Most people may say that a LS Vtec is unreliable. But if built right with aftermarket parts. Shouldnt it increase the reliabilty rate? Alot of people dislike the Ls Vtec setup but if built right shouldnt it be no problem and be reliable as any other engine? Also what would be the outcome if a turbo is added on to this?

 

An LSVTEC can be just as reliable as a factory built B18C5 ITR motor. It takes the proper selection of parts and assembly. Adding a turbo to any motor would require strengthening of internals and good tuning if you want it to last.

 

First off ill say it nicely before the nuts chime in.. Its VTEC not VTECH ( thats a phone haha ) anyway. It can be made just as reliable if built right.

The reason people say its not reliable is in stock block configuration where you have the OEM LS Bottem end which was not meant to rev up to 8000rpm etc like the GSR/Type R/B16 and you start revving it to that. Thats where the reliability stuff comes into play. Once built its all equal basically depending on parts picked and your build.

Hope this helps


Modified by QUiKSR20 at 3:26 PM 12/8/2004

 

agreed!!! we have built many ls and crv vtec's that are still screaming to this day ... some of them over 3 years now ..daily driven its all in the assebly and how the customer takes care of his ride

 

okay lets get this straight.


LS/VTEC's can be reliable depending on your builder and the parts you use.

If you think this would be cheaper than purchasing a B18C1 or B18C5, then you are wrong.


Do not build a LS/VTEC if you have a small budget unless you want to **** coolant or oil from inbetween your block and head.

 

The torque advantage of the LS crank shifts the powerband down, meaning you dont HAVE to rev it to 9k to make power. You would think then, that it would be more relaible because hey, RPM=Ruins peoples motors, right? The problem stems from people sampling the power and torque available at 8k, and wanting more. So they push.... and push.... and push..... then one day, KABOOM. Too much cylinder wall sideloading and too high of piston speeds will give any engine a short life.

Put it this way. A guy purchases a b18c5, which redlines around 8700rpm i believe (just a guess.) He proceeds to rev it to 10k and it blows. He goes on honda tech and posts about this. Everyone calls him an idiot for revving the engine that high, as it was not designed to do so.

Same guy then builds an LS/VTEC and rev's it only to 9k. It blows. He posts on honda tech about this as well. Everyone then talks about how unreliable LS/VTEC's are. See what im saying here?

 

the LS block doesnt come with oil squirters meaning that it can have lubrication problems at high RPMs (read: the LS engine wasnt emant to rev to 8K+ RPM). You can obviously install some, so thats a bit extra on the parts and labor department. Its still a good combo, just not my bag (as you can see in my sig).