B20B + B16A = CRVtec... What are the pros and cons??
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Sydney, NSW, Australia
B20B + B16A = CRVtec... What are the pros and cons??
OK kind of a newbie on this but after putting up with with my stock 1996 Civic VTi Sedan. I need an upgrade. Was thinking of a H22A, too heavy and not enough for my liking performance wise. Considering a B18C...but stumbled on this B20b block and a B16A head. Sounds quite promising. Those who have done this whats the advantage and disadvantages? Its either slapping in th B18C, which is quite rare...specially here down under...but its one full engine or mix and match for this 2L Vtec'd goodness?? What potential does this conversion haver performance and durability wise?? Wouldnt mind running low 13's - low 14s for a 4 door sedan!! *hhhmmmmmmmmm*
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From: Central/North, NJ, USA
Re: B20B + B16A = CRVtec... What are the pros and cons?? (SXY_15H)
whats up?...Welcome to Honda-tech...As for the pros and cons, there is much to read in this forum...you may want to try a search first....let us know how it goes...
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Re: B20B + B16A = CRVtec... What are the pros and cons?? (SXY_15H)
Well, here is how I look at it. I am sure MANY people will come in here saying I am full of ****, but here it goes.
The B20 was NOT made with performance in mind. Sure, its an ok engine, but Honda never intended it for high rpm, high output use. The rod/stroke ratio on this engine is poor so it will destroy itself at high rpms. Of course, people always say "Just don't rag on it 24/7 and your fine"... But to me, whats the point of having this engine if you can't "use it and abuse it"? With that in mind, sure it will make some nice power, but it will die a painfull death eventually from the stress that 8,000+rpms brings it. Will it last a few years? Probably... But it will never be as reliable as a B18C, B16A, etc.
Oh, and btw... Its not going to net you low 13's without some SERIOUS work.
The B20 was NOT made with performance in mind. Sure, its an ok engine, but Honda never intended it for high rpm, high output use. The rod/stroke ratio on this engine is poor so it will destroy itself at high rpms. Of course, people always say "Just don't rag on it 24/7 and your fine"... But to me, whats the point of having this engine if you can't "use it and abuse it"? With that in mind, sure it will make some nice power, but it will die a painfull death eventually from the stress that 8,000+rpms brings it. Will it last a few years? Probably... But it will never be as reliable as a B18C, B16A, etc.
Oh, and btw... Its not going to net you low 13's without some SERIOUS work.
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Re: B20B + B16A = CRVtec... What are the pros and cons?? (Hybrid93Eg)
thats crap....one of my buddies has a b20 non vtec in his hatch and ran mid to low 13's....and ran mid to high 12's on slicks.
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From: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Re: B20B + B16A = CRVtec... What are the pros and cons?? (Hybrid93Eg)
Hybrid93Eg..
Yeh Ive heard about problems when it comes to a lotta hard rev driving. Suppose once you get it done and the mod-bug hits ya ya wanna do more. Once i get it done i know for a fact its not goin to be fit for hard driving just yet. Just like any stock engine. You still wanna improve that ish namseng!! Seen some worked N/a. And even heard about some crazy kient frm Melb. slapping on a turbo with his CRVtec.
As for the lovely B18C. Its slightly higher price than the CRVTec conversion. It is do-able. But since im stuck here down under. Its dayum rare to find. But still ya gotta take one step at a time right. For now my aim is for burning ur usual turbo's while waiting for the traffic lights to turn green. Just enough to turn heads. Then of course, next step would be prepping for the 1/4 miles.
Ok umm i heard frm another dude up in here about 're-sleeving' the bores due to not withstanding such high compression. *Another newbie question* Please explain hehehe...I must feed myself with these technicalities. hehehhe...
Oh yeah...LOW 13's... like Martin Luther King....I HAVE A DREAM!! heheh
Yeh Ive heard about problems when it comes to a lotta hard rev driving. Suppose once you get it done and the mod-bug hits ya ya wanna do more. Once i get it done i know for a fact its not goin to be fit for hard driving just yet. Just like any stock engine. You still wanna improve that ish namseng!! Seen some worked N/a. And even heard about some crazy kient frm Melb. slapping on a turbo with his CRVtec.
As for the lovely B18C. Its slightly higher price than the CRVTec conversion. It is do-able. But since im stuck here down under. Its dayum rare to find. But still ya gotta take one step at a time right. For now my aim is for burning ur usual turbo's while waiting for the traffic lights to turn green. Just enough to turn heads. Then of course, next step would be prepping for the 1/4 miles.
Ok umm i heard frm another dude up in here about 're-sleeving' the bores due to not withstanding such high compression. *Another newbie question* Please explain hehehe...I must feed myself with these technicalities. hehehhe...
