Swap or Build D16Y8

[nooceaninkansas]

Well I'm new to the forum, I have a 1996 Civic EX 5spd w/D16Y8 motor. My main goal is to have a daily driver that has a decent amount of HP(160-180). I found a complete swap on HMO (B16A 92-95 (SiR-II) Complete Change Over($2250 +shipping). I could go with the swap or build the D16Y8, either way I'm going to probably spend about $2500. I just wanted some opinions on which would be the "better" decision. Thanks in advance-

Adam-"Toto"

[Siege911]

For 160-180whp, with a $2500 budget, just put a turbo kit on it. How many miles on the engine/what condition is it in? A decent turbo kit will net you around 200hp, which is very reliable when done right.

[nooceaninkansas]

The engine has 139xxx miles on it, running in excellent condition except for an exhaust leak. With that many miles I would have to get new pistons, rods, valves etc. right?

[95poupe]

honestly the hmo swaps are pretty damn nice. I mean its worth the extra money for there swaps. no complaints yet. (h22) (B16a1) and (B18c). The B16a1 w/GSR tranny is all I"m running in my 95 coupe and since ive had boost on B before it doesnt compare to that. BUT all my friends are still more than impressed, and it is more reliable than my stock hatch. It wont be very close to the horsepower you are looking at for NA but wont take to much to get it close. I would suggest the tranny that comes with the swap. i"m running gsr because it was laying around from my last setup

[nooceaninkansas]

What I'm thinking is that a boosted Y8 will net more HP but a B16 swap will be more reliable. All I'm really trying to do is have a reliable daily driver that will beat my friends cars('00 Eclipse GT, '03 Tiburon GT, '99 Mustang GT(probably not going to beat this one but at least not get completely smoked), I'm tired of going down the street and they gun it and I get left in the dust! I need more HP! I really do like the idea of a B16 swap, more impressive IMO.

[97-ferio]

look into a K-series swap if you haven't yet.

[Yo-B]

I have an H22 96 Civic Hatch and I LOVE it. I don't think I would ever go to anything else. I also have zex for the track. I can't remember what my numbers were on the dyno but I do know its one torque-ie SOB with more than enough hp.

[Siege911]

I'm tellin you man, just put a homemade turbo kit on that bad boy for under 2 grand and you've got at least 200whp. Nothing else needed. It will be reliable if you do it right (no fmu, etc.) and your car doesn't have many miles.

And no, you won't have to replace all the pistons/rods, etc. I'd just recommend gaskets and arp headstuds.