i'm working on getting things together for building up an ls-vtec and had a few questions in order to make sure i'm buying the right parts and not buying anything i do not need. i've built a few 4g63's already but this is my first honda and the open sleeve design and other areas have me curious.

for an engine capable of 500whp is a sleeved block necessary? what are opinions on acomplishing this with a block guard, block posting or filling the block?

is a cometic or similar style head gasket needed at this level? what about arp head studs? is it necessary to o-ring the block?

does anything need to be done to the griddle on the ls block for reinforcement?

is a replacement or performance water pump, timing belt, or oil pump necessary or recomended at these levels?

i belive i saw aftermarket knock sensor kits avalible for this motor. would this be recomended at a certian hp level? i feel alot safer tuning my motor knowing this but is it comonly used on high hp hondas?

i've done some searching on this for the last few days but can't find a solid answer to these questions. thanks in advance for all replys!

 

anything past 450whp i would definately sleeve it, block guard is pretty much not needed when using aftermarket sleeves

oem head gasket will do the job, and take whatever you throw at it, arp studs are necessary to tie it down, o-ringing is just an option, i would prefer the step deck option

stock oem water pump, timing, and oil pump or you can go prodrive