Hey guys as I was researching a swap for my 1991 CRX Si many people suggested a "custom" motor. The b18b block, b16 vtec head, and b16 short geared tranny. As I researched more and put more thought into it, it got me thinking. My thoughts are all over the place but I am wondering if anyone agrees with what I have come up with.

To me I dont think you can take a b18b, put a vtec head on it and a b16 tranny and have the best of both worlds. The modifications seem to cancel each other out and be complete opposites. First, take a stock b18b. Great torque and midrange, not as strong on top as a b16. Ok lets get it to flow better. Put on a b16 head. Sounds good to me but is a b16 head a good choice. Stock redline of a b18b is 7k? Is the b16 head flowing better from 0 - 7k rpm? Is the vtec crossover at the right point? That so far doesnt sound that bad to me im just a little short on the knowledge of how well the b16 head flows compared to the b18. My major concern and the major "flaw" with this engine i feel is the tranny. The stock ls tranny is "long" geared. Which is great. After shifts it puts you right back in the meat of the power but obviously its going to take more power to get the longer gears goin. So put on a shorter b16 tranny. But then when shifting the tranny makes the engine fall higher in the revs were the engine is not making it peak power or using its full potential of the midrange and torque. So the shorter tranny is hurting the performance? would it be better to keep the longer tranny? Im not sure. I know plenty of ls/vtecs making 250 - 350+ hp and running 11's but it doesnt sit right in my mind with how the pieces are put together. What do you think of these combos?

Which engine do you think is the best choice? (i dont know how to make a poll)

1 - stock b18b and tranny
2 - b18b and tranny with vtec head
3 - b18b, vtec head, b16 tranny

 

Option number 3 is basically what i have. It sucks for freeway cruising but the accelleration is great.

 

option 3 with a gsr tranny would be the best bet

 

Option 3 but put the LS 5th gear into your b16 tranny. I did and cruise!

 

how about the option 4 take the pistons from the b16 and upgrade your rod bolts, and then combine that with option 5 dont expect to much out of a basically stock engine. save yourself the future heartache and just get a gsr motor or a type r motor. youll prolly be much happier ony becuz your expectations will be lower. maybe.

 

Yeah, I'm getting a CRX or EF hatch soon and I've been considering similar engine options. The car will be my daily driver, A/C is a MUST, and I want it to be decently economical. I'm considering either B18B LS, DOHC ZC or SOHC ZC VTEC.

 

you will see higher power because of higher compression. any you can rev higher than the stock 7k

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by downeyballz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">you will see higher power because of higher compression. any you can rev higher than the stock 7k </TD></TR></TABLE>