Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: T.DoT, Canada
Car: 86 Iroc-Z
Engine: 305 (TPI)
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: i dunno lolz
Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
Hey,
I've been thinking lately of sticking the engine out of a 99 Integra Type R into my 86 Firebird. Is it even possible?
(I want the more reliable engine and more faster IMO)
I've been thinking lately of sticking the engine out of a 99 Integra Type R into my 86 Firebird. Is it even possible?
(I want the more reliable engine and more faster IMO)
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,037
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From: Kingsport Tenn
Car: 1992 camaro
Engine: LT1
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3:73
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
Skip the vtec and go with the vortech. It will be alot more reliable engine and a whole lot faster.
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
The Type R makes about 130 lb ft torque, it will not be faster.
Also it turns the wrong way, you'll have multiple reverse gears and only 1 forward gear.
It also wont be any more reliable, the 88-98 civics and Integras up to 99 ( the last year produced) all have very failure prone distributors. There is no fix.
The B series blocks are also an open deck design and very prone to flexing and blowing head gaskets.
They have a really bad rod stroke ratio that only exacerbates that problem at higher HP levels.
The Type R in particular has issues making any extra HP without boost due to it's level of developement from the factory.
Swapping to RWD means a new intake layout that'll proabably cost you HP and torque, also due to the level of developement the engine has stock.
Also it turns the wrong way, you'll have multiple reverse gears and only 1 forward gear.
It also wont be any more reliable, the 88-98 civics and Integras up to 99 ( the last year produced) all have very failure prone distributors. There is no fix.
The B series blocks are also an open deck design and very prone to flexing and blowing head gaskets.
They have a really bad rod stroke ratio that only exacerbates that problem at higher HP levels.
The Type R in particular has issues making any extra HP without boost due to it's level of developement from the factory.
Swapping to RWD means a new intake layout that'll proabably cost you HP and torque, also due to the level of developement the engine has stock.
Last edited by ls six; Sep 19, 2009 at 10:14 AM.
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
you can do ANYTHING....for a price. a very pricey price on that one. and im pretty sure lssix is right about the motor turning the other way haha Trending Topics
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From: Lower Burrell, Pa
Car: 86 Iroc-Z28 Camaro/84 BMW M Power
Engine: 350TPI/ S50
Transmission: t-5 five speed/ 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42 posi/ 3.73LSD
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: O'Fallon, MO
Car: 1991 Z28 convertible built 3/1/1990
Engine: Cammed 6.0L LSX
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: custom Ford 8.8", 4.10 gears
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
After a long day at work, I needed a good chuckle. Thanks for the thread.
By the way, why would you spend more money putting a motor with half the cylinders and half the power of a cheap sbc? Doesn't make any sense...but if you DO make it happen, make sure to post pictures. I'm sure I'll need a good laugh then as well...lol
By the way, why would you spend more money putting a motor with half the cylinders and half the power of a cheap sbc? Doesn't make any sense...but if you DO make it happen, make sure to post pictures. I'm sure I'll need a good laugh then as well...lol
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Joined: Sep 2009
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Car: 1990 firebird
Engine: 305 tbi (L03)
Transmission: auto
Axle/Gears: stock
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
that is the dumbest thing i have ever heard, after switching to american muscle from imports...i never want to go back...
no power...little engine room...expensive *** parts...bunch of electrical crap...ahhh a big headache
no power...little engine room...expensive *** parts...bunch of electrical crap...ahhh a big headache
Supreme Member
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Sussex County, NJ
Car: 1994 Z28
Engine: 355 LT1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
Dude I totally agree... we can slap twin turbos on that motor and produce like 300 hp!
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
Actualy 500+ horse at the wheels isnt a problem and build right it can make decent torque but in this case it dosnt make much sense to replace an understressed stock motor with an obviously over stressed modified motor.
A former builder of Nascar Prostock and Trans Am motors had a 90 Civic Si with a 1.5 L motor and a blower that puts out 480 HP on pump gas and runs 11's in the quarter.
It also sounds and drives like stock at part throttle and gets better than 30 MPG

I think the OP was just making an ignorant jab at GM reliability. Not that GM hasnt earned it's reputation but the SBC specificaly is dead reliable at 300 hp and less so throwing it out for "reliabilities" sake is pointless.
After 20 or so years the weak points in the 3rd gen have all been sussed out and are easily fixable.
Last edited by ls six; Sep 30, 2009 at 08:06 AM.
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From: Raleigh, NC
Car: 1988 Flame Red Trans am GTA
Engine: Forged 355 4 Bolt, FIRST TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: ls1 torsen 3.42 gear
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
i think you guys scared him off lol.... he hasnt posted since...
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From: Peoria, AZ
Car: 91 Z28, 2000 T/A
Engine: SBC 355, LS1
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Axle/Gears: 10bolt 3.73, 3.42
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
Somebody has watched Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift a few to many times.
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
Actualy 500+ horse at the wheels isnt a problem and build right it can make decent torque but in this case it dosnt make much sense to replace an understressed stock motor with an obviously over stressed modified motor.
A former builder of Nascar Prostock and Trans Am motors had a 90 Civic Si with a 1.5 L motor and a blower that puts out 480 HP on pump gas and runs 11's in the quarter.
.
A former builder of Nascar Prostock and Trans Am motors had a 90 Civic Si with a 1.5 L motor and a blower that puts out 480 HP on pump gas and runs 11's in the quarter.
.
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Olivebridge, NY
Car: 92 Formula 350
Engine: L98
Transmission: TH700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
There sure have been more and more trolls on the boards lately. You would think they'd have something better to do with their lives
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From: The Pocono Mountains, PA
Car: 1987 Firebird, Dad bought it new
Engine: 5.7L Vortec w/ LT4 Hot cam
Transmission: 700r4 transgo shiftkit 2600 stall
Axle/Gears: 3.42 '02 SS 6 spd rear
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
very funny, your not serious right?
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,001
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From: Salt Lake City, Utah
Car: 1988 camaro "SS"/ 1991 305/T5
Engine: 383 LT1 in progress/LT1TBI 355 soon
Transmission: Probuilt 700R4 3600 stall/ T5
Axle/Gears: Moser axles, 3.42 Eaton Posi
Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
If I was ever going to swap a four cylinder anything into a thirdgen it would be a boosted ecotec sky/solstice engine. From what I hear they are the same as the Cobalt engines. I think that would make for a pretty sick little car. Something different for sure.
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From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
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Re: Possible to swap a Vtec engine into my Firebird?
I think we've discussed this sufficiently.
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I wouldnt think of dropping the little 2.5 V6 in a 3400 pound car though. 


An RB26DETT in a 3rd gen (rather than a Mustang as in the movie) then it can drift against the 1st gen Camaro with the 2JZ Supra swap! 


