2.2 for the numerous reasons mentioned here or even better yet, built 2.2! Best of both worlds!

 

This is something most are overlooking. You probably should race what you have access to. Its easier to develop a motor that you can replace, and continue to refine, than one that is not easy to get.

I'd keep the 2.0l, especially since there are probably more opportunities for competitive classing with the stock drivetrain.

 

mLeach's point is a really good one. Though getting 2.2 parts is just some pricey FedEx away. If you're going to need more blocks n' stuff you have bigger problems.

The 'overall betterness' of the 2.2 isn't worth going through heroic efforts to get one. robrob's comment about flexibility of the extra rpm is really not to be ignored. The real hot setup is, as Trackforged mentioned, to get a 2.2 with an AP1 Trans and an EMS that'll let you take it up to whatever RPM you want.

robrob cautioned against reving beyond 8500 in a 2.2 due to piston speed. While I would agree that there's no value (due to the hp/torque curve) of reving higher all the time, it really does help in those situations where you have another 100' or so where you'd bounce off the limiter, or a little more where you're shifting just to downshift immediately afterward. There is plenty of people on this board (including me running a 2.2 in similar fashion) to attest to this not being a problem. I would usually shift at 8500 and only use those extra revs for corners like the aforementioned, or to not have to shift at an awkward point in a fast sweeper.

 

As someone mentioned there can be a pretty severe points penalty for running a non-standard engine so be sure and check into that before you make a decision.

 

I think GT motoring ran the 2.2 revving out a bit higher and the engine didn't last much more than a single season. Like others have said you get way up there on the piston speeds and I just wouldn't think longevity would be there.

What about taking an AP2 and doing a 3.9 FD? I'd think that with a tune and vtec lowered you'd have enough midrange improvement to make up for the longer gearing and then you'd be doing less shifting on track. I suppose the same could be said for going to something like 4.44s and then just being able to drive a gear higher for most turns.

 

The difference between stock 4.10 and 4.44 gearing isn't enough to go up one gear in most corners and stay in VTEC.

 

I've got a 06 so I was thinking of it in combination of use with a flashpro and tune so that my vtec is lowered quite a bit and tuned for much more midrange. Not a lot to be gained up top but a test pipe lets you lower vtec a lot and can easily see gains of 20-30hp in the midrange. I'd think on a 2.2L it would make the 4500-6000 rpm range much more useable

 

Off topic but what can the 2.2 safely rev to?

 

I think 8500 is the very top. I know the Toda reflash has it bumped to 8400. I'd probably stick to 8400 and play it safe.

 

Thanks!