I did a search, but could not find specifics. I want to start a project engine to drop into my 99 civic si in the future. What would be the best choice for a block to start with. I plan to build it up slowly from nothing, basically to learn, and eventually to have a mean engine. Should I look for B18C5, B18 LS block, B18C1, or any other suggestions.

 

if you do a lsvtec or crvvtec you better build it right, nothing will last unless you build it correctly

 

if it's just to learn i'd say just boost watever you got for now to keep it cheap. unless u already have plans for exactly what setup u plan to run, it's really too hard to make such a big decision now. while you may want the block with the most overall potential to build so that u will have alot of room for power to spare later, that would also most likely be a more expensive choice and would suck if u blew it experimenting. good luck

 

i would just go with the b18c1, less hastle of worrying about building it right. if you dont have a good builder, your gonna have issues with the frankenstein motors.

 

Right now I have my stock b16 that I'm gonna boost, but I want to start building a better engine to swap out later down the road.

 

I'm seriously considering either a b18 gsr or type R block

 

whats wrong with building the b16? why you wanna swap out the engine? b16 respond to boost very well. if i were you i would just rebuild that block.

 

I'm guessing you're probably not going to get a satisfactory answer, just because your question is placing too much credit on people's opinion. What's best to one person could be the worst possible scenario with the next. For example, someone with an extremely tight budget would do well with a stock block and low boost; whereas someone looking to run low 12's would do well with a large displacement decently high revving motor. If you tell us when YOUR idea of "best" is, we could probably give you more concrete answers to your question.

Just my .02,

Ryan P.

 

Short & Sweet.

B18C1

 

I'd have to say the B18C1 GSR block is best for boost.

If you want to jump to something bigger, like a B20B/Z block, then you're gonna have to invest a lot in forged items and a blockguard or new sleeves.

But like any "turbocharged" NA engine, nothing lasts forever. Reliability is all up to the tuner, the engine builder, and your right foot.