I read a post somewhere in which somebody recommended using vtec rod bearings for a setup similar to this. So, I called the local Acura dealer and asked for a price on rods bearing for a 94-01 GSR. His response was, "Which color?" Is it highly recommended to use the vtec bearings? If so, then which color? I am so close to using the stock b20 bearings I have. I would have found the answer, but the "Search" function is not working so great form what I have experienced and read. Also, I cannot seem to pull up the acuraautomotiveparts.net web site for some reason.

 

Here is what I recommend:

If you are using Eagle rods that are meant for a B20/B18A/B18B you must use the LS bearings. The VTEC GS-R/ITR bearings are more narrow and will not work properly.

Next, buy two brown, two green, and two yellow bearings. You can buy two black, two blue, and two red as well but 90% of the time these bearing colors are not used.

Size the rods using a bore gauge or if you don't have that (most people don't) use plastigage. That will give you a good estimate on your clearance. Once you have determined the size bearings you need go ahead and order them from Mike K at Naples Acura 1-800-79-ACURA. Be sure to tell him that he is a MILF getting mullet head.

In order to determine the color if you are rebuilding a motor using Honda rods you use the guidelines in the Helm's manual. Also, do NOT assume that Eagle rods have the same big end bore as a Honda rod "3" size designation. I have found that to be about two sizes off most of the time. Just buy the bearings I mentioned and size them up accordingly.

Good luck.

-kenji

 

I am taking my bottom end to be blueprinted by importbuilders to determine which size bearings I need.

 

i went w/ the orginal color bearings in my b20, as many people recomended, i've heard that not all the eagle rods are #3 big end bore too, just not sure how true that is.

 

If you are having Jeff @ Importbuilders tear it down to determine rod bearing colors you might as well have him build it for you too.

BTW, the original rod bearing colors will no longer matter because you are putting in different rods with different big end bores.

-kenji

 

Yup Jeff is most likely going to build the motor for me but my friend and I are going to install the motor into my car.

 

Sounds like you are on your way to a good setup. Good luck, have fun, and drive safe.

-kenji

 

kenji,
Just for kicks, I put one of the rods and a set of the factory b20 bearings together on the crank. It seemed to fit fine, but b20 bearings did look a tiny bit narrower than the bearing surface on the rod. There was no slop. When you say size the rod, are you refering to the bearing surface width? It would seem to me that I could just use oem ls bearings like you said because these eagle rods a meant for an oem application. Am I correct in this assumption?

 

GS-R/ITR rods are more narrow than LS/CR-V rods. That was the point I was trying to make.

-kenji

 

so basiclly get all color bearings try them on each rod then mark the best oil clearance and run that bearing on that rod. it will cost more money but be worth it. in the long run of your motor.