K Swaps Good or Bad?

I suppose this question really depends on context. In case you’re not familiar, a K swap means taking a Honda K series engine and putting it into something that didn’t come with a Honda K series engine. It’s become quite popular, not just in the Honda community, but with other makes and models as well.
For me this question came up when I saw a really nice Acura Integra Type R at a Honda Meet I went to recently. Seeing the car, it really didn’t sit right with me. I wondered what you the audience might think about a swap like this.
Let me know in the comments!
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ETCG1

[@Regal_Civic]

I love the way you compared the K series swap on a Type R to a LS in the Grand National. I agree Eric thank you

[@juanc5149]

stuart nordstrom Type R is NOT a rare GSR. So much more went to it, besides a better engine.

[@Regal_Civic]

@@juanc5149 thank you

I dont think its that great a comparison.. The difference between a K and B series are negligible. THey are both honda motors, both NA motors, both 4-cylinders, ect.. So I dont see the issue here. Its not like LS swapping a FD or a Grand National at all.. If you are all about preserving a car, thats fine, but some people want to drive their cars and get the most out of them and dont care about preserving history as much. The K20 and K24 are better motors than then B series. Just are.. They are newer, upgraded motor to the B series. They can make more power more easily and efficiently. And they are incredibly easy to do.. My GSR has a K24 swap, and it is NIGHT AND DAY different. The K24a2 swap is just night and day better. And I I went with a built k20z1 head so I get the best of both worlds.. More torque, and I can rev out to 9K while making 260whp to the wheels. And at ANY time, I can swap the B18 right back in and it becomes a completely stock GSR again. Everything about my car is stock except the swap.

[@Regal_Civic]

@ it's a question of what's more important history or horsepower

[@Regal_Civic]

@ hey Mike I should tell you that I actually really do like Hondas with K swaps. I actually want to do one someday I really like 99 and 2000 coupes but if I had a 2000 Si I would keep it stock restored historical and do a K series swap on some stock 99 or 2000 Coupe with a blown D series. It's funny that were talking about this today today I watched Netflix fastest car 2 episode 1

[@davidwright1599]

As my mother used to say "you can do whatever you want, all it costs is money".

[@adamshowers4995]

even with a job and working hard and saving EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE

[@mackcummy4976]

Like the fast and the furious says, cheap, reliable and fast, pick 2.

[@chipmccoy5077]

Keep the Integra original, Eric. One of the best Hondas made.

[@Andrew-zv4fm]

2nd that.

[@Questchaun]

A k will make it all the better.

[@RenePerez-pu4cj]

it's gonna offend the ricers

[@catch22frubert]

@El Duderino A clean, stock GSR is about as rare as a Type R these days. It's 20+ years old at this point. Almost a classic. I'd much rather see her restored back to perfection. She's worth it.

[@troysawyers9781]

Sounds boring.

[@elwoodkingmaker8343]

Kswapped Civic by ETCG .... I say yes.

[@catch22frubert]

I second that!

[@sparkplug1018]

Be cool in a hatchback.

[@Zympress]

Facts start a patreon I'll donate

[@alexiparis3244]

How is it on oil? Does it burn a lot of it?

[@HondaStreetGarage]

Agreed!!! with the type R k swap. Tein is by far the smoothest, softest suspension for a honda!

[@HondaVlogs]

Trash, Ohlins bro. Tein hurts

[@IcemanJD08]

Honda Street Garage agreed about Tein suspension, I have Tein coilovers on my 99 civic coupe and it only gets super bouncy if I adjust the dampers too stiff, if I keep them soft then it rides great

[@supraboi650]

Tein doesn’t ride like like factory suspension. They are a quality product, but I’ve owned their coilovers and they ride like one. Ohlins Road and Track is what I have on my 2018 Subaru WRX now and they ride like factory suspension. My passengers can’t even tell the suspension have been modified.

[@IcemanJD08]

supraboi650 who said that the Tein coilovers ride like factory?

[@user-ql6by8cy9s]

the springs are ok coilovers suck

[@sadakotube]

True. I kinda agree that sometimes rare cars should be kept stock. But then unfortunately its up to the owner to do what he wants with it.

[@Deekilledyou]

Plus you gotta ask how was the car when they first bought it too. I have a 93 Del sol and in my area, they are unicorns cause you barely see them around. I got told to my face by another del sol owner that i ruined my car cause its modified and not pristine and stock. When i bought my car was shit, Motor barely ran, brakes barely worked, rust everywhere, gutted interior and up to my neck in electrical problems. I rebuilt that car entirely from an image of what i wanted out of it from my head and it would probably be sitting in some junkyard being parted out for what little it had left if i didn't buy it. Sometimes rare cars can have a whole journey behind it and like you said it's up to the owner on what they want to do with it.

[@sadakotube]

@@Deekilledyou thats an aspect some people don't consider as well. If its rare to the point that parts are not available, or forbiddingly expensive, then perhaps a restomod should not be frowned on

[@ancientapparition1638]

@Doogie Rush eh I mean we're not talking about a rare alfa or lancia here let's keep things rational

[@nasimwehbe8410]

As much as I love the K series engine I would never swap it into a Type R Integra. You leave it alone. The B18 was an amazing engine.