Oh yeah...LOW 13's... like Martin Luther King....I HAVE A DREAM!! heheh
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2004
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From: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Re: B20B + B16A = CRVtec... What are the pros and cons?? (B18PoweredCivic)
B18PoweredCivic...
Thanks dude. I shall search my heart out hehehe...
BTW B18C in ur civic?? Dayumz thats my back up. But suppose got into the idea of CRVTec'ing my ride coz its kinda different frm the norm. Only 2 things plague my ideas...
1. CRVTec is it really worth it(of course with a lotta TLC) and how dependable??
2. B18C is dayum hard to find in my country!! our streets are full of beer guzzling V8's...Nuffin but FORDs and HOLDENs (GM)...bloody Aussies!!
The price diff... B20Bblock+B16Ahead = $6800 B18C=$7500
Thanks dude. I shall search my heart out hehehe...
BTW B18C in ur civic?? Dayumz thats my back up. But suppose got into the idea of CRVTec'ing my ride coz its kinda different frm the norm. Only 2 things plague my ideas...
1. CRVTec is it really worth it(of course with a lotta TLC) and how dependable??
2. B18C is dayum hard to find in my country!! our streets are full of beer guzzling V8's...Nuffin but FORDs and HOLDENs (GM)...bloody Aussies!!
The price diff... B20Bblock+B16Ahead = $6800 B18C=$7500
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From: tha East Coast
Re: B20B + B16A = CRVtec... What are the pros and cons?? (Hybrid93Eg)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Hybrid93Eg »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Well, here is how I look at it. I am sure MANY people will come in here saying I am full of ****, but here it goes.
The B20 was NOT made with performance in mind. Sure, its an ok engine, but Honda never intended it for high rpm, high output use. The rod/stroke ratio on this engine is poor so it will destroy itself at high rpms. Of course, people always say "Just don't rag on it 24/7 and your fine"... But to me, whats the point of having this engine if you can't "use it and abuse it"? With that in mind, sure it will make some nice power, but it will die a painfull death eventually from the stress that 8,000+rpms brings it. Will it last a few years? Probably... But it will never be as reliable as a B18C, B16A, etc.
Oh, and btw... Its not going to net you low 13's without some SERIOUS work.</TD></TR></TABLE>
many have done it before, I'm sure he can also be one of them.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SXY_15H »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hybrid93Eg..
Oh yeah...LOW 13's... like Martin Luther King....I HAVE A DREAM!! heheh</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thats how people get where they are in life, Go for it. I'm sure you'll make it. Put it on your goal list.
The B20 was NOT made with performance in mind. Sure, its an ok engine, but Honda never intended it for high rpm, high output use. The rod/stroke ratio on this engine is poor so it will destroy itself at high rpms. Of course, people always say "Just don't rag on it 24/7 and your fine"... But to me, whats the point of having this engine if you can't "use it and abuse it"? With that in mind, sure it will make some nice power, but it will die a painfull death eventually from the stress that 8,000+rpms brings it. Will it last a few years? Probably... But it will never be as reliable as a B18C, B16A, etc.
Oh, and btw... Its not going to net you low 13's without some SERIOUS work.</TD></TR></TABLE>
many have done it before, I'm sure he can also be one of them.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SXY_15H »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hybrid93Eg..
Oh yeah...LOW 13's... like Martin Luther King....I HAVE A DREAM!! heheh</TD></TR></TABLE>
Thats how people get where they are in life, Go for it. I'm sure you'll make it. Put it on your goal list.
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From: cerritos, ca, usa
unless you plan on resleeving the crv block, i wouldn't put my chips on that bet....as stated before, the crv was not meant for revs nor was it meant to be abused the way a vtec motor is driven.... my advice would be to plop down some cash and buy an itr setup..... yes it is a lot of money and yes you can build an ls/vtec for cheaper that makes good power as well, but the reliability of an itr motor is unbeateable... all you gotta do is change the cams and sprockets, the header and some fuel management and you should be silky smooth! no tearing into the block, no resleeving, nothing.... unless you want to....but take it from someon who's been through many, many headaches....hope this helps...
just my 2 cents....
just my 2 cents....
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From: USA
Re: B20B + B16A = CRVtec... What are the pros and cons?? (SXY_15H)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SXY_15H »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
2. B18C is dayum hard to find in my country!! our streets are full of beer guzzling V8's...Nuffin but FORDs and HOLDENs (GM)...bloody Aussies!!
</TD></TR></TABLE>
But boy do I enjoy watching the Ford Falcons and Holden Monaros (sp?) go at it on track when "Speed" runs the Australian V8 Touring Cars series!
THAT's what NASSCAR should be about, actual production based cars... Oh, wait, it did back in the 50's, 60's, 70's and early 80's.
