Ok here's a question...I am planning on swapping a B18 into my CRX and building it to be turbocharged. I want it to be somewhat reliable and I am setting myself on a budget of $10,000 over the next year. Well here's my main question....will an LS motor be as reliable turbo if I go through and replace everything in the bottom end or would a GSR be better? I'm thinking maybe the GSR block would be stronger just due to the fact that it runs a high compression and is more demanding of the motor. I'm wanting to build a turbo CRX...is the GSR motor really worth the extra money. And I'm also not sure about this, but if I'm going turbo...won't I want to get rid of VTEC anyways in favor of a more aggressive cam? Just some ideas that I need a "more informed" person's opinion on.

Ok Here's all my questions laid out easy...

1. Is there any thing better about the GSR block over the LS block (strength wise)?

2. Same reliability w/either engine after both have built bottom end?

3. Remove VTEC on a Turbo car in favor of a more aggressive cam?

4. What compression ration should I look to get down to for a turbo application?

5. Easier to wire?

6. Is GSR motor really worth the price difference?


[Modified by RiceFx306, 8:42 PM 3/25/2003]

 

I've been kinda thinking of some of the same questions lately and here are some of my conclusions from what I've found.

1. The GSR bottom end (mainbearings) is stronger than an LS as the middle three bearings are all connected together. Z10 and a few other places make bolt on pieces that reinforce the LS bottom in very similar ways. GSR blocks have the oil jets which help cool pistons but this is less important when running forged pistons as oposed to cast pistons.

2. How high of a revving motor you looking for? Turbo size and spool time should be considered. GSR motors are designed to handle the revs better from the start but LS motors can be built very similar

3. Non-vtec cams are much cheaper than vtec ones, no vtec to deal with would make tuning more novice friendly I would think.

4. Somewhere in the 9:1 to 10:1 range

5. The couple extra wires associated with the GSR is no big deal

6. I personally would suggest LS for a nice streetable set-up of 250-300 hp, GSR build-up for crazy track hp.

 

I think that since your going turbo the LS engine would be good.

1. The GSR block is better when it comes to revving the engine because its built for it. The LS would be fine.

2. The reliability would be about even when boosting.

3. Its not necessary to remove VTEC when boosting. If you had VTEC the GSR cams or aftermarket turbo cams are a good option.

4. I would use a 9.0:1 CR when boosting.

5. Well if you wouldn't have to run wires needed with VTEC.

6. I *think* since you are going turbo, the LS would be fine if you didn't want to spend the extra money. If it were me I would get the B18C or maybe even the B16 to save some money for the built up.

 

2. Something small and efficient...probably a T3/T4 set up...really want something sized to drag...I only have a little CRX to pull so it shouldn't need a lot of power. Would an 18G Greddy turbo be efficient for what I'm looking for?

6. I think I'll go w/ you're LS reccomendation. Thx a lot man I appreciate it. Time to go find an LS motor...but one more question B20 vs. B18b is it a much more costly road to go B20 is it even a better road?

 

This is going to be basically a street setup. I wanna build a Honda that I can show at the races here in Dallas. Tired all these slow azz Civics out there, when Hondas...in all reality aren't bad cars. I had my MR2 running good out there w/ the V8s, but I'm new to this FWD thing, and have a lot to learn over this upcoming year, and predict a lot of traction and axle problems in the near future. I'll be sure to ask H-T a lot more as I go along.

 

I would recommend the LS over the B20 for turbo. The bigger bore of the B20 leaves the wall thickness between cylinders very thin. Check this post to see a very nice Ls set-up https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=451815