Well . . . after 13½ years and 213,000 miles, the baby's ready for a new engine.

I've heard of used engine/transmission combinations from Japan - anywhere from 25,000 miles to over 100,000 miles.

I've heard that I can get a new 2.0 litre from Honda.

And on and on.

Two questions:

In your experience, what's the best source for a replacement engine (and why)?

In the Orange County, CA area, who would you recommend to do the work?

Thanks, y'all!

 

You cant get a new 2.0 from honda.
You can get a new 2.2 but it will be a 2006 so you'll have to convert the long block to non DBW spec.

If you have the money and the time I would get a new 2006 long block convert it and use your old 2.0 head (get it cleaned up and replace all the ware items)
I think thats your best bet. It would be real nice to know you have a fresh motor that will last another 200,000




Your only other option is to buy a used motor and swap it in ( tough to find a honest seller imo)




P.S.
whats wrong with your current motor?

 

I got pretty lucky with my search although it did take a couple months.

Found mine on cl in South Carolina (im in philly) after a few emails, phone conversations and a car fax to confirm the mileage of the engine I decided to risk it and drive down to pick it up. The seller was a super cool middle aged man that was selling his spare f22 after it just sat in his garage for the past 6 years. He was very honest and I payed about half of what I was expecting to pay for a low mileage f22. Explore all the options you can and take your time before you pull the trigger is the only advice I can give you.

 

The used market can be scarce and sometimes a bit shady... but if I were in your situation I would be running the gamut of CL and carparts.com in an attempt to find a local(ish) used 2.0 replacement. Possibly searching open-to-public car auction sites for a wrecked AP1 on the cheap to use as a donor car if you have the space. If you have any friends in the car business, they can assist with that search on sites that require dealer authentication. It will be a lot more work in searching, seller communication, etc. but you stand to save a good amount of money with a good find.

 

I'd go fresh OEM if possible.

What happened to the engine?

 

Ditto on the used engine via Craigslist,FB, etc. There are plenty of sellers, especially in CALIFORNIA that have them still in the vehicle to inspect.

I personally would find someone that just parts these cars and has several in stock. Having a warranty doesn't do much for me due to the hassle of a claim.

Pick up a full longblock and part your engine out. Youll have a better chance of not screwing up the new engine.

Also unless you can find a late 02-03, I'd opt for an ap2 engine due to the many longevity and performance benifits.