ls/vtec vs built b18a1

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jamil0524

New Member
I was planning a gsr swap and eventually jrsc in my 89 crx hf but I've recently found out that I'm going to have a baby so it kinda changes things. I was going to sell it it and get a four door but then I thought screw it. I'll buy a daily driver and keep the crx. My crx already has a b18a1 swapped into it and I was considering building using
https://hondaswap.com/threads/building-an-ls-all-motor-monster.31401/

Or ls/vtec.
Ive heard ls/vtecs are monsters but so far all the research I've found on ls/vtec are guys running 14-15s quarter miles and dyno at 150-160whp.
I did the math
Ls vtec= $3000 give or take
Built b18a1= $2000 give or take

Built b18a1=150+whp(link says)
Ls vtec= 150+whp(research says)

I was willing to invest into the ls vtec thinking that I'll get a 200 whp monster crx but idk anymore.

Pretty much what I want your opinions and to know if the research I did was just on the lower end $$$ builds and anymore useful information.
Thanks
 
Also my ls vtec build would Consist of mostly everthing from the "ls all motor monster guide"
B16a head
crower cams
Crower valves, springs and retainer caps
B16 intake manifold until I get money for an aftermarket one
P30 cams
Itr water pump
Itr oil pump
Itr timing belt
Arp head studs and rod bolts
Shot peen ls rods
I'll probably scavenge for a b16 tranny
Am I missing anything and I'm open to opinion that may save me money for equal power
 
Mild built LS-VTEC motors that are able to support 8000-8500rpm's will be 190-205whp (give or take a few ponies) with a proper tune. The parts you mentioned seem like they'll get you in that area. But you shold get some bearings too. For an OEM build, I think some prefer to go with a P30 piston.
 
Mild built LS-VTEC motors that are able to support 8000-8500rpm's will be 190-205whp (give or take a few ponies) with a proper tune. The parts you mentioned seem like they'll get you in that area. But you shold get some bearings too. For an OEM build, I think some prefer to go with a P30 piston.

Thanks I meant p30 pistons not cams and what are some solid bearings
 
Numbers/letters combo on crank and rods of the motor to tell you the OEM bearings to buy. OEM is what I'd go with.
 
ok so i just bought a b18b and im pulling the b16vtec head off my 2000 em1 also all the other parts in the motor are from my em1 do you still recommend the same parts for build?
 
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There are a few different factors to think about. How many miles are on the bottom end? What are your horsepower goals? What is your budget?
 
about 98 k i just got the swap since my b16 got stole came back and was never the same lol any way im looking to push close to 400 but not right now i am gonna go turbo in about six month tho
 
In my honest opinion, I do not think it's safe to try to get 400 whp on a stock bottom end B series Frankenstein. I just don't think it'll last long enough to make it worth it. If you are keeping it all motor and never revving it past 7500 RPM, I think it would last a decent amount of time. Otherwise, you would need to build that bottom end (with at least a CSS gaurd), aftermarket valve springs and retainers, bigger injectors, bigger fuel pump and the entire turbo kit. Or you can turbo it but it just won't last very long if you truly want to have fun with it.
 
i probably will upgrade the bottom end but for now im just throwing out some ideas also if i were u i would go with the ls mine sounds great and ls running great i only paid 1200 for it although i already had a b series swap so u know i have the vtec head also its a b18 b
 
B18B is a good motor. That was my first swap in 1998. Ran it for 10 years. My chassis has been through a few swaps. I've got something else cooking right now.
 
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