I got about $3,500. I want to know some opions. Should I keep my B18A1 and turbo it with a rebuild or should I do a swap with a B18C1 and just put money into that?

 

It all depends on power goals...the best cost per hp, boost definitely.

It all depends on what you would like to do with that car...your question is too broad..You will get a whole bunch of people saying things, but its to you to tell us what your expectations are for the car...

 

Also, this subject probably was debated mannny times here on HT...a simple search could open your world to a whole world of possibilities.

 

Save a little more for a type R swap or just go with the B18C1.

 

for sure i would say go with rebuild and turbo you LS you will be alot more satisfied with you power after you spend the money.

 

you should get the OD1 GSR and turbo.

PS. NO EBAY TURBO KIT!!!!

 

Depends on what you like. If you are like me and my friends and love N/A power and the unreal crack of VTEC, go VTEC. if call you care about is being fast in a straight line, go turbo. But if you go turbo, expect to face a lot of issues.

 

vtec

 

I was on the same boat for my DC4, I went boost and sure enough I love it. But I hate the problems. So it just depends. If you live in Cali as I do, there cracking down alot here and turbo is considered " heavily modified " and there able to tow the car on the spot FROM what I hear. Havent yet gotten my hood popped. So depends if you wanna be legal or not. B18C are able to get reffed, don't think turbo will.. Your call..

 

all motor would rip

 

3500 Could rebuild the B18, then Vtec conversion head and a used supercharger setup IF you looked around/ had connects DIY CARB approved available I think??? Just an idea Sounds like nice DD option. I love boost want to tell you Build and boost, but 3500 would really be cutting it close for quality products/ work/ management/ tune. I think the might as well factor would take you well past 3500.

 

Another thing to consider is LS-VTEC like KWayRacing mentioned. Although you arent garanteed reliabilty there either. Another thing i'm just going to say based on personal opinions, but what do you have done to the car cosmetically? Do you have good suspension? good paint ect? IMO Looks are more important than 1/4 times, but it varies a lot here on HT.

 

that is another option you coupe just build the motor some then get Gsr head and have all motor ls-vtec and be a strong motor with quality parts for 3500. that is a good option bro.

 

boost ftw!

 

turbo mmm

 

vtec>boost problems

 

Ding ding ding! Exactly.

 

In all honesly...im not for either...

but. a high revving vtec motor can encounter just as many problems as a boosted motor. Youre just looking at different types of problems...

An NA motor can suffer from piston to valve clearance issues, as well as detonation in the head, while boosted motors can suffer from boost leaks, boost spikes or problems with the block.

Problems can arise from virtually any "built" motor, whether it be boost or all motor. So saying
"vtec>boost problems" is too generalized and a little bias if you ask me

 

The only way to keep a motor completely reliable, is to not touch it by opening it up and changing stuff out. ie higher compression, aftermarket parts etc.

There is nothing better than an untouched stock motor with all maintenance done when it comes to driveability and reliability.

 

A properly designed turbo kit, with a good tune, is not going to have many problems, most of the the problems you see are when someone has cut some corners and not spent money where they should have.

I would go boost, however, I think you should save up some more money.

 

True, But he didnt say "built VTEC engine>Boost.. He just said VTEC. a Stock b18c1 is going to last for 200k + if you treat it right.

 

get a greddy kit and run 8lbs that should be in the 3500 range

 

yea i understand, however, a lot of the people posting are giving ideas such as lsvtec and building vtec motors for that money...so thats why im saying that any motor, regardless what is done to it, CAN encounter problems...So whichever route the OP wants to take, just make sure that you have some money left over just in case there are some nicks that need to be worked out...

 

turbo!

 

You could boost the stock LS for now and eventually get a VTEC head and convert to LS/VTEC. Hell, if you spent your money carefully on a turbo setup, you could do both right now. Check out the Forced Induction forum...there a 100+ page thread about LS-T setups. It will probably make this decision easier