A Few Build Questions

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ItsJustD

New Member
Alright, I'm new here so... Hello everyone, I plan to do a father/son build. My dad is no stranger to building cars, best mechanic I've ever seen so he can handle it. But the only thing is, he's not familiar with the honda's, vtec's and such. He's more of an American Muscle type of guy.

We haven't bought a car to put it in yet, but I figured I'd ask the questions now so when I buy a car I can look for specific things.

(Will be placed in a honda civic)


So I'm trying to learn all I can so I can fill in what he doesn't know.

btw this isn't just a bolt on build, I'm talking full on engine build.

We need to to know the differences between engines. I've googled and forum searched, maybe I'm lacking searching skills or the info I need to know is hiding somewhere.

There are so many different engines I've seen and heard of, It seems impossible to remember it all, but I'm doing my best.

This car won't be a daily driver, as I have other source of transportation... But more of a.... Weekend warrior?

We need a nice engine with strong rods, what are a few engines that are suitable?

I plan on using a turbo, but the compression can be changed.

Is Vtec all its cracked up to be?

What are some of the better flowing heads?

Yes I did search and didn't find the information I'm looking for, so if I missed something I sincerely apologize.
 
It really comes down to what you want to do with the car. sounds like drag racing.

ultiamtely, you need to buy a car first. once you have a car, there's certain swaps that are easier than others... and vice versa if you have a motor.

So, you need to pick a base (car) and start getting info from there. obd0 vs obd1 vs obd2 cars and motors + cable vs hydro transmissions, and so on and so forth.

then, there's the where you live factor (cali is strict emissions/swap laws, for example). what's legal in nebraska is highly illegal in cali to the point where you won't be able to register it.

then, there's tuning solutions to chose from as well, which also rely on obd, etc.

so, basically, by a car or have one in mind, and we can better guide you.
 
if he's an american muscle guy, he'll need to adjust to the change in engine types. he's probably used to big displacement, big cams, and big carbs. with a honda, he'll need to work on tuning, boost, and efficiency.

heads don't really matter when you do a full build, but if you leave it stock, the ITR head is usually the best.

if you are just going to buy an engine and build it for boost, i would start with a non-vtec, b18b engine. it's cheap, it's strong, and it's a great starting point.
 
Thanks for the replies guys, I was hoping to get info before I actually buy the car. So I know what to look for when buying one, and yes. That's exactly what my dad is used to, the car will be built for drag racing. I'm in Californa, but I'm not worried about getting it smogged and such as long as I can get the parts I need.

I'm hoping to get a mid 90's hatch, I was wondering what engine would be best to start with for what I'm doing so if I happen to run across one in a car it'll be the one I buy.
 
you can find a 92-95 hatch with a b18 or b16 for $3000 all day long in cali. if it's going to be a track only car, then you can gut the shit out of it and boost until the moon explodes. lol
 
:D So you were saying a non vtec head? Why's that?

if you plan on big big big boost, i don't think vtec is crucial because your cams will be so aggressive anyway. however, if it is a streetable build, then by all means use a vtec head.
 
Alright good information coming in, thanks for the help.

What are the differences between the honda engines?

What makes a b18b engine better than the others for what I plan on doing with it?

(sorry to sound so noobish with these questions)
Just trying to learn everything I can about this stuff.....
 
i just like the b18b for the price and displacement. it's non vtec. if you want a b18 vtec, you are going to pay about double. and if you are doing a full build, all the stuff that makes it more expensive gets yanked out.
 
Werd.

VTEC is for drivability. As in traffic driving. If your not gunna be drivin it in traffic everyday, just build up an LS head.
 
Or get on your local Craigslist or Ebay.. There are tons of youngins that are going back to school that can't afford it and need to sell their 'project' and could get a deal with most of the swap stuff done already.

I've messed with older Chevys for decades and just explain to your dad that for One, parts are a whole lot lighter than BIG CAST IRON stuff.
Secondly, Hondas (and some others) are getting over 200hp from a 4cl NA that get close to 30mpg. And lastly, they're tons of seat of the pants fun to drive!
But some of the drawbacks are that just for a set of pistons you could buy two-three sets of V8 ones. Some shops want to charge the same $$ for balancing. Clutch assys can cost about the same.

I'd start out less expensive and go from there. Get him 'into it' and maybe he'll pay for most of the parts that will be coming.
You might just loose it to him though.

E
 
hate to go against the grain here, but id like to point out that a STOCK VTEC head will outflow a well built LS head any day. also, the LS head doesnt like high revs, the rocker arms are weak. go ahead, try taking one to 9,000 rpms a few times. it wont last.

if you are going to stick with the LS head, i would suggest a nice set of cams, valvetrain, intake manifold, and heavy port work.

another option is to re sleeve and go 2.0l bottom end, and a p8r head which has the same dia valves as a vtec head, and will flow just like one.
 
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