Hi,

I've heard that YOU are the guys to ask anything about... well here goes:

I've got a 1996 Integra RS (Canadian version of the LS with no luxury features: leather, sunroof, etc.), and I would like to do an ls/vtec swap on it. To make it short... I need this swap to be reliable 'cuz my cars a daily driver. This is what I've got, do I need anything else? Should I install anything else? Thanks

- B16A DOHC VTEC head with valve cover
- w/B16A Distributor
- w/Harness
- P72 95 GSR ECU OBD-1
- intake manifold
- throttle body

When doing this, I've been told to install a "vtec" oil pump and water pump (i.e. from a GSR or something)

 

GSR/ITR oil pump, water pump, timing belt, and head studs.
LS headgasket, drill bits and taps for blocking off oil passages and redrilling dowel pins
Oil line from block to head
Misc. gaskets to replace old ones
Some other stuff too, but that is a start

 

Cool, thanks. I was told that the B18B block I have may need bulletproofing so I don't blow it up. Blowing it up is NOT an option. Can anyone help me with that? I mean, do I need to replace the valves/springs/cams/etc.? Or can I still run it with the stock stuff?

 

yeah Vtec had crossed my mind..my bro had a 95 gizzer now he got an R..lovin the vtec..but as i read through old posts i read some are un reliable...but yeah any idea how much it would cost give or take a few hundreds...thanks

 

Well here is the breakdown I've got so far on cost:

I've managed to find all the stuff I listed up top for about $700 USD + 15 hours labour (roughly $500 USD) + if I need oilpump/water pump whatever... I should be able to make it nicely withint $1600 USD or so... BUT the deal I got for the package is INCREDIBLY cheap. I'm going to check out all the nuts and bolts before I go through with it for sure.

 

Honestly to get the most out of this setup, you need higher compression slugs and more rpm than the stock ls. You've got the right ecu, but your car may be obd-2 so you might need a conversion harness. I'd check that. Since you plan on reving this beast up, get the stock gsr girdle, not the z10 one (unless they've changed it to accept dowels), and have the mains machined down and doweled to accept the girdle. If you trust the source you bought the head from, keep the valve springs. However, if you have no idea how long this head may have been sitting around, replace them.

 

Yep, I'd suggest either some ITR's or CTR's if you can get em...the stock ls crank wont be able to reliable rev as high at that head will allow either...personally I'd get yourself a gsr crank, gsr rods (or forged), itr or ctr pistons...

As for the head, id upgrade to the valves, retainers and springs even to itr and that would be better...

You will probably want to upgrade your fuel setup slightly too, better safe that sorry...even some 310cc RC's or a walbro intank w/ a vafc hack...cant ever have to much fuel management in my opinion, or be to cautious with it...

after you do all of that upgrade the tranny...but, its just my .02 of course


[Modified by SpoolinLS, 11:59 AM 1/29/2003]

 

if you want it to last, get arp rod bolts, and balance the whole rotating assembly and you should have some re-assurance. IF you want more get eagle rods.

 

Forgive the "green"ness of the question, but are "eagle" rods a manufacturer or a type of rod? I've heard a lot of good stuff about Skunk stuff... with regards to springs, valves, etc. I was planning on upgrading the inners, but was hoping to do it at a later date. I don't really want to be dropping several grand into this in one shot (which I could most certainly do). Any comments on that - with regard to being able to use the stock stuff now and then slowly upgrade as the cash rolls in?

 

Eagle is a brand of rod and you don't need them for all motor, but you will need the arp rod bolts and please, please, please get the gsr block girdle and higher comp pistons if you are going to do this. Else, you're just wasting your money. A well done ls/vtec setup all motor can get you 190+ whp. IMHO, just build for the junkyard turbo setup, the hp/dollar is much better for your power goals.