[@30kendel]

On regular honda I would k swap if I had extra funds and time! But for a interga like yours eric I wouldn’t do anything to the car. keep everything stock and original! Makes me value the car much much more.

[@albertomichaus8401]

Really liked this video I wish etcg starts making more honda content going back to the roots 👍

[@dafirnz]

I hope there were mitigating circumstances with the K swapped Type R.

[@catch22frubert]

A lot of the Type R's I've seen with K swaps had some kind of catastrophic engine damage, like a hole in the block, on the original engine. If you throw a rod through the side of the original block, I would say a K20/K24 swap is a perfectly fine thing to do. I absolutely agree, I wouldn't swap a Type R with any other engine, unless my original engine was destroyed beyond repair.

[@RJptown757]

dafirnz more than likely plus those motors are going up for the price of a r you could pretty much drop in a k

[@VicVoss]

I appreciate OEM engineering now so I understand keeping things factory or restoring it to factory spec. I bought my car already modified and it was fun for the first few years, but dailying an uncomfortable car for 7 years got old after the first 2 years. I've slowly been putting back in OEM parts whenever I come across them.

[@EveryTimeCummins]

ERIC! We NEED a budget Kswap series on a civic!

[@alanhirayama4592]

Yes, Eric! Keep that Integra stock! B18 is a beautiful engine!

[@jayyoutube8790]

I have a model of that same integra. Honda was golden in those days. They’ve stood the test of time. Still a modern looking car

[@skip029]

I love how your eyes light up talking about Honda/Acura and the modded scene with these vehicles. I'd like to hear and see more as well other other Japanese cars, Mistubishi, Nissan and Toyotas.

[@toekneefurareoh]

Most type r’s are too far gone like you said, so k swaps make sense. But I can agree, keep the LP cars intact in most cases that you can. Let’s see a j swap ETCG!

[@viriatvsoflvsitania5422]

The B series is the way to go on a DC2. K series are great engines, but the original B18 C6 from the Type R is THE only acceptable engine for an Integra.

[@alexandergreene1728]

Thats a EURO spec GSR motor so, no.

[@FPRTuning]

@@alexandergreene1728 wtf are you talking about... B18c6 is the edm type r engine, B18c4 is the gsr

[@chrisj197438]

Viriatvs of Lvsitania It still does front wheel burnouts which is gay sorry

[@viriatvsoflvsitania5422]

@@chrisj197438 No need to be sorry, front wheel burnouts ARE gay as fuck, especially one-wheeled ones.

[@viriatvsoflvsitania5422]

@@alexandergreene1728 We only had the Type R in Europe, there was no "GSR" version

[@colinstu]

That's how I feel when people rip the S14 out of the E30 M3. There are a hundreds of thousands of other E30s out there, don't swap out the S14 in an M3.

[@DavidJones-bq2im]

The Honda community could definitely use a detailed etcg k swap series find an old integra ls or Civic eg for 500 bucks and let the series begin! Probably run faster times than the fairmont too 😉

[@ETCG1]

That's a tall order. I have a feeling once I put the sticky tires on the #FairmontProject I'll be darn close to 10's. It's 12.2 on street tires.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

You kids with your aluminium toys. I'd be happy to line my old gen one Impulse up against a stock Delorean just to see what needlessly gutless really means.

[@nbs-spike5822]

@@ETCG1 Sorry for the question in a reply but I don't have a comment bar, BUUUUTT I would love to see a video on painting that valve cover, maybe with the original type r red crinkle? BTW, maybe put a sticky post for us vidiots to post when we cant figure out how to get our comment bar back?

[@krazybubba2579]

I’m a b series guy but I agree because it will get viewers. But he should get a cheap integra and make it a cheap drag car. Get views for sure

[@catch22frubert]

@@ETCG1 I absolutely love the idea of seeing a nice, detailed ETCG video series on a cheap Honda/Acura drag car. It doesn't have to be a K series engine. I would be happy with a B18c/B20 Vtec build with the Kraftworks supercharger kit or a medium frame turbocharger, like a GTX 3076R or Precision 6262. Walbro 450 fuel pump, 2000cc Injector Dynamic Injectors and a nice ECU with the flex fuel kit so you can run E85 and pump gas. You will have a really fast Honda, that will still drive well on the street. I'm obviously over simplifying a bit, but it doesn't take much more than what I wrote here. Anyway, good luck with your beautiful GSR. I hope you restore her to stock perfection, AND... I Really Really hope you consider doing a video series on a nice Honda engine swap. I'd be happy to see any engine, but a K24 swap series would be the best in my opinion. B20 vtec would also be really interesting, and it would be really cheap. K24 and B20 blocks are dirt cheap if you pull it out of a wrecked Accord or CR-V. All you need is a K20A2 Head, or B16A/B18c head and you are 90% of the way there

[@VegasBoost]

I LOVE my KSwap MR2 :) Fantastic motor, most reliable and fun motor I have ever worked on.

[@Frenchyk]

I'm sure it's a dream to drive.

