I'm gonna keep this as broad as possible. I have a 1994 Accord. I also have the possibilty of getting a 97 LX with a V6 with 95,000 miles on it for around $300. Wise? Or save for an H22a. I'm really not all that knowledgable. So any help's appreciated.

 

the 94-97 V6s are not impressive at all, their performance isnt really any better than the 4cyl and the upgrade options are VERY limited.

I say stick with the 4cyl.

 

agreed, limited options with that V6. H22a is a much better option.

 

The H22 is better. That's Honda's largest 4 cylinder motor. But don't count the V6 out. If you really want to go N/A but are planning to rebuild the motor, then I'd go with the V6. Port and Polish the cylinder heads and the runners. Give the heads a 3 angle valve job and check to see if the any generation TL cams would swap out the old ones. This will help tremendously. New C.A.I., exhaust manifold, larger fuel injectors, new pulleys, and larger throttle body, and a nice engine management system and you have yourslef a winner. You're V6 would be something not to underestimate.
I have a 7th gen V6 with a polish and ported 3 angle valve job 3.5 V6 head from the 2003 Pilot, 2007 TL-S camshafts, and other modifications and I lay down more then 300 whp. NO forced induction or NOS. All motor.

 

For one h22 isn't the BIGGEST honda 4 cyl they make. K24 is bigger son!

Personally Id do a h22 build over v6. The v6 doesn’t have nearly the performance aftermarket parts available like the h22. By the time you spend the money taking the head on and off doing your port n polish and ect. You would have bought the h22 with allot of good bolt ons. Also another thing ppl don’t understand when building engines is not all about the HP numbers you are making it's how you can apply that power to the ground. H22 somewhat short gears shorter than v6 if I’m not mistaken. Also with the h22 you have the option to run a b/d series tranny that are crazy short gears.

 

You are right, the K24 is bigger. I do not keep up with I-4 any longer, after my B18C1 12 years ago. But if you can tell me all the bolt on possible under 1k that would get him 30+ hp then let me know.
You can look around for people selling their heads for a really nice price, about $200 - $350. I believe the accord that you are looking at has a C27A motor. Which is a 2.7 liter V6. Most parts on this motor are interchangeable among the C motor. This is also true with all B series, K, and J series. This V6 motor from a 1997 accord will accept the C32A heads, either from a Acura legend or the first gen 3.2TL. Both are single over head cams, just like the accord V6.
You can find a local machinist that is credible among car tuners in your city or a large city near you. In Houston, the guy that did my job charges around $300 - $1500 depending on what you are looking for. From a 3 angle valve job to a 5 angle valve job. But i am sure you are not looking to build a drag car, so $400 - $500 for a nice port and polish job will suffice. Removing the head and installing a new one is a pretty easy job if you are mechanically inclined. But if not you can get them to install your head for a pretty far deal - maybe $100 - $150. Also see which cams are better to suit your needs. Either keeping the original ones or upgrading to new ones, preferably the 3.2TL cams. I believe it has a better duration.
Then with the tranny....Do you have a automatic or is it already standard? If you do swap out for a H22a and have to get a manual tranny, then you are looking at some serious cash. Finding one and also the labor or putting on your tranny and swapping out your motor. I am sure you will be spending about 2k at least on the H22 setup with a new tranny. With that amount, I'd just sell your old car along with the 2k you saved and buy a new car. more reliable.
g22cd5, you are right. It is how you lay down your horse power. But if you have no horse power to begin with, then you have none to lay down. Both engines have potential. The H22 has a lot of after market parts. The C27A also has a lot of parts, but its not after market - parts come originally from the Honda C series motor - Acura Legend, first gen Acura TL, first gen Acura RL, and even the NSX if applicable. Thats where your parts are. Factory made, factory fitment, and factory reliability.
But as with all modifications to any motors, you will be spending some money. Just decide on what you are looking for. Either way you're gonna have a good platform to start with.

 

Check out this link. It might give you some insight on the Honda V6.

http://autospeed.com/cms/title_The-H...7/article.html

 

You can still run h22 if your auto. There is a h22 auto tranny. If your mechanically inclined you could do the swap yourself. You put h22 the same way you pulled out the f22. Swap could be done in a week. You can make 30+ hp with just intake full exhaust cams and tune that's more than 30hp. Or you could build yourself a h23 vatack with higher comp. pistons. Or a g22 build make the same amount of power as a h22 with all OEM parts. There is more out there than just the h22. There are some sick nasty f series builds out there too. Just got to know what you really want.

 

g22cd5 is right. But in my opinion, I'd want a manual tranny on a H22. But it doesn't matter. It boils down to what you want and your preference.

 

x2 I can't deal w/ auto