FAQ : Honda Swap Combinations– What Fits What – Part 2

FAQ : Honda Swap Combinations– What Fits What – Part 2

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We kick off Part 2 of our Honda Swap Combinations writeup by taking a look at the H series VTEC motor from Honda. First found in the 1991 Honda Prelude Si, the H22 is a DOHC, 2156cc four valve engine that put down 190hp @ 6800 rpm. Despite the impressive power numbers, Honda enthusiasts once upon a time found the H series motor to be the ‘black sheep’ of the Honda family. Once you have your engine removed, you can begin planning the best H series swap possible.

Fast forward a few years and as technology has given us tools to improve the H series engine, the attitudes of enthusiasts toward the H series  has also changed. With parts like the H2B adapter plate, which allows you to use a B series transmission on any H or F series motor, it really changed the game for Honda swappers.

h22
H2B adapter plates truly have changed things for H series swaps

For the Honda Prelude the H was reworked to increase displacement (2258cc) as well as extending to a 95mm stroke. These changes resulted in the H23, the 2.3liter non-vtec version of the H series motor that produces 165hp and with lower redlines. The H23 was first created for the Ascot Innova, while the H22a found its way into the JDM Honda Accord Si-R in 1993.

In 1997 the H22 underwent a huge change with a open deck design which helped cooling, and the fibre lined cylinder walls that helped with heat dispersion and detonation. This raised the bar to 195hp while incorporating full floating pistons, an aluminum oil pan and redesigned intake and exhaust manifolds.

Later the same year came even more improvements for the H series, with higher 11:1 compression ratio and ported cylinder head, coupled with low restriction intake and exhaust manifolds netted 219hp. Honda then put it into the Prelude Si-R Type S, another model we were never graced in the US with.

Sir
Cool Car #9581986591 that we were never deemed good enough to get here in the US

Despite the H series advantage in displacement, it never took off the way the smaller and more accessible D and B series engines did. In fact it wasn’t until well after the arrival of the K series in 2002 that the H series motor wasn’t more appreciated by enthusiasts and Honda fans.

Deserving of the black sheep label or no, the fact remains that the 4 cylinder H series still stands the test of time from naturally aspirated standpoint. Like them or not chances are you aren’t going to get the same level of reliability and power from an aftermarket all motor standpoint.

What Do I need to Swap a H into my 1992-1995 OBDI Single Cam?

This covers the 92-95 Honda Civic (EG) and the Del Sol, and unfortunately this will require a custom swap mount kit. Hasport and HCP are just two of the manufacturers that produce H series motor mounts. In discussing the H22 or H23 swap into a Civic, we’ll be addressing the stock H series hydraulic transmission. If you are looking into a H2B transmission swap, scroll down to that section for details.

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OBDI H22 or H23 – This single swap provides the largest gain in horsepower and torque while staying true to the Honda all motor roots. With this swap you’ll have a huge gain in power, and huge improvements in low or midrange rpm.

  • Transmission: Because the H series hydraulic transmission works differently than the rod actuated transmissions of the D and B series, this is the biggest change when it comes to swaps. You will most likely require a custom mounted shifter box, where your stock shifter floorboard must be cut open and the shifter box mounted.
  • Wiring : If your Honda was not originally equipped with VTEC, this will have to be wired. Other sensors that didn’t come in your car naturally are going to have to get wired. Click on the links for a primer on How To Wire VTEC or Wiring a H series.
  • ECU : The P13 or a chipped or modified P28 or P72 will work great here. Again if your Civic or Del Sol did not come equipped with VTEC, check our How To Wire VTEC article here.
  • Axles: A simple call to Driveshaft Shop or buying an aftermarket swap axle kit is of course the easiest way to go about the axles for your swap. If you wish to use a frankenstein combination of Honda parts, you will need the inner CV joint of a Prelude / Accord for it to snap into the transmission past the circlip.
  • The passenger side 1990-1993 Acura Integra Axle with the inner CV joint will get the job done. The driver side 1990-1993 Acura Integra axles will bolt right in.

What transmissions can I use for my H series swap?

