allmotorEG-SI

I'M racking my brain here trying to figure out which one I want. I will never do Ls/vtec and a turbo is definitly in the future. But what I can't decide is which engine to go with. I like the b16 for the mass amount of parts and how cheap and easy to get they are. But I also like the LS for the torque and not having vtec. I like the idea of putting in a big *** cam and always going with that cam profile as compared to switching back and forth to a smaller one. help me out here. what would you do and NO LS/VTEC!

Jonathan_ED3

if you've already decided on turbo in the future, go LS (which would be a b18a in an EF)...the b16 is over rated (bring on the flames). i've got a b18b in my 92 CX, and i've taken 2 b16 powered CRX's to 120 mph before they 'pulled' on me. go b18a...you won't be sorry...especially after that turbo

CRX_VTEC

Go for the LS. Comp is lower and rods can take more boost. A b16 running high boost might require new rods and pistons. An LS ...well tuned might not.. the OEM should be suffice depending on how much you want to boost.

Kamin

not gonna flame you just curious on your reasoning?
how is the b18 a better motor? a little more torque? and race a second gen b16. the first gen ones kinda blew.

allmotorEG-SI

Kamin, it sounds like you think a b16 is better, why is that. I need answers people.

CRX_VTEC

the LS has more torque and in the long run if you get turbo the LS can handle a little more boost on stock internals as compared to the B16.
But it all boils down to dollars and cents. DOLLARS AND CENTS!!! Whats in your budget???

EVOCELICA

B16 is by far better than a B18, the B16 nearly has a perfect rod stroke ratio. Ran a 11.2 with a stock B16 at 15 psi at LACR 2600ft. I have seen 10 second passes made on a stock B16 motors didn't last longer than a few months but it did do it

CRX_VTEC

Thats pretty good..but I dont know of many B16A's that can handle 15PSI right from the scrap yard and into the engine. A B16A2 might be a newer engine and can handle it better..but its also a higher compression engine....so I doubt 15 PSI is something these engines can handle for a long period of time.
THUS... go with the B18!!!

VTECVillain

B18B or B20B

I just swapped a 96 B18B into my girlfriend's 91 CRX and would definitely pick that motor over a B16A. I have a friend that has a 90 Civic Si with a first gen B16A and her car will pull so hard on it. The torque is much better and you don't have to rev and rev all day to feel the power. If you plan to turbo in the future, I think that the B18B or B20B would be the best choice. You can find the longblocks fairly cheap usually with documented low miles as opposed to the "under 30K miles" JDM motors.

allmotorEG-SI

where do you think is the best place to buy one and for about how much?

iww

http://www.inlinefour.com
http://www.hondamotorsonline.com
http://www.sohfast.com

expect to pay any where from 1000-2500 for a complete swap.
Add another 400-500 for the mount kit.

EVOCELICA

of course it won't last for a very long time but it can be done, I have never seen a B18a/b handle 15psi on the stock block and run a solid time like that

VTECVillain

I paid $900 for the full longblock with 3,747 verified miles, flywheel, engine harness, alternator and starter. That was shipped to my door with a 6 month unlimited mileage warranty on all parts. Most places sell the longblocks complete minus the bolt-ons (alternator, starter, distributor, etc.) You should be able to find a low mileage one for $500-800. I picked up a 92 LS cable tranny for $250 and then got the HASport billet mounts and shift linkage.
For electronics, I stayed with the non-OBD setup and used a 91 LS ecu, 90 LS distributor and 91 CRX Si injectors. You should be able to piece together a full swap for around the same price as a first gen B16A if you shop around.
Check out http://www.car-part.com/ which is an online database of salvage yards across the US. I bought my parts from LKQ in Raleigh, NC.

underrated99si

B16 all the way more parts and cheaper to fix if you blow it and more abundent as well.

CRX_VTEC

It can be done...as long as its tuned right. my friends old SOHC was boosting 16 PSI on STOCK internals. Stock for stock a b18 can handle more boost then a B16 and will require less tuning because of its low compression.

Jonathan_ED3

for the exact same reason 'vtec' is over rated 'vtec this vtec that'...poop on vtec

Superhatch

I just did a B18b swap...not that hard...cost about 2800 with a new stage 2 clutch, new dist, new starter, new axles, hpc mounts, new belts, and waterpump. I havent been able to race anything yet, but its great shifting into second at low rpms..and not having to wait for power! I love my B18b. I got the longblock with distb for 550 from a place in omaha nb...all forigen auto.. 800-323-2947 . hope this gets to you in time.

-Jake

EF_LSVtec

I just finished a B18b swap on my 88 DX hatchback...stock internals except for i/h/e and lightened flywheel...I was testdriving the other day and an old mustang pulled up next to me at a traffic light. I think it was a late 80's to early 90's model. I didn't even rev but I knew he's just waiting for the greenlight...As soon as it hit green, I punched it and left him about 3 cars length up to mid of 3rd gear. He was just about to catch up when we reached the next light...lol. my first kill. Can't wait to drop my other motor being built...LS/Vtec baby!