I am building an ITA engine for my 90 Integra (B18A1) over the winter and had a couple questions. I have inquired around and some people have suggested I try Honda tech, so I will ask the questions here.

I am looking for pistons for the engine and am curious what people use for this application (B18, IT rules).

I am also looking for a good machine shop in the Chicago area to do the machine work for the engine. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks.

 

Do you want to go .020" over or .040" over on the pistons? There are a lot more .020" over selections that I'm aware of. There are several benefits to staying at .020" over on the first build. Namely, the stock head gasket has an 81.5mm bore, there are more selections for pistons and good rings, and if you have a problem that scratches/scars the cyl walls, you can still bore it out to .040" legally instead of having to scrap the block. The displacement difference between the 2 is only about 22cc's (~1%). That said, most serious engine builders wouldn't leave that 1% on the table for the reasons I mentioned.

- Scott

 

I was planning on .040" over for the same reason as the "serious" engine builders. As I am working toward this, I am starting to realize that i probably should stick to .020" over for my first build.

 

Yeah, .020" over is probably not a bad idea. You really don't sacrifice much power output and you have many more options for pistons and rings. One (.020" over) setup that was recommended to me for these motors by someone who has experience with them was Safety Brand pistons and NPR rings. They're good quality and relatively cheap. I'm not sure whether or not the IT rules allow forged pistons, but if so, then that opens up your options a bit if you do want to go .040" over (and have room in the budget for it).

- Scott

 

Jared- Is this my old engine?? Remember that this is a 93 engine, in case things are different like seals, etc.

Once disassembled, if not needed, I would not overbore or if needed, only overbore enough to clean up the cylinders. This allows for extra rebuilds later without replacing blocks. Hondas have pretty nice cylinder walls that are very wear resistant.

Next- I would only use OEM bearings, rings and pistons.

As for machine shops, King would probably do the machine work on the parts and you can reassemble. I would have them do the head and you can assemble the bottom end.

Devin

 

Yep, sure is Devin. I want to have it built and in the car for next season. It is fully disassembled and am currently cleaning up the parts. I knew is was manufactured in 92 so was using that year (92 is same as 93 anyway). Thanks for the advice.