EG Civic B18C Engine Swap & Rebuild

Project Overview

This 1995 Civic EG hatchback came to us as a roller - no engine, transmission already removed. The owner sourced a JDM B18C Type R long block but wanted it freshened up before installation.

Engine Inspection

The B18C had 62,000 kilometers (about 38,500 miles) and looked clean externally. We tore it down to inspect:

What We Found

Block: No scoring, crosshatch still visible on cylinder walls
Crank: Within spec, no journals out of round
Rods: Straight, no damage
Pistons: Light carbon buildup, no damage
Head: Valves seated well, no cracks

This engine was a keeper. Just needed freshening, not a full rebuild.

Rebuild Process

Short Block

Cleaned everything - Hot tanked block, bead blasted pistons
New bearings - OEM Honda main and rod bearings (can’t beat OEM for Hondas)
New rings - NPR rings with proper end gap for naturally aspirated use
Assembled with assembly lube - Torqued everything to spec in three stages

Cylinder Head

Valve job - 3-angle valve job on all 16 valves
New seals - OEM valve stem seals
Lapped valves - Perfect seal on all cylinders
Adjusted valves - Set to loose end of spec for break-in

Timing System

Gates Racing timing belt (lifetime warranty)
New water pump (always replace with timing belt)
New tensioner and idler
OEM Honda timing belt covers

Installation

The Hasport B-series mount kit made this swap straightforward:

70A durometer mounts - Good balance of comfort and performance
Bolt-in installation - No cutting or welding required
Proper geometry - Maintains correct axle angles

Wiring

The EG chassis was originally OBD1, and the B18C is also OBD1 - perfect match. We used a Rywire tucked harness for a clean engine bay.

Supporting Parts

OEM B18C intake manifold (no reason to change)
DC Sports 4-2-1 header
Custom 2.5” exhaust with Vibrant resonator
Ktuned fuel rail with OEM injectors

Break-In Procedure

Proper break-in is critical for engine longevity. Our process:

First start: Check for leaks, verify oil pressure
Heat cycles: Three cycles to operating temp, let cool completely
First 500 miles: Vary RPM between 2,000-5,000, no sustained load
500-1,000 miles: Can use full RPM range, still vary load
Oil change at 1,000 miles: Drain break-in oil, inspect for metal
After 1,000 miles: Drive normally

Results

After break-in and a baseline dyno:

Metric	Result
Wheel Horsepower	168
Wheel Torque	128
Redline	8,400 RPM
Oil Pressure	75 psi cold, 40 psi hot idle

Right where a healthy B18C should be. The engine revs freely to 8,400 and sounds perfect.

Final Thoughts

The EG Civic with a B18C is one of the best driver’s cars you can build. Light weight, high-revving engine, and pure mechanical connection to the road.

This build came in under budget and the owner reports it’s the most fun car he’s ever driven. That’s what it’s all about.