[@dancarlos1216]

I have a B20B VTEC swapped GSR. Every part of the car has been gone through. Dyno tuned 195whp and 143lbft and 7.5lb flywheel, which makes the B series feel exciting. A bone stock GSR is too compromised for grandma to take it to the grocery store and compared to a properly tuned street car like mine is night and day. Yes it rides firmer but is still compliant. I’ve driven it to Road Atlanta, Mid-Ohio and Gingerman Raceway, tracked the car all weekend and driven home with zero issues. I usually bring NT01 tires and swap them at the track to really maximize the advantage I have over high HP cars. I only have one poor quality video on my channel but would be more than happy to answer questions.

[@ETCG1]

Good to know. Thanks for that input.

[@jimmyrockstar907]

I have yellow Koni's with ground control coilovers on my 99 civic and I will say that it rides and handles amazing. I have the car set up for autocross and I'm completely happy with it!

[@DJimeku]

I think K-swaps are great ... but if you have a rare model ... try to keep it oem for re-sale value... I get it ... but I'm the type that wants to modify a car so I'd probably just buy the cheaper model integra that maybe had a blown headgasket and then k-swap that.

[@rickpalechuk4411]

I feel the same, bastardising something special should be a crime. I saw a split window once with tubs and just shook my head. Thanks for sharing, Cheers

[@icxraza8815]

You just cant beat the "scream" of the b18c5 as long as you dont put a autozone fart can on it.

[@EarlSinclair97]

Mike Some comments you wish you could thumbs up many, many times. That was definitely one of those comments.

[@NoName-tz5ji]

Exactly! May I recommend oreilys.😆

[@krazybubba2579]

I have to hit 8000 once a week now in my c5 just cuz I love it and it does it no problem. But there’s full exhaust with Skunk2’s muffler. I have two 98 jdm integra one b20v one b18c5 :)

[@catch22frubert]

@@krazybubba2579 Color me green with envy. I miss my type r swapped EG hatch so much. I haven't driven a nice swapped car in many years, but I still think about and miss my old swapped civic. Good luck with those Type R's, man. Take care of them!

[@krazybubba2579]

catch22frubert thanks man. I’ve not kept up on everything because when I installed the c5 motor I bought off a guy online it leak a little bit from the head gasket so I mostly just topped it up for a year since I bought a freshly done championship white b20v turbo integra but I got screwed on it and now putting all my love and money into the gsr type r. I’m looking into buying a B18c from Japan dealer just so I have a fresh motor and there getting more expensive. There’s a jdm type r for 14,000 I want it but it’s right hand drive so I can’t do it

[@Nthefastlane]

I built a boosted GSR and swapped it in my Ej8. Have always loved the B18c's. VTEC on both cams. Some K-series such as K20a only have VTEC on the intake cam.

[@guyderagisch4964]

I've seen K swapped Mr2 spiders. On one hand I dislike them not being a Toyota engine. But the cost to own, maintain, and modify the K series compared to a 2zz swap makes sense.

[@dylanandersen9318]

Getting ready to k swap my 2002 soon. 1zz is junk, and the 2zz just doesn't hold up as well as a k.

[@capster15]

K swaps Good if you have money or connections! Bad if you have a realistic Budget and no connections!

[@onseki1774]

Carlos#15 Literally this. But it’s getting hard to find cheap B series engines without connections too at this point

[@miinyoo]

That's a lot of love. I love my full stock integra too. So cheap to work on, even decades after most cars trash heaps. Replacing the full exhaust this weekend, all oem parts, no ricer shit. 250k miles and still revving like a dream.

[@billcooper2798]

I think your right about the Type R no K swap! They are 1 of kind car

[@KENARDO]

Friendly former Honda tech here: the J-series is Honda's secret weapon, and I hope it stays unsung, because man what a cheap and good way to make a Honda rowdy.

[@chaseteter]

KENARDO Aren’t you adding 50-100lbs over the front axels though? Doesn’t that destroy the handling?

[@Frenchyk]

@@chaseteter 🤔 🤔

[@gabehorn4112]

Ew.

[@MrAyybee2cold]

@@chaseteter I think your weight distribution would go to like 62/38-64/36

[@chaseteter]

@@MrAyybee2cold These cars don’t weigh much, it’s not a stretch to think 50-100 lbs directly over the wheels might compromise the super quick turn in these cars have being fwd

[@Masahironaoki]

I had a RS 94’ with GroundControl Coil overs and poly bushings with KyB struts and it was amazing. Best one yet.

[@dlpereira]

Do a collab with PFI Speed! 😁 @PFI Speed

[@darius2640]

And boosted boi kyle

[@catch22frubert]

I would love to see Eric the Car Guy and Brent from PFI, and BoostedBboys Kyle do a collaboration! That would be amazing. Let's see it, Eric! I wanna see you rip in a 700hp Honda!

[@joystix11]

J swap a Civic for this collab project!!

