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right now ive got an 04 civic vp with a stock d17a1 engine with the ex head swap, but it still sucks. ive got about $3000 and im looking to do the k20a3 swap. if i go with a k20a3 which would cost close to $2000 shipped, and then just give it the basic mods: cold air intake, exhaust, and maybe some stage 1 cams. im not hoping for a lot, 180 whp. the whole swap. or i could turbocharge the engine i have now for about $3000 and be pushing around 180 whp at like 7psi. either way ill be getting around the same power, im just wondering which one would be the better choice. or should i just save up and do the k20a2 swap?

 
Rep Power: 323

save for the k20a2. but if i had to choose between the k20a3 and turbo d17, i'd go with the k20. it would be more reliable, and you wont have to worry about it as much.

 
Rep Power: 287

^^I'm with him.

NA is always more reliable then turboing an NA motor. Plus if you wanted to later on the a3 is perfect for a turbo set up too, so even more power if you wanted it. You can always get more out of the K20 then our D17, so for future modding, might want to leave it open and go with the K20a3.

 
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k20a3 only has intake duration and no exhaust duration

 
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gay double post.

 
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yea but i always wanted to be like " Ha you got beat by a sohc"

 
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True, but you can always say you got beat by a 4 banger to the wanna be muscle cars or maybe even the good ones, lol.

 
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Go with the turbo. Its ALOT of fun, and there is nothing like hearing that turbo spool up. Plus there is always room to improve, like spend 600-700 and build the head and you will be pusing a decent amout of power.

 
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ok how long are u planning on keeping your car??? like if u are just gonna sped the money, but end up selling the car down the line pretty soon, then just turbo it, and get a pretty penny for a "used turbo" when u sell it to someone on ebay or what not... if u have high mileage, and plan on staying with your car for sometime then go for the a3 swap (btw where are u gonna buy it) Now, as for the a2, it just all comes down to how fast u wanna go...

 
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Go turbo man...going k20a3 is too much custom and it will be more then 3000 with less horse then turbo

 
Rep Power: 263

like many have said it all depends on how you are approaching your civic. IMO i would get a k20a3, its a little more but would be a lot more reliable. If you're still looking for more power you can boost the k20 because especially in the a3's with the low compression they can handle a lot of boost. I see them hit 300whp easily

 
Rep Power: 390

well, I dont think we need anymore ppl saying the same thing- decisions?

 
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well im planning on keeping the car for at least three or four more years, probably longer. i like the reliability of the n/a k20, but itll be more expensive i think. ill probably just end up sticking with the engine i have now and turbocharge it at about 7psi, then eventually buy a bare block and build it up, then swap it in once its finished. i think itll be easier anyways.

 
Rep Power: 256

for 3g you can swap and turbo a k24. just look for deals. 1200 for a k24a1 CRV block.

 
Rep Power: 288

remember... with turbo, skies the limit!

 
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im looking to keep my car street legal

 
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if you're gonna swap a k, I would just save up for the a2 or you'll be kicking yourself later on.

 
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id go turbo cause with any k-swap u will have unwanted vibration when u drive

 
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^its not when you drive. Its when you idle

 
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do what i'm doing:

https://www.civicforums.com/forums/4...mber-soon.html

 
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im just gonna get the dezod s1 turbo kit and some other mods and just get it to 200whp. then when i sell it back to the dealership, i can just take it off and theyll never now about it.