soooo, I'm building an '89 CRX and I'm trying to decide on what motor. I'm in no hurry for this build so I'm doing as much research as possible. I've already done a bunch but was looking for advice from some guys that have been there and done that. A B20 with B16 head is pretty cheap, I think a B18 may cost about $1k more. If I'm building this thing for autocross and potentially some road racing what would be the better engine? B20 has torque which works wonders in autox. Is the B20 block built well enough to withstand racing? The engine would be fully built but since it is a CRV motor and was really never designed for anything other than soccer moms I'm wondering if it would last. Opinions?

 

For autocross/road racing, i would go with the b18, which by that im assuming you mean a B18C1/B18C5. Get a healthy good, stock motor with some bolt ons, and with regular maintenance and respect to the stock rev limiter, it will handle those spirited driving sessions with ease.

A B20VTEC could be built to the do the exact same thing with more power, but youll be in for alot more money, and whoever builds it will be the key to its longevity. The fact that youre posting on here asking these questions leads me to believe you dont have a builder close to you whom you trust with this work.

Whatever route you choose, good luck and take it as a learning experience.

 

Whats a decent B18C/C5 go for? C5 is type R right? I'm automatically gonna say it'll be a lot more. I really would like to build a motor but remain cost efficient, B20 blocks are only $400-500 and a B18C head could be found for $500 somewhere I'm sure (that'd be a steal from what I hear). Locally I've seen a few B18's put together with Honda parts that made 178whp Dyno dynamics (dynojet add 13%) with only about $3000 invested, but the head was a $4000 head the guy got from his buddy for dirt. Is it possible to sleeve and blueprint a B20, add B18 head P&P with valves and springs for that much? I'm guessing not but you guys know more than I Thanks again fellas.