(Foreign) engine swap is performing poorly

[Sam]

Hi all, first off I’d like to say thank you for any and all help. I just recently joined and haven’t had too much time to search the forums, so apologies if this issue has been addressed in detail in the past.

I recently purchased a 1991 Honda prelude SR (Si for the US I believe. 2.1L OBDI, B21A) swapped with an H22a engine from the 4th or 5th generation jdm prelude (92-01). Unfortunately, I impulsively acted before really getting to know more about the car and what was in it. Needless to say, it has its issues. I understand that these swaps will never behave like a stock OEM engine, but my end goal is just to have the H22 behave (sound and perform) like a regular, stock H22 would. I don’t plan to achieve additional power etc. with the engine, I just want it to be a reliable, more powerful upgrade from the B21A.

I suppose the first issue is a ticking noise from the valve cover. I believe this would be the valves needing to be adjusted? But it sounds unlike a regular car or honda for that matter – rather loud.

Second issue would be a bit of a lack in performance. Accelerating with the new H22 feels slower and more bogged down than the original engine. Theoretically there is supposed to be a LOT more power and torque but I suppose there are a few issues.
Also, theres a bit of a smell of burning oil inside the cabin.

Also forgot to mention. There is a check engine light that I have yet to diagnose, just watched the video on how to pull codes on OBDI and will hopefully be doing this soon. That aside, I’m not sure if VTEC is wired or functioning… again, I will need to double check!

Sorry if its a bit vague, as again I don’t know too much about this particular swap or foreign swaps in general. The car runs and drives somewhat reliably, but it just isn’t an enjoyable ride as it’s noisy, stinky, and generally (feels) underpowered. I would hate to go and throw long list of new parts at it, but I would feel better if I knew what was in it and whats been maintained.

I’m not sure what to ask, but if anyone could maybe point me in the direction of common issues related to swaps, parts, or anything really, that would be greatly appreciated. This car is for a friend of mine but I am highly disappointed (in myself) because I may have got them stuck with a lemon when they wouldn’t be able to handle these types of issues…
If any other information or pictures, videos, etc. is needed I will try my best to get it asap!

Much appreciated,

Sam

Topic

[David]

I would be pretty sure that you probably have a wrong ecu map for the newer engine.
That would be where I would look first as the b21a motor uses ‘ pk-3 honda ECU’ which has a complete different map.

[Sam]

Hmm. I’d have to check that, I haven’t seen what ECU its running on yet so thats a possibility. Although I’m sure its not the stock B21 ecu. But I’ll update when I get the chance to take a look! Thanks!

[Author]

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