Alright everyone I have a dilemma. I Am getting pretty close to my ls vtec build being done, I'm aiming for summer :D But I have heard some mixed things on getting a girdle setup for it. Ive bean hearing and reading alot that ls blocks do not like to rev up in the 9k's and have been suggested that a girdle will help strengthen the lower end substantially with those higher revs. But I've also been told and read that the ls block will handle it just fine as long as everything is balanced and within spec. So my question for anyone who is willing to help me make a decision and/or teach me some good information is should I get a girdle setup or not? I would then have to line bore the main caps as well wouldn't I?

Here is my setup:

-Top-End-
95 b16a head
blended bowls
ported & polished
port matched
Skunk2 Pro Valve Springs
Skunk2 Pro Tit Retainers
Skunk2 Pro2 Cams
Toda Cam Gears
Omni Valves
TWM 50mm ITB's
ITR Header
Buddy Club Test Pipe
Top Fuel T1000 Exhaust

-Bottom End-
B18a1 Block
Bored .020 over (81.5mm)
Ctr Pistons
Ls Rods
ARP Rod Bolts
Balanced/Micropolished Eagle Crank
Acl Bearings
Rage Block Guard
CTR Crank Pully

Um I think thats it, I might be missing one or two things, but I believe compression will be around 12:3-12:6ish So would you suggest a girdle kit or no? Thank you very much

 

What's your application?

As long as you're not up in the 9k range for extended periods, LS Block should be fine.

You do realize that the girdle takes significant machining to use on the LS block, right?

If this is a street application, I definitely wouldn't worry with it.

 

I machined my LS block to accept a GSR caps/Girdle. I personally think Honda put one in a 1.8L Vtec motor for a reason. So I put one in my LSV. Your Build Looks nice, why risk it. I say put one in. At the very least it's added insurance and peace of mind. You would not want to build a motor, have it blow and be asking yourself if the girdle may have helped.

 

this is not 100% true. all it needs is a line hone, or a competent machine shop to just check if the mians are out of round when bolted on.

mine was perfectly fine, and needed no machining, 3k miles and im all good.

so i would take it on a case by case basis. but i would personally install one. just make sure you get the gsr windage tray.

 

i would do it if this was an all race motor, but if daily then prob not. just dont be racing it too much. also i would invest in a better header. itr is a great header but your setup will benefit with a better header like tri y, rmf, smsp, and so on...nice build btw.

 

If you have a girdle use it. Its not going to hurt anything by using a girdle, but at the same time it is not neccessary to have one. Personally I use one in every B-series I build for myself but you dont have to. And also I think an LSV with CTR pistons and B16 head is like 13:5.1 compression, but I cant remember offhand.

 

thats with a gsr head.

 

So with a B16 head hes still looking at about 13:3.1

 

where are you getting this? with a b16 head and the quench reas meant for those pistons is provides around 12.5:1...still high but not horrible.

its the shitty flame travel on those pistons that becomes the issue during tuning, and lack or room for possible ping on that one possible occasion you get a little bad gas.

 

You can check how it affects the crank.

Torque down without girdle and measure crank turning resistance, then do the same with the girdle installed.

If it is tighter, imagine how much extra heat it's creating at 8,500 rpms.

The answer lies before you, just reach out and grabbit.

 

Now you know why he is THEE MASTER of the Universe.Also he has a keen sence of the obvious

 

Thanks alot for the input everyone..haha it sounds like its probably the way to go then. It IS alot of money invested into this build and would hate for something bad to happen knowing the girdle may have helped or prevented it. As far as the header goes, I plan on getting another one down the road, itr is just what im stuck with for now, I want this in my car and to start breaking it in. Looks like I'll look into getting a girdle then, thanks everyone

 

Honda did put it on there B series VTEC's for a reason, but i also feel that unless your racing and consistantly reving this motor for extended peroids of time that this feature isnt really critical for DD uses.

I built my block without one. I actually have a KMS girdle in my garage that I would have used, but circumstances came up while I was building it that limited my budget so I left it out because I couldnt afford to get the mains align-honed for proper fitment at the time.

Considering how I drive my car though I'm certain its not going to be an issue + I had my oem rods weight balanced by my machinist so I'm not really worring about harmonic vibrations at 7500 where my HP powerband peaks any who.