Anthony "Mario" Crea
2. B18C is dayum hard to find in my country!! our streets are full of beer guzzling V8's...Nuffin but FORDs and HOLDENs (GM)...bloody Aussies!!
</TD></TR></TABLE>
But boy do I enjoy watching the Ford Falcons and Holden Monaros (sp?) go at it on track when "Speed" runs the Australian V8 Touring Cars series!
THAT's what NASSCAR should be about, actual production based cars... Oh, wait, it did back in the 50's, 60's, 70's and early 80's.
Anthony "Mario" Crea
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From: Southern cali or boston
Re: B20B + B16A = CRVtec... What are the pros and cons?? (honda93)
everyone has their own opinion on b20vtec
No, a b20 vtec will not be as relaible as a GSR.
Mind you a GSR will last 150k+ miles
So, if b20vtec lasts 100k miles, is it a bad choice?
Anyway, everyone says it wont last as long.. but it is impossible to define how long each one will last.
B20vtec has much more potential due to the bigger displacement.
No, a b20 vtec will not be as relaible as a GSR.
Mind you a GSR will last 150k+ miles
So, if b20vtec lasts 100k miles, is it a bad choice?
Anyway, everyone says it wont last as long.. but it is impossible to define how long each one will last.
B20vtec has much more potential due to the bigger displacement.
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Re: B20B + B16A = CRVtec... What are the pros and cons?? (irev210)
Someone should add the stroke basics of a motor to a faq 
a b20 obtains some of its displacement by using a larger stroke than a gsr engine for example. The stroke is the distance the piston travels inside the cylinder. If the engine makes one rotation with a larger stroke, it covers more ground, and thus has to move faster. So for each rotation of a large-stroke motor, the piston must travel faster than a similar motor at the same rpm with a small stroke. This creates a huge problem in taking the motor up high into the rpm range. You will get more power down low, more torque, and a different powerband. Some people prefer to rev thier motor up to 10k and beyond, but power is power no matter where you make it.
Of course displacement is displacement, and it is hard to argue how x amouint of fuel and air will make more booom when ignited than x+y amount of fuel and air. (of course assuming y is a posotive number ;-)) A B20vtec will last just as long as a stock b20 if you rev it to the crv redline. i dont know what that is, i'm pretty confident in a 7500-8000rpm redline for the b20 crank? i'm not sure, but ifd you keep the rpm's low you keep piston speed low.
More on the piston speed, well pistons are the bad part of our motors, they not only have to endure extrememly harsh envireroments all the time, they have to reach supersonic speeds? stop, then move in the opposite direction at the same speed. This not only puts huge stress on the piston itslef, it puts lots of stress on the rod (the big bolt type thing that conects thep istons to the crank). The rod will want to just snap when the piston is trying to accelerate. The piston will not want to travel directly down, and will heat up to an even greater degree (s) hahaha as the engine spins faster. friction. The metal will adventually give.
So... to recap. Any motor will last forever if its got the right amount of air and fuel and its not being stressed. IE you dont drive hard, your motor wont blow. B20 blocks rock, they make awsome power, but you have to respect the idea of gaining displacement by increacing your stroke. It aint a b16 no more!!!
a b20 obtains some of its displacement by using a larger stroke than a gsr engine for example. The stroke is the distance the piston travels inside the cylinder. If the engine makes one rotation with a larger stroke, it covers more ground, and thus has to move faster. So for each rotation of a large-stroke motor, the piston must travel faster than a similar motor at the same rpm with a small stroke. This creates a huge problem in taking the motor up high into the rpm range. You will get more power down low, more torque, and a different powerband. Some people prefer to rev thier motor up to 10k and beyond, but power is power no matter where you make it.
Of course displacement is displacement, and it is hard to argue how x amouint of fuel and air will make more booom when ignited than x+y amount of fuel and air. (of course assuming y is a posotive number ;-)) A B20vtec will last just as long as a stock b20 if you rev it to the crv redline. i dont know what that is, i'm pretty confident in a 7500-8000rpm redline for the b20 crank? i'm not sure, but ifd you keep the rpm's low you keep piston speed low.
More on the piston speed, well pistons are the bad part of our motors, they not only have to endure extrememly harsh envireroments all the time, they have to reach supersonic speeds? stop, then move in the opposite direction at the same speed. This not only puts huge stress on the piston itslef, it puts lots of stress on the rod (the big bolt type thing that conects thep istons to the crank). The rod will want to just snap when the piston is trying to accelerate. The piston will not want to travel directly down, and will heat up to an even greater degree (s) hahaha as the engine spins faster. friction. The metal will adventually give.
