This winter, I'm looking at either doing a VTEC head swap or switching to a "B16" trans. I am currently running a B20B with a LS trans; but eventually I am going to be running a B20-VTEC and 'B16' trans in my Hatch.
I don't want to get into a debate between the which head is better; as each has its own Pros & Cons and the trans would most likely be the B16 ratio trans (it has the same gear ratios as the USDM ITR and '96 Spec Type-R).

If you can't do both at once... which would you change out first and why?

 

Trans first. It will totally change the car. I actually prefer the GS-R trans with a non-v B20, the gears are a little too close in the B16 stacks and it ends up being a waste of the B20's wide, flat torque curve to have such small drops. Conversely, if you do the head first and keep the long LS gears you'll be disappointed with the performance and dropping off the high cam on upshifts, etc.

 

pshh...b16 better

 

I dont see how anybody can argue that the B16 tranny is not the best tranny on any all motor setup and most boosted ones. It's not really that short they even have room for better acceleration with a shorter final drive.

Get the transmission first considering they are not so easy to find (b16 hydros) and will cost close to or more than the head swap.

 

Agreed. Definitely go with the B16. Honestly I'd even go for the 98+ spec 4.7FD ITR trans.

 

I was going to go with at least the B16; the 98+ Spec is on the radar, but they are slim pickings.

The difference in the B16 Trans and 98-ITR... For 1, 2, & 3 the ITR will Redline quicker, but in 4 & 5 they'll turn similar RPMs.

I looked at the GSR trans, but 1 & 2 is similar as the LS.

 

Personally I would get whichever VTEC transmissions I could find at a decent price that already has an LSD installed. A pre-installed LSD is easily worth the cost. The GSR would be the least desirable of the lot, but having a 2 liter bottom end makes up for the loss of torque.

 

1 & 2 are actually exactly the same between LS & GSR (aren't all B 1st gears 3.23?), but you have to take the final drive into account as well. LS has a 4.27 and GSR is 4.4, so the whole thing is shorter.

Everyone is entitled to their opinions... For me it's not the shortness of the B16 stack, it's the closeness of the gears (drops are too small). I've done non vtec and conservatively cammed B20s with B16 stacks and I live every day with a GSR stack on one. I'll never own a B16 (or shorter) trans for a non-v setup, unless it is a big cammed engine with a narrow powerband. If you are definitely doing the head swap, that's a different story, and ultimately the response above mine is the best one... get whatever you can find that has an LSD.

 

Would ITR over B16. Mainly because LSD and synchros.

 

of course, but those were op options

 

The ITR trans is on the radar, but because of the rarity of these, it might be hard to get OR it might be overly priced. The open diff vs LSD; depends on whats available.

 

ok sure..