From 1992-1996 the USDM Honda Prelude VTEC carried the M2F4 five speed transmission with a final gear ratio of 4.266. From 1997-2001 the H2U4 five speed was equipped with a 4.266 final gear ratio. Most people looking to transplant a JDM engine anyways will opt for the M2T4 five speed that came in the 1996-2000 JDM Prelude SiR. This transmission came equipped with a factory LSD and a similar 4.266 gear ratio.

Here are some additional details on transmissions that can be found for the H series motor.

97-01 Prelude SH 
Part #: M2U4 
1st Gear: P3.285
2nd Gear: 1.956
3rd Gear: 1.344
4th Gear: 1.071
5th Gear: 0.870 
Final Drive:4.062

97-01 Prelude BASE 
Part #: M2Y4 
1st Gear:3.285
2nd Gear: 1.956
3rd Gear: 1.344
4th Gear: 1.034
5th Gear: 0.812
Final Drive:4.266

1992-1996 Prelude VTEC
Part #: M2F4
1st Gear: 3.307 
2nd Gear: 1.950
3rd Gear: 1.360 
4th gear: 1.071
5th Gear: 0.870
Final Drive: 4.266

1992-1996 JDM Prelude VTEC w/o LSD
Part #: M2A4
1st Gear: 3.307
2nd Gear: 1.950
3rd Gear: 1.160 
4th gear: 1.034
5th Gear: 0.787

Final Drive: 4.266 

1992-1996 Prelude VTEC w/ LSD
Part #: M2B4
1st Gear: 3.307
2nd Gear: 1.950
3rd Gear: 1.360
4th gear: 1.034
5th Gear: 0.787
Final Drive: 4.266

1992-1996 Prelude Si (JDM F22B) 
Part #: M2J5
1st Gear: 3.307
2nd Gear: 1.810
3rd Gear: 1.269
4th gear: 0.966 
5th Gear: 0.787
Reverse:??
Final Drive: 4.266

1992-1996 Prelude Si 
Part #: M2S4 
1st Gear: 3.307
2nd Gear: 1.857 
3rd Gear: 1.320
4th gear: 1.034 
5th Gear: 0.812 
Reverse: ??
Final Drive: 4.266

1992-1996 Prelude S 
Part #:M2L5 
1st Gear: 3.310
2nd Gear: 1.810 
3rd Gear: 1.232
4th gear: 0.900 
5th Gear: 0.710
Reverse: ??
Final Drive:4.062 

H2B transmissions

Use of the H2B transmission plate has truly reinvigorated the popularity of the H22 engine making it one of the cooler all-motor swaps available today.

Complete swap kits are now available, making this swap a breeze
Complete swap kits are now available, making this swap a breeze

With this H2B kit it will allow you to not only bolt on a B series hydraulic transmission and retain the rod actuated shifter, but it also allows you to use B series clutches and flywheels. With better gear ratios and a bigger selection and variety of bolt on transmissions, this modification truly has redefined the H series engine swap as a whole.

Engine Specifications

H22a – 1991-1996 JDM Prelude Si 1997-2001 JDM Prelude SiR

Displacement: 2,157 cc (131.6 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 87mm/3.425 × 90.7mm/3.570
Compression ratio:10.6-11.0:1 
Power: 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) @ 6,800 rpm 
Torque: 161.5 ft·lbf (218.96 N·m) @ 5,500 rpm
Valve Configuration: DOHC, 16 valves, VTEC
Type: Closed Deck.Comp. Height: 31.0mm/1.221
Deck Height: 219.5mm/8.643
Head CC: 53.8cc
Rod Length: 143.0mm/5.633
Rod Width: 23.75mm/.935
Main Bore: 51.00mm/2.008
Pin Bore: 21.97-21.98mm/.8649-.8654
Piston Volume: -1.9 cc
Wrist Pin Diam:22.0mm/.866
Main Bearing Width: 19.9mm/.784
Rod Bearing Width: 19.35mm/.762
Intake Valve Diam: 35mm/1.38
Exhaust Valve Diam: 30mm/1.18
Main Journal Diam: 50mm
Rod Journal Diam: 47.95mm/1.888
Valve Cover: Black.

