daily for five years and had no mechanical issues... that's kind of a testament to the robustness of the drivetrain, so why would you think of changing it?
Plus any swap...honda, toyota, mazda, hyabusa...all means VOR (Vehicle Off Road) while the cutting / shutting / figuring out is done.
If you want a bit more power, easy. Buy ANOTHER good used 1500 engine for cheap, it's a core to rebuild...if it comes without a head or cam or exhaust manifold don't worry as you certainly don't want to re use any of those. The car can stay on the road as your daily driver continuing to be reliable , cheap and fun transportation while you tinker away in the colder months of the year an build yourself an engine that's within your skill level and budget...
Plenty of information on this site about reliable ways to improve the engine to whatever level you're comfortable with.
SteveC
what about a 1,8 liters motor (fiat linea block)?
what about a 1,8 liters motor (fiat linea block)?
I'm not even finished doing my K20 swap - First, it is very expensive to do - the $1500 for the car was the cheapest thing in this entire project. I'll call out what I paid for some of the bits. Total: $11,010.
FWIW, I've spent much more on my project and that's totally OK, but I think it's important to know what you're getting into from a cost perspective. I've spent, so far, twice what I've even called out here
Yep... worth every penny.I've always said a K20 will cost you 20K.
Yep... worth every penny.
I remember seeing an X with a 2.8 v6 Chevy in it!! Half the motor was in the rear trunk!!The VW solution is pretty large, requires significant plumbing ie intercooler and would be hard to package in the space. Clearly most anything can be made to work if one wishes to but it will be breaking new ground so to speak.
The VW solution is pretty large, requires significant plumbing ie intercooler and would be hard to package in the space. Clearly most anything can be made to work if one wishes to but it will be breaking new ground so to speak.
I remember seeing an X with a 2.8 v6 Chevy in it!! Half the motor was in the rear trunk!!
One question, why a 2.8? It looked hideous!!Omg talk about a hellish conversion
One question, why a 2.8? It looked hideous!!