[@MyWolffy]

Yessss

[@Eris6505]

im so glad the J swap got brought up. Just did a J35A4 swap with a TL 6 speed manual into my 93 Civic Coupe. Its quick, minimal issues (and future issues considering my experiences with the J series as a whole in the last 10+ years) and costs about the same as doing a K swap. in my opinion its a much better bang for the buck swap, but the only downside is clearance related, and quite frankly you cant really hide it very well if you plan to daily drive the car - but then again, why would you want to :D

[@dsturbovq]

Get koni yellows and a nice set of springs and kosi k ones, you won’t be disappointed with the ride and it will look sick!!!

[@robertogomez8100]

Thanks man, got my digital cake after years of watching the show.

[@ETCG1]

Happy Birthday!

[@marcosalazar5339]

On any EG, EJ, or integra, the k swap is not a direct drop in. You need some real work, mounting points change slightly, youll need to drill through the frame. remove your ac and radiator, to fit. Then youll need to remove the steering rack to a manual rack. Also, theres clearance issues on the left side of the engine, all these issues are solve-able. Then you have the issue with the intakes since they are all not interchangeable, holes mount up different. Throttle bodies are different, then the exhaust clearance, and lastly the engine harness. And then the axles, Its a cheap swap, for good power, that needs modification. Now the J swap, thats a whole different ball game. Specially the height of the engine in the bay. Its too low for an EG, if you plan on lowering the car, and its too high because then you need to remove the hood, then you give up ac, and a power rack. Then you need better rated meatier axles. Both are great options, both give better power, but both require goood suspensions, brakes, and good tune to actually bring the car out of the shadows and into performance territory. As is its a great fun daily driver.

[@RJptown757]

Marco Salazar there are mounts by hasport for the j swap that allows you to keep the hood

[@robertgrimes1762]

They are a very easy swap. Done it a few times, I think he means no major mods and you don’t need to do a bunch of welding or wiring yourself they sell kits

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

About the integra.... Polyurethane bushings👍🏻 Now, Eric. I've used the Eibach Proline springs. They are SO nice. Because of the progressive winding. It's not at all to harsh for daily drivability at all! Infact it's quite nice. The spring rates for me are in fact awesome. The only downside for some people is the fact that it lowers the vehicle by an inch maybe one and a half. But it's not to bad at all. Nor does it really require a stiffer shock absorber. I had some on my 99 Plymouth breeze for years. Never had any issues. The springs just made the car feel more like a higher end vehicle than it was. (I used to joke about it really feeling as luxurious of a ride as a benz) What I mean by that was is that it was very soft and luxurious felling until I would corner fast. Then you could tell something wasn't stock. However if I didn't corner fast, nobody would have ever noticed anything wasn't stock. It felt so damn good. I'm looking towards doing it to our family car (dodge dart) someday. Just in case I need to pull an emergency evasive maneuver. It's never a bad thing (in my opinion) to have brakes that can rip your eyes out of the sockets. Along with sporty handling for those oh shit moments on the road. As well as enough go go to get you out of troubles way if need be. Now, being able to return to fully stock without and signs that anything was ever different. As well as only improving the vehicle without taking away from the comfort, gas mileage, or drivability is my personal goal when "modifying" a vehicle. (And personally I hate using the term modifications when I'm just switching out parts like springs, bushings, pulleys and brakes.)

[@troysawyers9781]

I've done 3 k swaps. I switched back to b series in my newest projects. The k series is great a great power maker NA. When it comes to turbo, there is no real advantage. There is 2 huge down falls for the k series swap. The timing chain tensioner and the transmission. If you want a lot of NA power, go k series, but be aware of what big cams are going to do to that tensioner. If you want to run a turbo, go b series. It'll make the power you want and have a stronger factory trans.

[@troysawyers9781]

@fenderfan85 I don't fully understand your question...?

[@averyalexander2303]

Assuming all else is equal, I would argue that the K series still has a performance advantage over the B series when boosted since the K series tends to have more torque at lower RPMs, so a K series setup of the same power level will usually feel stronger and more responsive overall since it won't be relying on the turbo as much. The K series tend to be more fuel efficient too. As you said, the timing chain tensioner is mostly a problem when aftermarket cams are used, which don't benefit the K series engines as much as the older engines anyways. For the average driver, the chain setup is still infinitely more reliable than a belt, which most people forget about or ignore until it breaks. Stock for stock the B series transmissions definitely hold up better with hard use and added power, but being able to get a 6 speed K series transmission instead of being stuck with the 5 speed B series transmissions is nice too. I'd say both are equally great platforms, which is better for you just comes down to your goals and personal preferences😃

[@hectorcorvera2239]

My integra type r RHD is currently getting k swap . But after a k swap turbo drive easily convinced me that k swap is the way all the tq .

[@benjaminnielsen4288]

I think sometimes it can be foolish to swap engines in a car like that. Especially on rare cars. If the engine is good quality and reliable, why change it? Some guys just want to wow their friends I guess. The other thing is suspension... why upgrade to coil overs unless the car is strictly a racing car? Again, wow factor. I upgraded my old turbo 300zx with poly bushings, new springs and shocks... it may not look cool, but it rides like a dream. Great video.

[@Anthony-fc1zb]

A good suspension setup i ran in a da9 integra was tokico blue struts which are basically oem upgrades, with tein lowering springs. Road nice n smooth. Usually full body coilovers tend to ride stiffer. No matter where the setting are. Another issue in the honda community is people tweak the spring preload to make the car even lower after the coilover is maxed out.

