I've got a 1990 Acura Integra LS which I've bought couple years ago. The car drives nice BUT it is consuming oil... about 1qt. each 600mi. I've measured the compression sometime ago and it is very good and even. Driving it around I cannot smell the oil and it does not smoke. But when revving it beyond 4500 when passing a car for example it smokes somewhat. I could only guess that the main rings are fine but either the valve stem seals or the oil control rings are worn-out.

The car itself is in very good condition and I never had any other problems with it. I've been wanting to eventually get a new block... or may be re-build it. I am not interested in taking the car to the strip (in other words I more or less want a stock engine and not spend a fortune) but I will be putting intake, headers, cat-back, etc., to it.

My question is: is it better to get a new block with low miles and get it over with or would it be worth it to replace all rings, bearings, seals, etc. ? Which blocks will fit my 1990 Integra (with a B18A)... a B18B... or the 1993 GSR VTEC 1.7L for which I will need a computer upgrade but can gain some HP's.

I would be just happy if only the oil would stop "dissapearing" that fast. By the way, I absolutely have NO oil leaking anywhere... the whole engine is clean and dry. One more thing... about two years ago I've changed the head gasket and I noticed a very small ridge in the top of the cylinder wall. I suppose I would have to remove it if I decide to rebuild.

I love my car and even though the poor thing is getting old... it still drives sweet... and still looks decent. Any ideas out there?