H22a – 1997-2001 JDM Prelude SiR

Displacement: 2,157 cc (131.6 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 87mm/3.425 × 90.7mm/3.570
Compression ratio:10.6-11.0:1 
Power: 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) @ 6,800 rpm 
Torque: 161 ft·lbf (218 N·m) @ 5,500 rpm
Valve Configuration: DOHC, 16 valves, VTEC
Type: Closed Deck.
Comp. Height: 31.0mm/1.221
Deck Height: 219.5mm/8.643
Head CC: 53.8cc
Rod Length: 143.0mm/5.633
Rod Width: 23.75mm/.935
Main Bore: 51.00mm/2.008
Pin Bore: 21.97-21.98mm/.8649-.8654
Piston Volume:-1.9 cc
Wrist Pin Diam:22.0mm/.866
Main Bearing Width: 19.9mm/.784
Rod Bearing Width: 19.35mm/.762
Intake Valve Diam: 35mm/1.38
Exhaust Valve Diam: 30mm/1.18
Main Journal Diam: 50mm
Rod Journal Diam: 47.95mm/1.888
Valve Cover: Black.

H22a – 1997-2001 JDM Prelude SiR S-Spec 1997-2001 JDM Prelude Type S

Displacement: 2,157 cc (131.6 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 87mm/3.425 × 90.7mm/3.570
Compression ratio:10.6-11.0:1 
Power: 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp) @ 7,200 rpm
Torque: 163 ft·lbf (221 N·m) @ 6,500 rpm 
Valve Configuration: DOHC, 16 valves, VTEC
Type: Closed Deck.
Comp. Height: 31.0mm/1.221
Deck Height: 219.5mm/8.643
Head CC: 53.8cc
Rod Length: 143.0mm/5.633
Rod Width: 23.75mm/.935
Main Bore: 51.00mm/2.008
Pin Bore: 21.97-21.98mm/.8649-.8654
Piston Volume: -1.9 cc
Wrist Pin Diam:22.0mm/.866
Main Bearing Width: 19.9mm/.784
Rod Bearing Width: 19.35mm/.762
Intake Valve Diam: 35mm/1.38
Exhaust Valve Diam: 30mm/1.18
Main Journal Diam: 50mm
Rod Journal Diam: 47.95mm/1.888
Valve Cover: Red

H22a –1994-1997 JDM Accord SiR 

Displacement: 2,157 cc (131.6 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 87mm/3.425 × 90.7mm/3.570
Compression ratio:10.6-11.0:1 
Power: 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) @ 6,800 rpm
Torque: 152 ft·lbf (206 N·m) @ 5,500 rpm
Valve Configuration: DOHC, 16 valves, VTEC
Type: Closed Deck.
Comp. Height: 31.0mm/1.221< /span>
Deck Height: 219.5mm/8.643
Head CC: 53.8cc
Rod Length: 143.0mm/5.633
Rod Width: 23.75mm/.935
Main Bore: 51.00mm/2.008
Pin Bore: 21.97-21.98mm/.8649-.8654
Piston Volume:-1.9 cc
Wrist Pin Diam:22.0mm/.866
Main Bearing Width: 19.9mm/.784
Rod Bearing Width: 19.35mm/.762
Intake Valve Diam: 35mm/1.38
Exhaust Valve Diam: 30mm/1.18
Main Journal Diam: 50mm
Rod Journal Diam: 47.95mm/1.888
Valve Cover: Black.

H22a1 – 1992-1996 USDM Prelude VTEC 1992-1996 CDM Prelude SR-V 1992-1996 ADM VTi-R

Displacement: 2,157 cc (131.6 cu in)
Bore and Stroke: 87mm/3.425 × 90.7mm/3.570
Compression ratio:10.6-11.0:1 
Power: 190 PS (140 kW; 187 hp) @ 6,800 rpm
Torque: 158 ft·lbf (214 N·m) @ 5,500 rpm
Valve Configuration: DOHC, 16 valves, VTEC
Type: Closed Deck.
Comp. Height: 31.0mm/1.221
Deck Height: 219.5mm/8.643
Head CC: 53.8cc
Rod Length: 143.0mm/5.633
Rod Width: 23.75mm/.935
Main Bore: 51.00mm/2.008
Pin Bore: 21.97-21.98mm/.8649-.8654
Piston Volume:-1.8 cc
Wrist Pin Diam:22.0mm/.866
Main Bearing Width: 19.9mm/.784
Rod Bearing Width: 19.35mm/.762
Intake Valve Diam: 35mm/1.38
Exhaust Valve Diam: 30mm/1.18
Main Journal Diam: 50mm
Rod Journal Diam: 47.95mm/1.888
Valve Cover: Black.
Up Next the K series of motors