[@vinnythebad1548]

Eric, I 100% agree with your views on the Type R and the analogy with the GN Ls swap. It's disheartening to see an icon of its era stripped of what made it a timeless classic off the assembly line.

[@ricvanwinkle1665]

Found a 94 all track Supra with 100k on the odometer which was sitting in someone’s backyard for 7 years. 650 dollars later it’s in my garage, a totally stock all original with no rust and no mechanical issues except for maintenance/Fluids. Yes miracles do happen

[@ceescorner]

I have one Eric, all original besides the wheels. 4 door and only 91k miles.

[@shanelen]

i seen a few in Toronto , Canada, the Intregra Type R

[@TheMaster7891]

I love your gsr that’s for sure!

[@Aleasysn]

I think biggest problem with suspension mods is everyone goes either really cheap or overboard without doing any research on what you want the cars to do

[@josuepaz9446]

Just paint the vavle cover and detail that engine please👍

[@krazybubba2579]

Josue Paz I agree. He will think it’s brand new again 😍

[@Bytrl]

As for suspension, I've tried everything, and ive found what works for me. Tein stech springs, and truhart shocks. I've run this combo on my 95 civic, my 97 civic, my girlfriend's 2000 accord, my 2013 subaru brz, and my 08 acura tl. In every case, the car sits about 2 inches lower (still leaving a fair amount of ground clearance to actually drive), and is somehow more supple than oem shocks and springs because it's a progressive spring rate like oem. Yet when you corner, the cars remain flatter and tighter. No failed shocks yet, and the truharts are $320 for a set making them inexpensive with a lifetime warranty. The tein s tech springs are about $130. Daily driving with dips, potholes, and everything else you can imagine I'm here to tell you, you wont bottom out, you will wonder how the car feels more controlled yet softer, and you WONT regret the purchase on that integra. It's the exact same setup I have on the ek and that car uses all interchangeable suspension parts with that integra. Same unibody. Its a girlfriend approved setup. Please try this combo out. Theres no need to put race coilovers on a daily. I'm of the same opinion. I drive my cars and this strut/spring combo will blow your mind for the money. For reference, the only other suspension mod I've done is blox adjustable camber arms in the rear to align it perfect, and all new oem bushings front and rear. I'm riding on 205/50/15 nitto neo gen tires. Grip, comfort, style, and function above all else.

[@ETCG1]

I'll look into that. Thanks for the info.

[@QuickTrickTools]

TSX engine, and 205hp in a 2600lb car? Yes, please. (we're planning to K swap the EK Civic we just recently picked up. No brainer for those of us in the Honda track community.)

[@QuickTrickTools]

Also, with coilovers. Spend the money with a reputable company, or pay with pain. We've been running Reinharte R1's on our Accord for track use.

[@midnightmystery544]

The B-series is legendary however!

[@cgberz]

Eric, K is the way for naturally aspirated fun. B is for boost since its already in the chassis.

[@Diosvencedor9]

I think you should definitely get a Honda Civic or another Integra and throw in a J or K series in it. That would be awesome coming from you as your videos are very detailed, not to mention your knowledge on Honda motors.

[@catch22frubert]

100% Agree. It would be amazing for Eric in particular do a K swap on any older Honda or Acura. I would love to see him do a K24 in a 88-91 EF Civic 4 Door (good luck finding a clean body) or hatchback So, or better yet, a 90-93 DA Integra with bonus points if he can find the GS-R version of the DA Integra with the super rare B17A Vtec engine.

[@MrGrentch]

My birthday was the same day you went to the meet, so close enough. 👍🏻😄 Maybe next year.. I've driven a couple of K Swapped R's in my neck of the woods, definitely gives more grunt and the chassis as you say can handle a lot more power. If the original engine blew and you weren't hung up on originality then yep not a bad idea(there are still enough JDM B18cs out there so you could return it to original). If I had an original USDM R in the US and with the mad prices they're fetching over there then yeah I'd be probably thinking more of originality tbh. I agree with you 100% that the R engine isn't _that_ much of an improvement over the GSR except at the top end. The GSR engine has more torque lower down too. IMHO for your GSR source an R suspension setup. Shocks, springs, antiroll bars. Get em from Japan(look for the 98 on ones). You could get the whole shebang and go five stud, which would give you the brakes as well but that would get pricey. If you wanted some lowering, Spoon springs are like stock in feel, progressive and don't rattle your teeth out. I'd stick with Honda bushings myself. Polys I found too harsh and never swap the rear control arm bushing for poly as that upsets Honda's patented toe in under braking setup which is one reason why they handle so well. If you can find a Mugen carbon intake, they're the only intake I found made a real difference. Again pricey, especially over in the States. There are copies out there but they're mostly rubbish.

[@JeremiahCardin]

I know some guys that made me cry with some swaps they have done . they put a 460 ford in a chevy tow truck and a 302 ford in a Mercedes sl 280 so I feel your pain there's some abortions out there but different strokes for different folks. This is what makes the automotive world so fascinating and frustrating .

