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I am currently saving money for headers
I am also thinking of gettin an engine swap on my HX 1997
In terms of horsepower which engine will give me a bigger boost
ps i have automatic tranny
currently have intake and aftermarket exhaust

 
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Step 1: take car to dealer
Step 2: trade car for Civic Si

 
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You've a very good point!

 
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Gah! I was going to say that!!

 
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Your HX is an economy car not a performance car and therefore not a good base for performance mods especially with the auto (CVT) transmission. I would NOT recommend an engine swap unless you also swap the tranny.

Also there are about 10 or so different motors that could be considered for a swap but you would need to make major changes to your car that will cost money. Since you didn't bother to mention your budget other than your reference to struggling to save up to buy "headers" I doubt that a swap is a viable option for you.

So I'll side with the previous 2 posters and recommend you sell your HX since fuel efficient cars are in demand right now and buy something else that will get you "Goin faster".

 
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B16
B18
B20
H22
K20a3
K20a2
K20a
K20z1

Take your pick but you'll end up swapping the transmission as well and it will for sure cost you over $10,000 for the swap. Take your car and trade it in for a Si.

 
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Or you could always just do what I'm doing; do small, fun things that make it seem faster/sportier
Such as the rear disc swap and maybe some suspension work (Try a strut tower brace. I think they work, but nobody else seems to (please don't crucify me for this, everyone)).

You can do all this for far less than a 10k engine swap

I think the main objective is to have fun with it. I know my car is not very fast. It's simply not designed for that. None of the Civics are, except for the Si, really. I just enjoy tinkering and pretending I know how to work on my car. This is kinda contrary to the topic, but I'm just trying to be a realist.

 
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will i be able to trade in my car for si and not have to pay extra money?
if so what year si?

 
Rep Power: 277

Maybe a used Si 3 years older than yours. Maybe.

 
Rep Power: 245

Take your car to a dealership and ask them.