i hope this is the right asection for this!
i just ordered a set of 84.5 maule pistons and eagle rods for a b20/vtec im building up, ive done some searching here at h-t and there are very few threads on the subject. what i would like to know is if you are running a block gaurd in your b20/vtec or ls/vtec setup. i am thinking that it is a worth while investment from what ive read about it so far. the engine will be boosted and id like to hit 300-350whp with it. it seems like a 50/50 split on people who think its needed but id only like to do this once so any imput is welcome.

 

i looked up the same thing for a build im considering. I say do it, its just peace of mind to know that its there.....it may not be needed per say, but if your putting that much work into the motor whats another couple bucks....or hundred lol.

 

it wont hurt!!

 

I have to be honest im getting a little nervous about the whole project I figured the extra displacement would be nice but from what I have read its maybe not what im looking to get into. the reason for the rods and pistons is for extra strength and a little piece of mind that the thing will take some abuse. I spent a good deal of time reading threads all over the net and Ive found people running 215whp and busting cylinder walls not very promising i say. i looked into a block gaurd and i was wondering anyone knows if they are pressed in or does it fit and then get welded in to place?

 

its a go! found a guy local to me (toronto) who makes his own block gaurds and c&c's the block for a near exact fit. its Gord Bush Performance in mississauga if any one cares. he assured me id have no issues as he has lots of experience and a ton for knowledge. i think this is a better way to go then a prebuilt or bought unit. and the price aint to steep either.

 

i have a ls/vtec and my brother has a b20/vtec neither have a blockguard and he cracked his cylinder 3 wall while he was rolling at about 150.. so i would consider doing it if you are going to boost and are planning to be in the higher hp...its just must more reasurance if you have it

 

im trying to figure exactly what causes the b20 sleeves to crack. I know the sleeves are thinner, but there has to more to it that that. some one told be its because they are made of a harder metal than the other b series sleeves. Another person said it was from shock (detenation) that causes them to break. Ive seen a 50/50 split of cars with and with out breakage is it poor engine builds? poor tuning? whats your take on it let me know.

 

I have a B20 vtec I built this spring , Wiesco pistons 2cc dome 84.50 mm bore , BDL block gaurd , B16 head running on 91 octane. it has seen about 100 dyno runs to 9000-9300 testing cams & intake manifolds. has had about 25 runs at the 1/4 mile still runs awsome , no oil consumption. i run the Endyn breather kit. i was nervous at first when i read about the sleeves cracking etc, I daily drive mine about 5 months per year

the B20 vtec is alot of fun , I had a built B18C1 in before that with 189whp
the B20 with myself tunning with Uberdata has made 230/150 on a Dynojet SAE

 

thats great to hear but im planning to boost this and its a little more harsh on the block than n/a's are. thanks for the responce though seems like everyone either knows nothing about it or wont share what they know.

 

ya boost will defintly put more psi on the block, I would deffintly run a block gaurd. it also helps for better ring sealing by keeping the cylinders from flexing out of round under high rpm & boost