So... to recap. Any motor will last forever if its got the right amount of air and fuel and its not being stressed. IE you dont drive hard, your motor wont blow. B20 blocks rock, they make awsome power, but you have to respect the idea of gaining displacement by increacing your stroke. It aint a b16 no more!!!
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From: southern california
Re: B20B + B16A = CRVtec... What are the pros and cons?? (please.laugh)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by self.one »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">unless you plan on resleeving the crv block, i wouldn't put my chips on that bet....as stated before, the crv was not meant for revs nor was it meant to be abused the way a vtec motor is driven.... my advice would be to plop down some cash and buy an itr setup..... yes it is a lot of money and yes you can build an ls/vtec for cheaper that makes good power as well, but the reliability of an itr motor is unbeateable... all you gotta do is change the cams and sprockets, the header and some fuel management and you should be silky smooth! no tearing into the block, no resleeving, nothing.... unless you want to....but take it from someon who's been through many, many headaches....hope this helps...
just my 2 cents....</TD></TR></TABLE>
why buy the ITR (wast of money)just get a GSR and build it as far as the b20vtec will last if built right and it is relaible so don't believe the hype. No your motor wont last if you beat on it all the time so go b20vtec get it built right the first time so you don't have to keep spending money on it and good luck
just my 2 cents....</TD></TR></TABLE>
why buy the ITR (wast of money)just get a GSR and build it as far as the b20vtec will last if built right and it is relaible so don't believe the hype. No your motor wont last if you beat on it all the time so go b20vtec get it built right the first time so you don't have to keep spending money on it and good luck
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Sydney, NSW, Australia
yeah b20 is ok as long as you do it properly ie: resleeve it n get good valvetrain etc etc...and ofcourse tuning...and you'll be hitting 13s fo sure...good luck with the build chris...
by the way hows ur frens lude with the stock b20/b16 goin ??
by the way hows ur frens lude with the stock b20/b16 goin ??
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From: Southern cali or boston
Re: (OLM-02R)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by OLM-02R »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">yeah b20 is ok as long as you do it properly ie: resleeve it n get good valvetrain etc etc...and ofcourse tuning...and you'll be hitting 13s fo sure...good luck with the build chris...
by the way hows ur frens lude with the stock b20/b16 goin ??</TD></TR></TABLE>
if your not going turbo, i dont see any reason to get your b20 sleeved.
by the way hows ur frens lude with the stock b20/b16 goin ??</TD></TR></TABLE>
if your not going turbo, i dont see any reason to get your b20 sleeved.
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Re: (irev210)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by irev210 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
if your not going turbo, i dont see any reason to get your b20 sleeved.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
for the peace of mind dud...specially if he wants it to rev 8-9K rpm...
one of my fren cracked one of his sleeve when he revved it around 9k rpm...
if your not going turbo, i dont see any reason to get your b20 sleeved.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
for the peace of mind dud...specially if he wants it to rev 8-9K rpm...
one of my fren cracked one of his sleeve when he revved it around 9k rpm...
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From: Reno, NV, united states of america
Re: (irev210)
there are so many pro's and cons about building any motor...Remember if it is done right and TUNED, you should have no problem seeing high mileage on this motor.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Hybrid93Eg »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">"Just don't rag on it 24/7 and your fine"... But to me, whats the point of having this engine if you can't "use it and abuse it"? .</TD></TR></TABLE>
this is a good point, BUT if it is a daily driver, You are not beating up on it all the time, unless your one of those people who races EVERYwhere that you go..
all in all any modified motor will eventually have issues
its just a matter of how much you are willing to spend and if you are going to do it right..
Personally apart from K motors, the B20/VTEC in my opinion is one of the best street motors...
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Hybrid93Eg »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">"Just don't rag on it 24/7 and your fine"... But to me, whats the point of having this engine if you can't "use it and abuse it"? .</TD></TR></TABLE>
this is a good point, BUT if it is a daily driver, You are not beating up on it all the time, unless your one of those people who races EVERYwhere that you go..
all in all any modified motor will eventually have issues
its just a matter of how much you are willing to spend and if you are going to do it right..
Personally apart from K motors, the B20/VTEC in my opinion is one of the best street motors...
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Mad City, WI
Re: (mEr)
I agree w/ irev210, u shouldn't have to resleeve if you're not boosting. as far as the ability to rev into the glory range of vtec heads... there are many ways to get around that, a block girdle for example would help, heck even the standard balanced and rotated rotating assembly would help. This is "the" setup when done right. some ppl can beat the **** out of their stock on stock b20vtec and never run into any probs. I wouldn't take that chance though, go w/ a standard all-motor bottom end build up... add the girdle from b16's/b18c's, maybe some oil squirters, etc... don't be stupid when driving on the streets... and you should be ok.
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