harryg

I can't seem to find any topics covering my specific questions, so I'll go ahead and ask 'em.

I plan on turning a B18A1 I have into an LS/VTEC monster. While I'm fairly certain the head that I'll be using (B16 or B18C) will be able to rev to 8000RPM without any problems, we all know that the LS bottom end isn't exactly up to par in doing so. Theoretically, could I use B16 pistons and rods on my B18A1 crank (would they fit?), bumping up my compression, and since the rods are from an engine that redlines at 8000rpm, I shouldn't have any troubles revving that high should I? What else should I be using to build up the bottom end? Comments, suggestions, etc.. TIA

non-VTEC

the B16A rods will not work on the B18A crank. there diffrent lengths.

get yourself a set of eagle rods for the LS engine and a GS-R or Z10 crank girdle with new rod and main bearings. that should be able to handle 8000rpm pretty good.

filetofit

although b16a rods would technically fit on a b18a crank, they are actually shorter than the b18a rods which makes your situation worse at high RPM. Not to mention shorter rods will drastically lower your compression, negating any increase from b16a pistons. Probably ARP rod bolts, LS rods, CTR pistons, and modding your main caps for a GSR block girdle is the way to go.

harryg

CTR pistons are too expensive for my cheap ***
So, a crank girdle, LS rods w/ ARP bolts, b16 pistons.. and I'd be all set on the bottom end?

filetofit

Sounds good, also I had a gen1 JDM b16a head that only had single valve springs. You want the dual valve springs for going that high. I believe later generations had the dualies. Also I think del sol pistons give you a pretty good bump in CR since they have a domed design.

harryg

Erm.. could you elaborate? Which generation has the dual valve springs? Are you referring to the B16A2 found in the newer Si (99-00) ?!!? You're scaring me now

CRX_VTEC

just get a set of Portflow springs.

jdmjunkie

first gen 5 series motors have duals on the intake side, as well as the A2's and the A3's first gen 1 series are single. if you want to add the inners you can buy type r inners from the dealership for under 50 bucks a side.

WAFFLES

All that is need to rev to 8k on the ls block is the ARP rod bolts and some balancing. I know from experience.

salt

Supposing the head was built to handle 9000 rpm, Could you use a balanced LS/B20 crank with eagle rods/ forged pistions to run 8500 RPM on the block if its girdled or should I get a GSR crank?

Steve

harryg

Which parts need to be balanced, just the crank?

from_zer0

Just out of curiousity, CTR pistons r too expensive?? I thought they were only 350 or so w/rings...am I wrong, or r pistons just much cheaper in general than that?

Thanks for the education!

JCushing

new b16a pistons are no cheaper than ctr's. dont forget to machine the rod or piston to fit with the r pistons.

harryg

what type of machining is neccessary?

CRX_VTEC

rods dont fit wrist pin.

X2BOARD

Shot peen the LS rods while they are off... it's pretty cheep.

WAFFLES

Here's the funny thing. I know I said to get it all balanced, but most likely only the rods will need balanced.

When I took my bottom end to the machine shop, here's what I found out:
1) as always, Honda cranks are so balanced its disgusting. You cannot balance it anymore than it already is.
2) I had brand new ITR pistons, the machine shop couldn't balance them anymore.
3) Rods need it barely, but I think it was only because they were shotpeened.

I had it done just to be safe. I also had the crank micro polished. The weekest part of the LS bottom end is the Rod bolts. REPLACE THOSE WITH ARP UNITS.
Well, there is no block girdle either, so adding one will help but it is not need to spin to 8k.

Project_SOHC_EX

I know this is kind of off topic but I plan on using a B16a head(99) with an LS bottom. Do I get a longblock or shortblock motor?

InfamousRS

Iv taken mine to 8000 many times. I did alot of research on how high the stock b18b bottom end is good for. I talked to some shops that build LS/Vtec motors, I found that all that is really needed to take the bottom end to 8000 is a GSR oil pump.

I plan on taking the built b20 bottom end Im getting ready to build above 9000 RPMS!!!! It will have eagle rods, 85mm 12.1:1 JE pistons, GSR block girdle, and balenced everything. I will also be using Skunk2 Stage 2 cams and valve train which will make the power up there.

crxman00

What about head studs? do you have to use the GSR studs? BTW I am going with a 1st gen b16a head.

WAFFLES

use gsr head studs or ARP headstuds for gsr...dont use b16s

harryg

sooo.. updated list

b16 head
b16/ctr pistons
vtec oil pump
arp rod bolts/headstuds
shotpeened LS rods

I should be ok?

speeddave

that looks like my list cept i added;

new valvesprings (itr, portflow etc..)- good insurance imo
gsr waterpump
gsr timing belt
itr cams
lightened flywheel(Factory)
good clutch (action, act)

plus some other odds and ends but that should be good

WAFFLES

and a vtec water pump and gsr timing belt.

RenoRacing

I have a b18a block with b16a head with gsr cams, adjustable fuel pressure regulator, and a y1 tranny and i've taken it to 8300 several times with no problems at all, it pulls all the way to rev limiter on my friends spoon ecu with 8300 limit. My friend had b20 vtec stock internals and took it to 8500 all the time no problems except blown head gasket. Now he has stock b16 block with built b16 head and he takes it to 10,000 no joke. His vtec controller hits al 9's. good stuff. and no problems yet.