Auto Repair and Maintenance

Giving the EF the Shaft

I have a 1990 Civic EX four-door and I want to swap in a B16A engine with a five-speed S1 transmission. Which axles will I need for this swap? Do you have any other recommendations?

shaggyman4yu@aol.com
Via the Internet

Your four-door will be the same as any other EF chassis Civic. If you aren't planning on using forced induction (which could necessitate much stronger aftermarket axles), then the intermediate shaft and axles from a '90-to-'93 Integra will work. If you can find them, '90-to-'91 DA Integra non-ABS axles will make the swap a bit easier, but we've seen it done with any second-gen. Integra combination. There are also a few companies that make axles specifically for your application, such as Hasport and Raxles, if you can't get your hands on some OEM ones. - Dr Barrios

R Slugs OK?

I know [the aftermarket] makes superchargers for U.S.-spec Integra Type R's, so I was wondering if my motor could take the boost. I have a '92 Civic with a JDM B18C5. Are the JDM pistons reliable with 5 to 6 psi?

I only put about 300 miles a month on my car. If I can [run a blower] without [installing stronger pistons] in my block, what type of fuel will I need? Would octane booster help to keep from blowing up? Also, do I need a kit or will I have to build a turbo setup myself?

Adam D.
Modesto, Calif.

There are several supercharger and turbocharger kits available for ITR motors. You're right to be wary of using these kits on such a high-compression motor, though.

At low boost pressures with the right tuning, most would be fine with stock pistons. We would steer clear of using a rising rate fuel pressure regulator in this application. Larger injectors and something to control them is definitely the way to go.

As for an octane booster, there isn't any regulation on fuel additives of that sort, so you never know what the end result is going to be. We recommend tuning the car on 91/92-octane (premium pump) gas first. If pump gas doesn't do the job, step it up to a 100-plus octane unleaded fuel. - DB