[@evoman44]

I agree that something like a Type R should be for the most part kept as original as possible. What made the Type-R so special was its B18C and factory tuned suspension for racing. The suspension was so finely tuned that it was set up to balance the car evenly with just the weight of the drivers side. I my self have a 1995 Integra LS that I have had since the late 90's. And the best suspension I have had on it has been the Tokico Illumina Struts with Votland springs. What makes the Illumina Struts so special is that the dampening can be adjusted 5 ways. So for everyday driving I have it set to 3 that feels firm enough while still being smooth with no bouncing and when I have had it on the track I set it to 5.

[@Bubbaxlt]

Thank you for helping me on my suspension decision. I have a 94 integra ls 5speed and she needs struts bad. Mine is completely untouched too and im going with oem after hearing what you said in the video.

[@mph20000]

That reminded me of that time when Jay Leno got a first generation Oldsmobile Toronado; then converted it to rear-wheel-drive. The whole purpose of the Toronado was to be one of the few if not only front wheel drive muscle car of the 1960s/70s, and now it is no different than any other of that era.

[@mark52111]

Back in the day, many type R integras were stolen for the engine. It is possible that the one you saw with the K motor had the original motor stolen and replaced it with a K. A K swap would be very interesting and probably increase your subscriber base.

[@JonTheOG]

Yes do a kswap on the integra! Then rebuild the b18c1 and maybe over time put it in an older civic!

[@carsinruin6102]

I think it depends on the car. I remember when S52 swaps were all the rage for E30 M3s about 20 years ago, the car wasn't the icon it is now. The same goes for the ITR. I wouldn't swap a GSR or Type R but totally would swap a LS Integra or base civic.

[@Roarman57]

I had Koni yellows with h&r 1” drop springs on my GSR it handled amazingly. Some one tried to steel it in Seattle but it was a 2000 so it had a chipped key. Edit: Someone pulling a boat couldn’t stop in time and smashed the quarter panel, so my insurance totaled it😢 I got a rsx-s and would not go back! Edit; Steal 🤣 they didn’t change all my aluminum to stainless😏

[@Frenchyk]

I'm thinking about going with some lowering springs for my RSX. Which ones did you go with for your RSX?

[@Roarman57]

buddyclub d1 dampeners and I love them but the h&r springs with yellows was less Maintenance

[@Gold63Beast]

As a mechanic, this is one of those things I always ask and NEVER like the response of the customer. They want to put adjustable suspension and somehow expect to drive better and I explain the reality to them and it goes in one ear and out the other and just say go ahead with it anyways. Then after install, they hear all these funky noises and complain about the ride quality and that’s when I give “I told you so, remember?”. Some aftermarket “performance” parts are good but some are bad and if your not spending more than 2k on a performance suspension, which 90% of my customers DONT, you will get what you pay for. Get a Tein, expensive but never recommend lowering more than an inch or so because ride quality goes down rapidly. At 1 inch drop, shocks on medium to soft. They will be like OEM but a bit stiffer because at the end of the day....my customers swear they are going to need the settings all the way up and stiff and then complain later to adjust them to be softer which I then say will cost them labor cause I told them not to go all stiff on the settings. Needless to say, my customers that ask me to install anything other than TEIN....here....sign this disclaimer cause I’m not going to waste my time because you want to decide to put the settings and height on max stiffness cause you think your gonna “cut” better....lol...yeah okay...you want to cut better....get rid of those cheap Chinese tires you have on. Smh. I’m not a fan of these customers but a mans gotta eat.

[@simonu1612]

“It is late September 2019…” aahhh brother, savor the days for they are few!!

[@flightpath22]

Absolutely love your Teg and agree with you all the way. I helped my step-son buy a 92 Integra LS 3dr back around 1998 and still have it. We lost Geoff in December 2001 to leukemia and the car has sat on and off since. I will say this, the only mods are a low restriction intake w/ conical filter, Supertrapp muffler (awesome), Neuspeed springs, poly bushings in suspension and engine mounts, and 15x7 Enkei 5 spoke wheels. If I remember correctly the drop is 1.75 F & R, and it rides beautifully over all but the worst pavement. You do have to be cautious with speed bumps or if the car is loaded heavily, but day-to-day driving is exceptional. It handles like it’s on rails...no body roll whatsoever. I’ve driven my father’s 1997 C5 Corvette and honestly think the Acura handles better. I agree that coilovers give you options when it comes to ride height, but most folks will take it too far. The Neuspeed springs are fixed height, but that means the car sits perfectly level and rides well. I think you’d be very impressed. And the sound of that intake and Supertrapp combo is music. I’d spend all day driving around freeway underpasses and tunnels if I could. What a glorious sound!!

[@ETCG1]

My condolences for Geoff. It sounds like the car is a great tribute to him though. Thank you for sharing that.

[@hardkrow]

When you used the LS swapped GNX analogy the pain hit home

[@macberry4048]

The k swap is very tempting especially for GSR but not for a Type R. Nobody talks about it but the k series engine has reached almost the same legendary status as the LS engine. The thing I used to find interesting about Corvettes is they made a lot of horsepower on regular unleaded gas and going back to the k series engine it's possible to make 160-200hp on regular gas and it's a more reliable engine

[@Busydadgarage717]

Love this car! The best option for lowering and keeping the ride great would be with good stock style struts, top hat extenders and quality lowering springs. You keep the stock dampening, lower it a bit and don't get the rough ride.

