To VTEC or not to VTEC
 

In the general help forum, I've posted about how I've had some issues with the engine (only running on three cylinders, no beef when accelerating, etc.) and I've decided to rebuild the engine. IF the weather cooperates, I'd like to take care of it sooner rather than later.

Anyways, my 94 LX (manual) has a non-VTEC engine. I don't do any racing, just a casual car. The junkyard only has 5th gen Accords w/ VTEC engines, and I really don't trust buying rebuilt engines online.

My question is if converting to VTEC would be difficult, or if parts are interchangeable between the two. Isn't the only difference the camshaft?

Converting would not be hard, you would just have to run a couple wires for the vtec sensors and get the VTEC ecu to go with the engine.

If it were me I'd do it just for the extra 15hp.

It depends on what parts you are talking about when it comes to compatibility between engines but they are both very similar.

Stick to the same engine generation that you have in your car and the swap will be much much easier.

Where you have an OBD1 94 Accord, you want to find an OBD1 94-95 F22B1 engine and ECU. it will make your life, and the swap, much less complicated.

And if you can, the ecu for the auto vs. manual are different. SO when going for the vtec ecu be sure to get one that came with the same trans you have in the car.

There are ways to convert an auto ecu to manual....not sure if anyone ever went the other way (manual ecu to auto ecu)?

It might be able to be done, but I'd be leery when doing it from a salvage yard. Probably won't have any warranty and that's a big risk you wouldn't get from a rebuild.