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65 COMMENTS

  1. I have a 1996 Honda Prelude with H23A1 non vtec, Automatic transmission. I’ve been looking and looking, What could make reverse not work? I am able to select the gear and go into it, But the car will not go anywhere. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

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  2. Thank you so much for replying so fast, This has been one of the most helpful sites I have found online. I actually purchased a Accord automatic transmission for $150.00 last week. But if I can find a way to fix the one I’ve got without pulling everything it would be much easier.

  3. My friend has a 99 prelude can i get a list of what engine swaps are possible because his motor needs rebuilding but he only has $700 and doesnt know whether to rebuild or swap thank you

    • Hi Joe, if your friend has a 99 prelude, there’s not much that you can swap in to make it worth it. If he needs a rebuild, try ditching the balance shafts and maybe upping compression by using a thinner head gasket.

      An H2B conversion would also be pretty nice in that Prelude.

      Let us know how it turns out, and thank you for commenting!

  4. i have a 93 Honda prelude si. with the h23a1 motor 5 speed tranny… my motor is blown or something, not to sure yet, but… besides another h23a1, what other motor can i bolt right up to my lude and go???

    • Josh, thanks for reading.

      sorry to hear about your engine, but if you want something that’s truly plug and play it will have to be another H23A. A H22 swap would require additional wiring and changes, unless of course you don’t mind.

      Let us know how it turns out! Thank you for commenting

  5. I have a 2001 civic EX that had a bad engine ( rod out the side ) I swapped an engine out of another 2001 civic ex. harness also. the problem is that the car orginally had the D17A2 engine with an EGR system, the good engine is a D17A1 non EGR. it did run with old ECM but not right and as the more i drove it, it got worse. i got a ECM for a non EGR 2001civic but now it will not start now. what do I have to do to make this work ? thanks

  6. Hey pro street guys. i must be having trouble sending emails to you. I have the 2001 civic vin #1HGEM21941L082984 with the erg to non egr problem. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

    • Hi James, thanks for reading.

      What question could we answer for you? Sorry about trouble sending emails? Our email servers are working okay.. who did you email specifically sir?

      • I didnt sent to anyone spacific. I just replied.. its on my 2001 honda civic ex. The engine threw a rod. I replaced the EGR engine with a non EGR engine and harness. it ran but would not rev over 4000 rpm. As i drove it, the car started to go in to limp home mod. I tried a Non EGR ECM but because of the security control it wouldnt start. you should have the vin # Tor the car. let me know what ecm to use and how to make it work. thank you for all your help also if you need to talk to me in person, let me

        • Ah gotcha James, sorry if we missed you or didn’t reply it wasn’t our intention. We’ve got a lot of requests for help throughout the site, it can get hard to keep up sometimes.

          As far as your situation goes, you need to :

          1. Use the original ECU, unless you are willing to spend money to bypass the immobilizer.
          2. Transfer your intake manifold and EGR over to the new engine, use the old harness along with the old ECU.

          Hope that helps!

          • thanks for the info. how much would a bypass for the immobilizer cost and where can I find one. as that might be my best option, I don’t have the harness anymore. thanks again! You guys have been awesome!!

            • James, there’s a couple of ways to attack this problem..

              1. go to honda and have your key reprogrammed to match the ecu – this is probably your best bet
              2. use a piggyback bypass – this probably isnt the best idea for a daily driver.

              The immobilizer system in a 2001 series Civic is called a Type 3 from Honda. You can ask your local dealer if they would be willing to help you or tell you what the code is to change the key code to match your ECU.

