I got a gsr head with a b18a, got my block back from the machine shop to go .25 over a light resurface and polish crank.

Parts that I have piece together from the past 1 1/2 years for this build,

blox manifold
68mm throttle body
full race ls-vtec kit
skunk 2 pro1
supertech valve springs
new valve seals
p30 pistons .25 over
hastings piston rings (std size)
new oil and water pump
acl main and rod bearings
unorthodox race pully
exedy stage 1 clutch kit
arp head studs
arp rod bolts
all new belts, gaskets, and seals


This is the first time ever doing this other than doing minor bolt on and maintenance work so every help is appreciated.


First question that I have is that I have already purchase a head gasket and piston rings in the standard size can I use it without any issues? I can't return it cause it was purchase so long ago online. As for the rings I put the top ring in and pushed it in with the piston, measured the gap with a feeler gauge and i got .044in and 1.118mm. The Chilton repaire book specs show it should be between .008-.014in or .20-.30mm and the second ring at .008-.020in or .20-.50mm if I am reading it correctly.

Before when I took the block to the machine shop I used one of the old top rings and it measured about .040 in the ring gap so do you guys think it maybe worn out or It's the gaps size they use when they installed it?

Second question is that people say the acl bearing are the green size bearings that honda offersand you ma need to line hone. I've search and found a couple of threads and one of them said that his clearance are between .12 and .18 with the acl bearings and was wondering if it was fine but, I lost track of the thread and didn't get an answer. So hopefully someone can help answer it because I have a feelling I might run into that situation.

 

I believe the u can use an OEM VTEC head gasket on a bore to 81.5mm with no problems.
NO you cant use standard size rings on a oversized piston. If you ring gaps are that far off then you should check the cylinder bore to make sure its right. Did you press the ring in the bore with a piston to make sure it is level?
If you have never built a motor like this before then good luck. You should really have micrometers and dial gauges, feelers and a whole slew of other measuring tools.
Line hone is a good idea on any rebuild. .12-.18 clearence?????????? you mean .0012 and .0018? mine is all .0015 with #3 at .0014.
If you took the block to a machinist, why not have him order up your bearings also? Now that the crank was polished it has removed material and now factory bearings will not be correct.
Sorry hope this helps.

 

If the crank was polished correctly, and didnt require alot of cleaning up it probably only removed something in the fourth decimal , ie. .0001-.0009. I would measure it, but if you had good clearances before you should stick with them.

Regarding the piston ring question, replace them.

 

supposed to use an Ls head gasket or you will have an oil leak on the front of the engine.

 

supposed to use a Golden Eagle LSVTEC kit because it's second to none and a lot easier than machining the head or block to fit dowels.

 

I like the Cometic "LS-VTEC" head gasket. I know you cant go wrong with the OEM LS or GE (which I've heard is an OEM modified), but the Cometic design allows for a better oil & coolant passage design for mating the B16 or GSR head to an LS/B20 block and has resized dowel hole's for the kits used now aday's.

 

Once I get the time I'm gonna place and order for the .25 over piston rings.

Nick97Hatch, are you saying that you can use a 81mm head gasket on a motor that is bored up to 81.5mm just want to clarify. Currently I have the LS standard size head gasket, won't the piston hit the inside of the head gasket since the piston protrude a little above the deck.

As for the vtec conversion kit I purchased the full race kit before I learned about the GE kit minus well use it since I got it already.

Thanks for the input.

 

To my understanding you would want a gasket the same bore diameter or larger with an over-bore, not a gasket smaller than the bore diameter. Not sure exactly why, but I would think that an improperly sized gasket (smaller than the bore diameter) would cause a hotspot for detonation perhaps.

I bought the FullRace kit so I could use a Cometic gasket, than opted to use an oil adapter instead the T-line.

 

OEM gaskets are .5mm over the cylinder bore. Theoreticaly you want to keep this oversize but you CAN use the same size gasket as the bore.

 

Not true. I JUST built my LSV and with a LS head gasket. The rivot DO keep the gasket from sealing properly. (B1 Block GSR head) A Vtec head gasket is required.

Yes you can use a 81mm headgasket ona 81.5mm block. I have done it with no problems however I did end up getting one at 81.5mm just for peace of mind later on.

Nick