[@averyalexander2303]

Stock shocks don't always work well with lowering springs. Lowering springs pretty much have to be stiffer than stock springs so the car doesn't bottom out on every bump and stiffer springs need stiffer shocks to have a setup that rides and handles well without being bouncy. Also, stock shocks can be damaged by bottoming out. Lowered cars can certainly ride reasonably well if done properly, but don't expect to lower an already low car like an Integra without making it ride harsher than stock.

[@BACKFIREFUR]

I did a k swap and 5 speed swap to my 1998 civic DX. The car is super clean but the D16Y7 was just tired with 359,000 miles. Got a swap kit and dropped in a low mileage K engine and transmission, factory wiring harness and computer. It’s all factory so it’s reliable as it was factory. The extra power is nice but I drive it ez. Still get 32/36 mpg. And it’s quite.

[@Workinprogressmaxi]

It's all about spring rate. I have a lowered 240sx, the biggest mistake people do is to just lower the car without resetting the bushings(re-tightening them with the suspension loaded) this greatly increases the felt spring rate as the bushings bind and prevent movement. Also people tend to have the car ride on the bump-stops, which is similar to infinity spring rate. The only issue I would have with stock shocks is the close to infinity travel they have. You will never pick up a tire, but one corner taken right could see you lift the wheel well a hole foot from the tire. Then again like you said. If you just drive it keep it stock.

[@ElectoneGuy]

I may have the only CRX Si in existence that still has its original, un-molested stock springs and shocks still installed. Yep, it sits a little high and the 14" stock swirlies and 185/60/14 tires might be a little skinny, but it rides smooth and my back thanks me whenever I take it out for a Sunday drive.

[@76horsepower]

Hello! I'm the owner of the almost entirely stock '87 Integra SE that you pan across in your show footage. And I'm with you. I'm all for modifying cars, but there comes a point when something is just too rare to mess with, particularly when it's a pretty darn good package already. Great video!

[@jontg429]

Dude, doing a K swap in a type R is like putting an LS in an original Shelby Cobra, sacrilege!

[@darius2640]

I dont feel so bad about that, if your original engine blows up and you wanna keep driving, swap in a newer, more modern, fresher, less oil burning engine, man thats a no brainer. As for coilovers look into tein superstreets, i think they ride great.

[@sethallison5682]

Dariune my guess was that the original powertrain was yanked out of the car after being stolen. Super common on these.

[@tat838805]

Have a silver 2001 integra gs myself... I had koni yellows on it with stock integra type r spring and it rode/handled amazing!!! Started doing some autocross events, so I upgraded to ground control overs and kept the same koni yellows... yes, it rides quite a bit harsher... and if I ever get a dedicated track car.. you bet I'll put my itr coils back on!

[@jeremybook2096]

I have a 94 ls with 98 front end. I've had it for 15 years and it's my baby. Ground control coilovers (sleeve overs) and KYB shocks or even better Koni yellow adjustable shocks ride really nice. Not too stiff at all. Back in the day all the kids were putting really crappy cheap coilovers that were way over sprung and rode like crap. Also a really good option is Type R springs, or H&R springs, they have some that only drop ride height like an inch and are close to Type R spring rates. Check out Hmotorsonline, they have type R suspension stuff and Type-r motors all day long. As well as everything else you can imagine. I agree with you on the k-swap though they are tempting. There's far better options for headers than the Old DC sports stuff too, check out Skunk 2, Hytech, and also Comptech. Love the channel watch every new episode, keep doing what you do. (my dream job). I'm a former ASE master Tech who now works in military aviation. I miss working on cars sometimes and your channel helps me relive the old days haha.

[@gwilli]

Totally agree! I have a completely stock Integra GSR that I've had since new. Would not change a thing!

[@jayjanyh2932]

1. Keep any 15" rims, for older drivers. 2. Re enforce the rear sub frame with an ASR brace and install a type R rear swaybar, to tighten up the rear end around corners. 3. 07 Mini Cooper base front brake upgrade or front 02 Accord V6 brackets&calipers/07 Mini Cooper base rotors: Rear 04 rsx non vtec brackets/01 prelude calipers upside down bleeding/03 si rotors, with Type R size PBR/Axis Ult pads and Russel SS brake lines. This works under OEM 15" Mesh (meshie) rims, but not on the 15" Enkei rpf1. 4. Never ever give a 16 year old a v6 or a v8. Give them a 4 cylinder with an automatic.

[@GomTeamSpecrider]

Ive owned 3 integras now. First one was a 2001 GS bone stock, loved it until i got rear ended and it got written off. Second one was a 97 LS with a B20 swap with a gsr trans, loved that one too. Then somehow here in canada someone sends me a link to a Bone stock 96 GSR with 180,000KM on it and it was in MY city. I bought it the same day I got sent the ad. Ive had it for 5 years now and I f*cking love it! Everyone always tells me I need to lower it, turbo it, K swap it etc etc.. But they don't get that its not a drag racing car, its just a fun sporty car to drive and Ill never ruin it by lowering it or messing with it.