              If not you’ll have to pay them to code it for you. Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

  7. Hi there,

    I have a 1997 Honda Civic B18B4 and the automatic transmission is totally stuffed (clutch packs have been destroyed).

    I also have a smashed 1991 Honda Prelude B20A7 with the original manual gearbox and everything.

    My question is: Will the gearbox on my Prelude fit on the B18B4 motor in my Civic?

    • Hi Jason, sorry but that B20A from your 91 is completely different than the LS in your 97. I would try selling your 91 and getting yourself another transmission to solve your issue!

      Thanks for commenting!

  8. Hi Pro Street,

    I have a ’98 Accord EX automatic and my transmission is going out. My mechanic says it’s about $1,200 to rebuild with OEM parts.

    My question is..

    I live in CA and are there any F/H-series engine swaps that I can do and be able to pass visuals and smog?

    This is my 6th car and my 1st automatic and would prefer to drive a manual. I don’t mind doing an auto to manual conversion.

    The car is completely stock and I plan to keep it that way, just want a little more power so I’m considering an entire swap with the manual conversion.

    Please advise.

    Thanks.

  9. I have a 98 Honda Accord 2.3 vtec.. I’m doing an engine swap to a 2.3 non vtec .. Will this engine work.. If not what do I need to do to make this work..

    • Hi Chris, thanks for commenting.. is this non vtec engine you are swapping in from the same year range?

  10. im trying to put an h23 a3 accord motor in a 92 prelude that had a f22b motor in it, the wiring harness is a little diffrent for the intake, what can i do to fix this problem.

    • Hi Shaun, sorry what did you mean by the H23 A3 engine harness is different for the intake? did you mean the IAC or the TPS? or did you mean the MAP sensor? let us know and we’ll try to help you out. Thanks for commenting!

    • Hi Jim, if you are talking about Civic and Integras as long as the OBD and year range fits you are good to go. There are slight differences however in timing and advance. I hope that helps! Thanks for commenting and let us know how it turns out!

  11. I have an H 22 engine and transmission from a 97 prelude SH I would like to swap to either an 99 Acura CL 2.3 VTEC F series The conversion also requires changing from automatic to manual transmission the other option I have I also have a body of a 96 prelude B series engine double overhead cam not vtec trying to get an idea of my possibilities

    • Hi Jim, thanks for commenting.

      It’s definitely a good problem to have! If you have a H22 it’s probably best to swap that into your 96 Prelude and keep the manual transmission in the swap! There’s many mods you can use, including the H2B conversion to maximize your potential.

      Let us know how it turns out! Thanks!

  12. I have a 94 civic ex I’m swapping in a 94 prelude h22a was wondering does anyone know should I be able to use shifter box and cables from 97-01 or would I need to use one from 92-96

    • Hi David, thanks for reading.

      As far as an H series swap into your EG, this can be done. It’s best to stick to the cables that match the transmission you’ll be using. Using the right shift kit and mounts will get the job done. Sounds like a great Honda swap! Let us know how it turns out!

  13. HELLO MY NAME DAVID,HAVE ANY INFORMATON ON 1997-2001 H22A ENGNIE SWAY TO A 1997 ACCORD EX 2.2 V-TEC ?IAM CHANGEING THE AUTO TRANS TO 5SPEED FROM THE PRELUDE SAME YEAR TYPE SI OR EURO-TYPE-R. /

  14. Hi my name is john I just baught a 1998 civic and a new h22a engine how hard is it going to be put in parts and where can I find parts I need axles and shift linkages I got it in the car but will it shift ok and I got the whirring hardness and the computer what will I have to do besides hooking it up

    • Hi John, installing aftermarket parts into your H swapped Civic isn’t hard at all. The biggest worry would be when you need to mate the H series header to your catback exhaust, which can be done at an exhaust shop.

      Unfortunately there’s no much you can do when it comes to axles and using stock or factory units. I would suggest looking up swap axles, which are available through Driveshaft shop as well as our own online store.

      Using the factory shift linkages and the shift box works great, but it will require you to cut away the center shifter section in your Honda. There’s no going back after that. If you have a chance take a look at the H2B transmission adapter, which can be a much better way to get your Honda swap done.

