So I blew up my R motor and now am debating whether to just replace it with a JDM motor or having a race motor built. It will be going into a street-legal, but race-only track car - not daily driven. The thing is I can buy 2 JDM motors for the price of one properly built race motor. Just wonder if it's worth the extra money. I'm leaning towards staying stock, since this just a hobby for me. Do you get more life out of a race motor, or just more power? What would you do?

 

If you're trying to build a race car, then get a motor built for the type of racing you want to participate in. If you're not trying to build a race car, then just go stock, or get one mildly built for the sole sake of reliability.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dc231 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you're trying to build a race car, then get a motor built for the type of racing you want to participate in. If you're not trying to build a race car, then just go stock, or get one mildly built for the sole sake of reliability.</TD></TR></TABLE>

 

why not a stock USDM motor?

 

Well, blew up my USDM motor so thought I'd try blowing up a JDM one. Actually, the JDMs are easier to find, plus have higher compression and a little more power. The only USDM ones are in wrecks and they tend to be in wrecks because they were driven badly. Though my head did survive the carnage. Wanted to keep it as a spare, but maybe I should consider buying a bottom end from the dealer. Won't save me any money but at least I'll have a warrantee. But then if I'm going to spend the money, why not build a stronger bottom end? I'm so confused.




Modified by RRRex at 2:49 AM 12/15/2003

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RRRex &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So I blew up my R motor and now am debating whether to just replace it with a JDM motor or having a race motor built. It will be going into a street-legal, but race-only track car - not daily driven. The thing is I can buy 2 JDM motors for the price of one properly built race motor. Just wonder if it's worth the extra money. I'm leaning towards staying stock, since this just a hobby for me. Do you get more life out of a race motor, or just more power? What would you do?</TD></TR></TABLE>

why did your motor blow up? what went wrong with the motor and what was the cause?

 

Just years of abuse. Have yet to take it apart, but had ring issues and low compression for most of this season (180). Did my best to compensate with thicker oil and conservative tuning and octaine boosting 94 fuel but eventually it just gave up and rod 3 went through the block. If I had to guess I'd say spun bearing but that's just theory till I take it apart.

 

Do JDM motors typically make as much power as USDM motors even though our fuel has lower octane ratings? ( I probably could have worded that better, but hell, I'm still on the Oxycodone )

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RRRex &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Just years of abuse. Have yet to take it apart, but had ring issues and low compression for most of this season (180). Did my best to compensate with thicker oil and conservative tuning and octaine boosting 94 fuel but eventually it just gave up and rod 3 went through the block. If I had to guess I'd say spun bearing but that's just theory till I take it apart.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i see, in that case build bottom end, thats what i'm doing, although i'm only doing pistons/rods and don't plan to push past 275whp. but i'm not saying that going through 2 integra motors isn't a bad deal, all depends on what type of luck you had with your current motor, and if you need something more than stock.

 

I'm pretty sure the JDM motors make more power because the pistons have a bigger dome on them increasing compression to 11 to 1. Everything else I believe is the same.

What are you doing to the bottom end to make 275hp? Is that through boost or NA?

 

boost of course.. stock sleeves with forged pistons rods.

 

dont think that because the motor is from japan it wasnt from a wrecked car or driven hard... if you can find a usdm motor you wont have to pay all of the shipping/customs fees that you end up getting stuck with. if your head is fine why not just get a new block?

 

That's true about the motors. ITRs are all beat on. Tempted to buy a B20 - who beats on a CRV? But can't because I've fallen in love with B18C5 Vtec. Suck a beautiful sound.

I'd need to buy a whole new bottom end. When a rod goes through the block I think the crank is done. There's only 3 pistons left, but they're roughly in the same shape as the broken, just they didn't break. Wouldn't try to reuse the oil pump either or the timing belt. By the time I add up all the parts I'm back in JDM ITR land in terms of price. Plus, I'll have a parts motor in the garage which can be quite handy. And I think Honda can put together an engine better the I can - or any local speed shop.

Is the only way to tell if a motor is good by bench compressing it?

 

Get two b18c-R instead of one built motor.

With good bolt ons the stock engine is very capable and there`s only a replacement engine if one gives up..