I have a 2000 Civic SI turbocharged and over the last couple of months I have been burning oil and now I am getting some smoke out of my breather filter as well as some oil accumulation there. In researching what would cause this it all seems to point to a cracked ring or broken ringland.

OK - so I need to rebuild - but what direction do you recommend ??

I have a couple options in mind but I am open to looking at others - can you please help ??

Option #1 - Keep the B16A and get it rehoned and replace the piston if needed and rings, etc. Might break again.

Option #2 - Keep the B16A and increase the bore to a maximum acceptible size for boost to about 12 Psi or so. This would involve getting aftermarket pistons and possibly rods. My favorite option and the one that I am leaning toward.

Option #3 - Go to an LS bottom end and put the B16 top end on it and run it that way. I could sell the B16 block and get a couple hundred for that.

Option #4 - Get a B18C and no modification for the VTEC would be needed but I'm not sure if the rings are weak with this bottom end like in the B16A.

Anyway, I am looking for some suggestions on what to do and how much I should expect to pay for getting it done - parts and labor. I have searched and read extensively about this and everyone seems to have a different opinion so I am confused. I have three kids and my budget is about $1500 so I am not going to be putting in anything extraordinary.

Thanks in advance for your help !!!

 

if uve got the dough then build it... simple question to me.

 

Build which block though ???

Should I keep the B16 or use this opportunity to get a bigger one ??

 

i would build the ls block. but you can still make good power with the b16. keep it stout! Go with the pistons and rods, don't forget a block guard, and keep the compression down.