[@mickeydee3595]

My cousin had one of those integra's but his was the Type-R here in Australia. Absolute awesome car. He really regrets selling it now

[@Oblithian]

I could see the swap in that type-R if the stock engine was a brick. But if you have a performance version of a car, I would try to make the most of what it has. But I also get keeping it completely stock.

[@jesseonly1327]

I was considering doing a k swap on my civic....but it was way cheaper just buying a newer civic with a k engine from the factory.

[@crx_r6880]

Jesse M but won’t be as fast

[@jesseonly1327]

Maybe, just depends.

[@thirtyonefifty3133]

I think the owner of the type R likely bought it without an engine. I think most type R owners would never swap unless they keep the original. Despite of the possibilities, K swaps are very very nice and I think the owner made a good choice. Now had he downgrade to a D series I could see the anger (nothing against D series). If you are ever going to upgrade the GSR, I say do something very very different and forgotten; twin charge the baby. Super whine, with the v-tec kick, and the turbo top end. :D

[@sterlingdiaz6205]

I own a 2001LS and i love it, thinking of a LS vtec mod. I agree, i would never replace a type R engine.

[@Hman9876]

My experience with coilovers and suspension stuff is, most people buy the cheapest quality coilovers available, and they ride like doodoo. There are very comfortable coilovers out there, they just cost a bit. In my Miata, i have Megan ez street 2. They are not the best out there, but they are soft, gas charged, full body coilovers and they ride quite smooth and nice.

[@mr._.gallardo]

Teins are by far the best. I adjust mine fully soft for travels and stiff for when I beat on it. Something you should look into. You won’t regret it. And me myself owning a j series civic and j series superchargered accord it is very worth doing!

[@wilfreddiazvellon7896]

They are good swaps I have an 06 Honda Civic si coupe with a k24-a2 bottom and a k20a 2 Frankenstein setup,all out engine pumping 280hp to the wheels so very fast and it hasn’t let me down, it’s been over year with me,I love my si.

[@mtktm]

What most don't realize that is part of the suspension, are the tires. I suspect you can improve the ride quality by getting smaller wheels, and more sidewall to match the tread diameter, and possibly playing around with tire pressures.

[@ETCG1]

Hence the reason I mentioned the Michelins. In my experience, nothing makes a stock Honda ride better than a good set of Michelins. BTW, they were the OE tire manufacturer for this car. Thanks for your comment.

[@ThatOddGarage]

I’m going to add a comment to this, I know, two years and some change give or take late to the party. I’m going to (well, truthfully planning to at least) research and put into motion (hopefully) a k20 swap for my 1998 Saturn sw1. They’re incredibly light, the displacement is VERY similar, and I could definitely see 350-400hp being a lot of fun.

[@frdbtr]

I agree with you Eric. I wouldn't even K swap your gsr if I had an unmolested one. Having said that, I have a 97 civic EX coupe and it is going to get Kswapped because of what it is and the performance (while being emissions legal) that the motor offers. :)

[@hdjoeiii]

Okay eric i got a odd crazy swap for you Totally not mainstream, a h22a top end a f23 bottom end and a b series trans. Its called a G23. Why, because its cool to be different.

[@majork4114]

Not gonna lie, I really appreciate your viewpoint on this Eric! As a '94 Integra owner, I'm all about keeping my o.g. motor(B18B1). Wanna make it last a 1,000,000+ miles! So I really appreciate your opinion on this. Also, I super agree with you on leaving an original Type R engine as it is! Leave that K Engine in an RSX.... Or throw it in a Civic...

[@vanquishstorm3806]

Major K I have a '97 Integra ls and dont intend on swapping the B18B1 motor ever unless it needs to be. Even then, I would probably just replace it with a B20.

[@habib1971]

I'd swap a Integra but never a type r. That motor is so good and it's such a rare car to find. For me it would stay stock.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I dont think k swaps is a bad idea on the older integras but in civics all day long

[@judeboucan1446]

As an owner of kswap eg I agree! If I had a type r, I probably would have left the original engine in place, anything else k swap is the way to go

[@gunhed70]

I have a 95 Honda civic that is lowered, i have gone through two sets of upper and lower ball joints. It also suffers from bump steer and the alignment shops in my area don't want to look at it. This winter it goes back to stock springs and shocks, I am done with lowered cars.

[@ancientapparition1638]

stock ride height is pretty good

[@blacksail337]

I have a 96 GS-R all original with 146k. I'm about to swap in an OEM type r suspension for a little more performance without ruining the ride. Plan to make a video about it!

[@jasonkuehl9427]

Today is my birthday, So thank you for the birthday wishes!!!

[@ETCG1]

Happy Birthday!

[@EarlSinclair97]

When I worked parts, we had a regular customer that would constantly brag to us about the small-block transplant in his GNX. He brought it up one afternoon to show it off. Although it was done well, I thought that small-block in that GNX looked like a pork chop at a kosher wedding. Just because you can doesn't always mean you should.