I'm debating on either to build a Ls/vtec or b16a2 motor and wanted you guys opinion on which setup is better for an all motor setup

 

A correctly done LS vtec can get you around 220 horses. A b16 wont get you that much. The LS V will give you more power with out a doubt.

 

LSVTEC will be more powerful, IF DONE RIGHT. Otherwise you'll have a low power, low-compression time-bomb with poor oiling.

That said, I never put frankenmotors in my cars EVER. And I would never buy a car with a franken in it.

 

Unless you're doing extensive internal work, that statement is straight BS. There's no chance in hell a standard LS/VTEC will make any more than 170-180hp.

OP: Either option will work. The LS/VTEC is only as reliable as the builder...i've only ever built 1 (with forged internals), but its still running strong 4 years later at ~400whp. If you meticulously put it together, it is just as good as any OEM engine. The B16 will probably cost a bit more, but is easier than messing about with an LS/VTEC conversion.

 

theres a LS Vtec build on here where i got that number from he even had the dyno sheet to prove it. Heres the thread the dyno sheet is on the first page:

https://honda-tech.com/forums/all-motor-naturally-aspirated-44/ek-b20-lsvtec-build-3101779/

 

That isn't a standard LS VTEC. It's been sleeved and bored, and has a forged rotating assembly, as well as a built head. All of that work, by itself, will add more than a few grand to the price tag. For that kind of money, you might as well buy a B18C5 and drop it in. It's a safe assumption that OP isn't trying to spend that kind of money.

 

Research on how to do an LSVTEC RIGHT. Done correctly, an LSVTEC will run circles around a B16. Torque is what moves the car. B16 vs LSVTEC...LSVTEC wins every time b/c of a longer stroke.

There are many threads on here of how to do them right.

Good builds can be done with stock LS Rods with ARP rod bolts (A MUST) & Crank, ITR spec pistons, decent cams (ITR or slightly more aggressive), springs, retainers, performance valve job. Properly done, this can yield you a nice, fun driver.

You're not letting us know what you're doing with the engine. That will help you get answers.

If you're feeling more adventurous, a B20VTEC can be done, also. If you can find a nice, low mileage B20 block, it also would be a good foundation for a build.

 

Ls Vtec win hands down. I stomp on B16's with my Ls Vtec swapped EJ, even GSRs need to have a bit of work done to beat me. I am running a stock B18B1 bottom end with ARP rod rods. P72 oil pump and water pump and a B16 head and cams. It made 161whp and 127lbft way more than a B16 can and more than a GSR. Only mods are IEH and tuning.

 

I have recently had both a B16A2 swap and a B20 in my EK and I can say even without a VTEC head conversion the B20 is much faster! Mind you this is using the B16 shorter-geared tranny, but with the old B16A2 I could not keep up with my buddy's H22-swapped CB7. Now with just a straight swap of the B16 to B20 I'm right on his bumper, and that's just revving to stock B20 redline of 6800. I would never waste the time or money on a B16 again.

Also for all those talking about not wanting to use a "frankenmotor", there is nothing mystical about putting a VTEC head on a B18/B20 block. It's no different than changing a head on a VTEC block other than having to supply oil to the VTEC solenoid, and there are plenty of kits available that are easy to use and reliable. The only thing you have to remember is what the stock components were designed for (i.e. engine RPMs) and know that just because you have VTEC doesn't mean you can shift at 9000 now. If you start out with a healthy B20 and put a healthy VTEC head on it there is no reason it can't be reliable with stock internals as long as you use some basic logic.

 

displacement plays a big role also along w/stroke. as said off the line a b20 w/b16 trans vs b16 same chassis the b20 will feel faster the b16 will pull later on tho. if you're looking for a simple drop in b16... but with 5-6 lbs more than a D16 it will leave you wanting more