I'm finishing up my suspension and brake mods (for the most part, still fine tuning suspension), and I'm looking toward engine upgrades for my 89 CRX. I have two ideas. First is to get a b16a and build the head (CTR cams, adj. cam gears) and do the I/E, then get a GSR block and use fresh B16a (would yield 11.1+ CR) pistons and replace all bearings. Seems like that would cost around $4500 total for around 175-185 whp, 135-140 tq. Another option is to build a b20 non-vtec. I would get a Skunk2 intake manifold, I/H/E, P&P head from D-H racing, 11.4:1 RW pistons, and Crower cams. This would probably produce 180-185 whp and 150+tq, but cost a little over $5K. Which would you rather, built 1.8 VTEC, or built 2.0 non-vtec? This would be for an Auto-X, road raced CRX, not a drag car.

 

For Autocross, I'd do the B20 non vtec only because it has more low end power, but roadracing, I would think the B18 vtec because of top end power. Either one is a good set up, I'm having a tough time deciding as well...Flip a coin or something, hehehe...Nah, I'd say go B20 because you can always put a Vtec head in case you change your mind....then it will be even more powerful

 

Good point, but I'm kind of shying away from the frankenstein concept. I want a motor that I build right the first time, then I can just change the oil and timing belts forever with no worries. True or not, I think I might baby a frankenstein because I wouldn't want it to blow on me, whereas I can be as mean as I want to a b18c or b20 non vtec with no worries.

 

well its a choice between revving higher or having more torque. i'd go the more torque route personally. and if you build the b20 enough you could probably rev that to 7500 or higher.

b20

 

Yeah, that's the way I'm leaning. Check out this dyno.
http://www.allmotorhonda.com/techpag...b20nonvtec.htm
This has all the planned mods minus the P&P head. Makes very nice power with those crower cams. 170+whp from 6500-7500. I was reading on b20vtec.com and I think I may get a b18a and resleeve it. That costs about the same altogether and apparently the stock b20 sleeves aren't great for high compression. Looks like the way to go. Thanks for the replies, guys.

 

12 second D series.

 

i always like the option of resleeving. i don't know about you, but it would give me a little more comfort knowing i have solid sleeves. the only downside is that you hope they are installed right and don't leak...