I have a 91 integra ls w/ a b18a engine, i got the 97 itr pistons to put in to raise my compression ratio.
1.) quick question for anyone out there who has done this or knows of the change over. is milling 1mm off the top sides (small end) of the rods (stock) nessecary?

2.) will the stock ls rods hold ~ 180 hp (i need the car as a daily driver for now so i wants the future mods to be basic and inexpensive. i have already invested about 1500 is engine parts and head prep alone. and yeah i know i could of brought another one for that price but i wanted the experience of building my own, any advice would be greatly appreciated)

3.) my target hp is about 180 - 200, can i do this w/o a turbo?

4.)what kind of hp and torque should i expect w the following setup:
-ls head ported and polished, w/ stainless steel valves and high compresion rate springs
-'97 itr pistons
-dc 421 header
-dc-catback exhaust
-msd ignition system
-aem cold air intake

 

I am not sure of the small end rod width on B18a engines, but when I put ITR pistons on the B18b LS/VTEC that I built, the small ends did need machining to fit. The stock rods should be fine with 180-200 whp, but invest in ARP rod bolts. Be prepared to spend some serious money to reach your horsepower goals. And cams should be on your wish list as well.

 

The easiest way to get around your goal horsepower would be to bore ur block 2.5mm over get oversized P30's or PCT's, and slap on a VTEC head with a CTR intake cam... That power should come pretty easy.... The non-VTEC head even when port/polished is never going to be able to make the power of a VTEC head. Over that get a PR3 or PW0 ECU with a VAFC and some 310cc injectors. With a little tuning i would have no doubt of 190 to 200whp.