Have always been thinking about dropping in a 1.8L block(on a B16A2), and would like to get some opinions on where to track these things down.
I know you can find them brand new for around 2,000.00, but not looking to spend that much cash(and arent they machine-assembled, etc..?)

So how much do these, on average run for? I'm in the so cal area, any shops that usually supply these, (ex, jeff @ importbuilders or ericksracing....?) And is there a website you can go to to check the engine #'s to make sure it's legit, and what year car it came from?

And my other bit of info would be to ask, any difference in usdm itr to jdm itr pistons/rods, and any aftermarket pistons you would drop in in place of OEM pieces ?
thanks guys,
-aaron


[Modified by Beave0101, 1:28 AM 1/26/2003]

 

you should drop jeff an email or even go drop by his shop in fullerton, hell help you out....really nice guy.

just had my b20c5 built by him

 

Is that usually the cheapest way to go, or is just purchasing a used one here on honda-tech a much bigger save..........(i rarely see c5 blocks for sale)

 

You are right B18C5 are rarely for sale but u can always find a B18 C1 and drop some JDM TYPE R pistons in it and it will very comparable to what you are looking for!

 

why do that when u can get a gsr block and swap in some ctr pistons.
now you got a motor that could eat a type r alive and still
save quite alot of money. but dont forget the cams tho.

 

get a used itr block with blown rings or something
then get ctr pistons
then your block is done.

if you want an authentic itr block and all its components, dont settle for less(gsr).

 

correct me if I am wrong, but the c1 abd c5 block are pretty close to the same. And a c1 one block can be easily matched to a c5 block for less than a c5 block. Or better than one for the amount of a c5. Kinda what he said ^.

I am kinda in middle of deciding what to do right now, but I would definitely go with a c1 block unless u just wanna see "b18c5" cause thats about the only reason.

 

The significant differences between the C1 and C5 blocks are the crank, rods and pistons.

Pistons = not worth it for the lousy .6 bump in compression. CTR pistons are too much for my tastes. I like to have at least some margain of safety, and 12:1 doesn't leave much. I'd suggest USDM (11.3:1) or JDM (11.5:1) B16A pistons instead.

Rods = cheap. Go ahead and buy them. They're slightly lighter and slightly stronger than GS-R rods. Plus, I don't think I'd rebuild a used shortblock without replacing the rods anyway. Call me paranoid, or call it cheap insurance.

Crank = tough call. The ITR crank is stronger and better balanced. But the GS-R crank is 4 lbs. lighter. And I've never, ever, heard of a stock GS-R crank failing. The ITR crank is probably not worth it.

In conclusion, if I were in your situation I probably would try to find a used GS-R shortblock and rebuild it with JDM B16A pistons and ITR rods.

 

Thanks man, that's kinda what i've been trying to find out, the real reason i wanted the 1.8block is for the lighter rods, better pistons and i thought the crank was almost the exact same. CTR pistons would be too much for my area (91octace, i imagine that would ping)