      Sounds like an awesome project, let us know how it turns out!

  15. My name is Aubrey and I have a few questions. I just picked up an F22b DOHC complete with engine, trans and rare, stock ecu. I can’t find much on how to swap this into an ek, so what mounts, axles, wiring harness, and shifter box/ cables could I use to make it work?

    • Hi Aubrey, couple of questions.

      I am assuming your F22B is a manual transmission. In order to swap into an EK however you’ll need similar mounts as a H series depending on what year and what vehicle the F22 came out of. Let us know and we can help point the way! Thanks for commenting on our Honda Engine swaps!

  16. So I have a little bit of a complex question so I have a 96 prelude si witch when I ran the Vin it says it was stock with f22 motor witch was blown from going 60 on freeway timing belt snapped and seiesed the motor. Well then I bought a Japan create motor h23a3 my dear friend put it in and have had many complications never has it ran right. The first problem is i cant go above 3000rpms or it shuts off. Then having a idel surging problem witch at first wasnt happening till car warmed up. Now the idle surge problem happens soon as i start it. But my friend says it was a h23a1 that I blown originally but I am so confused since de-coding the Vin my car says f22. Any help would be greatly appreciated. From my reading it seems the 96 is a real odd ball to the rules?

    • Hi Kayla, thanks for reading.

      Sounds like you’ve got a complex problem.. quick question is your OBDII part connected? If so is there a check engine code? If you retrieve your stored DTC trouble code, that would be a good indicator to your idle surge.

      When you say it shuts off over 3000 rpm does it turn off immediately? or does it kind of stumble and die? Let us know and we can help point the way! Thanks for commenting!

  17. I have a 95 honda accord lx. I did a jdm f22b sohc vtec with an h22a transmission. I ran all wires needed for vtec to poa ecu…vtec isn’t kicking in and won’t Rev past 5000 rpm..any clues?? Help me please been searching and still can’t find one possible answer..thx

  18. Hallo

    I have honda crv 1997 manual transmission and mark 2 crv 05 manual.
    What engines l can swap in them to make them more powerfull.

    Thank you nice site good work.

  19. I had a friend swap out a trans on this Honda accord lx…i think it’s a 98 model, not sure of the trans but doesn’t matter at this juncture…after it was all said and done, everything seemed to be going in great…until we noticed the trans plate didn’t match up with the old one.
    Some have suggested drilling new holes or welding them together but I’ve given up.
    My friend abandoned me and the job….
    Do they make any kind of an adapter for issues such as this….and sorry if I am not mechanically vocal, I am not mechanical at all….lol
    Thanks for any help

    • Hi Terry, thanks for reading.

      what engine are you using and what year is it? When you say the trans plate, do you mean your flywheel? or the physical location of the bolt holes on your shortblock?

  20. Hi i have a 2/94 honda prelude vti with abs and need to replace L/H cv axel. Guy at auto supplies says there is up to 5 different ones and cant tell me without removing current one. Can you help me out?? There is no yellow markings on shaft.

  21. I recently acquired a 92 eg hatch on a trade. It has a built h22 but the M2Y4 trans and passenger axle keeps popping out, have read up on it and and I’m still here asking…help me prostreet your my only hope

    • Hey Ryan, thanks for reading my Honda Swap guide.

      When you say that your H series axle keeps popping out, when does this happen? Do you hear any clicking or noises from the axle when driving? Did you have to force the axle in over your suspension and lower control arms at all?

  22. Hi all. I’m in a pickle. I have a MT 95 Accord EX and just had my trans rebuilt (all original) just to find out my drive shaft bushings are shot and I need a new engine swap because they have been spinning and ruined the block. What’s the best engine I can have the shop install that fits the original Trans? It’s near impossible to find a clean F22B1 replacement at this point. Please tell me there’s a newer engine that’s easier to find that will make it worth the swap. I was almost to antique status for restoration, but I might as well go full tuner now that the matching numbers game was lost!

    • Hi there Jason,

      sorry to hear about your block. And yes you are right finding a clean F22 engine nowadays is near impossible. You have some limited options but nothing that’s going to plug and play, unfortunately. what is your budget for this swap?

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