Okay, so I just bought a 1996 Integra with 174,xxx miles. Instead of modding it, I would like to build a "new" b18b engine for it. I plan on buying a head soon, doing a port and polish and a valve job, while replacing valve springs and valve seals.

After that is done, I am looking into purchasing a used b18b1 shortblock. This is where some of my questions come up, is boring the cylinders .5mm over completly nessecary, I would like this engine to be very reliable, and done correctly, but relatively stock. I believe I can tackle most of this project on my own, the only thing I can see myself having trouble with is picking the bearing sizes, but I think I would be able to get one of my teachers (ase certified automotive machinst) to help me out whenever I needed it.

The point of this project is to build a reliable 300whp (I plan on turboing it after the engine is broken in and driven atleats 10k) b18b.

So my couple questions are:
1. Does it have to be overbored?
2. Should I buy a short block with or without pistons?
3. Would I be able to buy a shortblock with just acrankshaft, and still be able to get all the bearing clearences correct?
4. Also, is it a good idea to shave the head? Or if it checks out for flatness within hondas spec will I be good?

I was thinking all OEM internals, but this doesn't seem feasible since most OEM parts are very expensive, so I am thinking just OEM bearings and after market rods/pistons with arp fasteners.


What do you guys think? I have everything needed for the project (minus head/block), I just need a ring compressor, some plastigauge, and an engine stand. Hopefully I will have an engine stand purchased by the end of the summer, and I will worry about the shortblock around October. I plan on taking this project slowww, and would like to have everything done by april, then when I am home from school assemble the head to the block, and anything else at that point. I am kind of still putting this project together in my head, so writing it here was so I can get some things straight and get some opinions.

 

Damn no one?

 

okay...?

 

This is all IMO, opinions will vary.

1. depends on the condition of the block you buy. Measure and see what's needed to be done.
2. depends on which pistons your plan on running. if your not running the OEMs that come with the block then why buy them?
3. honda sells many sizes of bearings, run through the process of determining which size you need and you're good to go.
4. shave the head if you're questioning it. if it measures to spec, spend the money elsewhere.

 

Thanks I am looking at a complete block (minus head) soon and I am going to determine what will be done from there. I think I will defintly be boring it over .5mm because I am assuming the cylinder walls won't be in very good condition / possible rust.