hey HT. Im currently building an ls/vtec b18b1 bottom end with gsr top end. Nothing crazy is being done, just p30 pistons and ITR valvetrain. Ive been researching and ive been getting mixed answers on whether or not to use a block guard for this build, My machinist recommends it but i dont think its nec. whats the pros and cons?? this will be my DD for a while too.

 

spend the money on arp rod bolts, headstuds, and balancing the bottom end. a block guard will do nothing for you.

 

Thanks. I'm definantly buying all those regardless. But I can never get a clear answer on this for some reason.

 

ive read a lot of good things and a lot of bad things about them.

 

what makes you think you need one?

 

i thought it would be good insurance, but after researching and asking around i figured theres no need for one for my power goals. the machinist im bringing my block too just recommended it so i just wanted to look into it again

 

Block guards do more harm than good. They put stress on the cylinder walls.

This is the last time I will explain this, as I am tired of saying it lol

The casting on the outside of the cylinder walls are different in every engine, different high and low spots here and there, while the block guard is machined flat, and will put stress on the high spots, obviously causing stress on the cylinder.

 

thats what ive read also, thanks

 

False, Lol the web is full of false information. Block guard will benefit you. I have a Golden Eagle sleeved block with a block guard from Golden Eagle!, why would they do that cause they know wtf they are doing! Check my build thread.

 

Lol that's what I'm thinking. I'll check it out def

 

That's what I said ! Lol post it up and I'll def check it out dude

 

that "block guard" on ge sleeves is actually incorporated into the sleeve. not really a block guard in the traditional sense at all.

 

Think about what you are saying, GE SLEEVES!... GE sleeves arent casted, therefore they are perfectly machined all the way around unlike factory cast cylinders. Your logic is poo.

 

lol got a point

 

what HP should i start looking into block guards? my goals are hopefully around 190 HP.

 

when you start making more power than the stock sleeves can handle. so if you're sticking to NA, never. unless you crack a sleeve somehow, then resleeve it.

 

Lol thanks. It's a pretty straight forward build