honda_k20a

Hi, I'm in need of some help for my D16Z6 rebuild. Basically, I got this motor for cheap, and it needs a full rebuild. I don't mind doing that, just that when the time comes, I will send out the head to have it machined and the block to have it hoaned and hot tanked AND have all the internals installed with it.

My real main concern now is, what parts? What should I replace that will keep ALL stock factory specs, but definitely make it stronger because after I'm done breaking it in (and of course done saving up), I am going to turbo this little fella and hoping to boost atleast 8-12psi or hoping to make more than 210whp. Anyways, I'm FOR SURE going to buy stronger pistons with factory spec c/r, what brands are good? JE? Wisceo was it? CP? Also where do I get strong piston rings, connecting rods, and the connecting rod bearings?

Should I rebuild the head? I'm dirty cheap, so I'm thinking and from what others said, not necessary if it's not needed. correct? So I was kind of thinking about just getting it machined, cleaned and leave it at that.

Yeah, this thread is kind of confusing but I'm confused myself and I can't seem to search/find a good thread about somebody having a D16Z6 build.

Any help would be appericated!

Andrew

I'd recommend Vitara Pistons. They are very reasonably priced (around $200 new) and look around for some H-beam style rods. Eagle, Crower are the 2 wellknown companies that come to mind. ACL bearings are the way to go. Don't get the "race" bearings, they won't last quite as long. And don't overlook ARP headstuds to keep your head down tight. At around $100, it's a necessity.
Vitaras will lower your compression to about 9:1, which is right where you want to be for boost. If you wanted to stay stock (mid-9:1's) then they might have that option, but I wouldn't worry about that too much. If you want to boost, build your motor for boost. (low comp.)

If your machine shop is reasonably priced, see about getting your cylinders bored out .5mm, giving you a 75.5mm bore (which is what size pistons you'd buy of course). This will give you more displacement, SAFELY, and will help you get more power and quicker turbo spool.

Rebuilding the head:
If there is anyone around town that will do a stock rebuild, thats probably your best bang for buck.
If you want to upgrade, you should scower the B/S/T threads, I'm sure you can get your hands on some valves/springs fairly cheap. and later down the road, I would suggest using the Zex or Crower cams. 105993 (or whatever the # is) makes GREAT power with FI, and is very cheap and proven.

Theres some food for thought... Don't be afraid or too proud to use other peoples setups. So many people have similar setups because THEY WORK! Search for other peoples dyno results and get a good goal in mind, and start buying stuff!!

__________________
1954 International R-110
1991 CRX Si
2007 Civic Si Sedan SOLD!
My Engine Swap
Write-ups:
HG
FPR
Wheel
Smiley
Cluster.
Adapters.

honda_k20a

I've asked around a few people and I've decided to just put in new valve stem seals, and clean/machine it for now. Perhaps IF I blow it, I have another Z6 head I can use. Also I think I"m going to use CP pistons, but I'm not sure which ones to buy. I was looking at Tunertoys.com or something and it has something like 75mm and 75.0mm. Same thing? I definitely want all factory specs so i'll probably pass on the boring.

Another question. When I bring the block down to the machine shop, do I just give them the piston/rings/connecting rods/bearings and they'll do the rest?

Andrew

Yes, same thing.

If they will do it like that, then yes. I don't know what your shop does. Honestly, I would consider doing it yourself. Usually people that work in places like that view it as "just a job" and don't give a crap about the work they do. Thats why I say, unless it's a known, reputable engine building shop, I recommend either doing it yourself, or finding someone in your area that can do it for you. Someone that will take the time and care to plastigauge all of the bearings, double check that the rings are clocked appropriately, everything is torqued to Honda spec, etc.

Building engines is not rocket science. Thats why you have people making minimum wage doing it. If it was SO hard and difficult, 1/2 the people on Honda-tech and that build their own engine are defying the impossible. lol. You can do it man. Just look at a few detailed build-ups on doing it. GET FAMILIAR with the procedure. Then try it. and Take your Time! Do it right the first time.

Heres a great example:
DIY: Teardown and minor rebuild of a D15. - D-series.org

-Andrew

__________________
1954 International R-110
1991 CRX Si
2007 Civic Si Sedan SOLD!
My Engine Swap
Write-ups:
HG
FPR
Wheel
Smiley
Cluster.
Adapters.