the ls and gsr r/s ratios are so close. why then the mixed opinions on the whole ls/vtec setup?

 

Because the GSR block and internals are designed to spin 8500 RPM all day, the LS isn't. A VTEC head on an LS block doesn't make the any other part of engine ready for high RPM.

 

While a lot of people focus on the r/s ratio, that's really a minor issue.

The blown engines everyone talks about tend to be poorly built. No girdle, no balancing, just flop on a VTEC engine and rev it until they blow it up.

 

gtiger Amen to that

 

And no tuning. Must have good fuel tuning to run those rpm's without detonation.

 

ok. so if i were to balance the bottom end,shot peen the rods,use arp rod bolts&head studs,pr3 pistons and install a block girdle-would i be ok?

 

Yeah its not really a big deal. Some guy wrote a big article on it a while back and its hosted on one of the big honda sites, i forgot which, but he imo really made this into the big deal that its really not, today. I'll see if i can find it. like someone else said would blame the problems on poorly buily ls/vtec or reving 8k+ on a stock ls bottom end.