I might buy an Integra from someone that has an LS block with 100k miles, and a GSR head with 12k. The head was professionally installed, and the person claims that the car runs fine. From what research i've done, it seems like the motor makes good power, just people are afraid to rev the ls block. Also, some people are saying its not that reliable... what is the case?

 

The LS-VTEC is only as reliable as the bottom end components used, the thoroughness of the job (were oil squirters and a VTEC oil pump used?), and the competence of the person who put the engine together. In other words, a properly built LS-VTEC will last long. But a slop job will not.

 

Amen to that

 

its also only as reliable as how well it was built
if built correctly its just as reliable as a stock motor.

 

http://hondaswap.com/articles/index.php?id=6 there you go i wrtote this have fun

 

hey man where are your other swaps on the site?

 

Just a note- the LS rods are more reinforced (thicker/heavier) than the GSR rods...a relative strength of the setup.

 

i heard a few things that need to be done to the block for a reliable ls/vtec setup. either the LS rods need to be replaced with stronger, aftermarket ones (eagle rods) and replace the rod bolts with ARP rod bolts, shotpeen the LS rods to make them stonger and use the ARP rod bolts, orthat only the ARP rod bolts are needed beacuse the weakest part of the internals are the rod bolts. so yea, as long as the block has been built up to be stronger, an ls/vetc can be as reliable as any vtec motor.