I have a EK Coupe w/ an Ls-vtec but recently its started knocking so i need some advice. This is my dd so i need to get it back on the road asap. I'm thinking about buying a b20 for the mean time and swapping it myself. I'm by know mean a mechanic but i'm pretty sure i can handle swapping the complete motor but my question is...How much harder will it be if i decide to pull my vtec head off the LS and put it on the B20? Keep in mind the most i've done mechanically is install coilovers. I do have a friend thats helping me and he knows a little more then me but not much. Thanks

 

Hi b20z or b20b (1999+) has the higher output hp compared to the previous years b20b.<br />However the head swap requires full engine rebuild, use special tools and few custom made parts. As well expert skill level.<br />Look for Frankenstein build B block posts.<br />Some of the threads have also the parts you will need for the build.<br />Acquire the bits is the easy part.<br />​​​​​making it work together is the hard one.<br />My self planing on b20z with B18C4 (c1) head, but stuck with ECU and map to run the engine after is assembled. I Don't trust the tuners around. So on hold now.<br /><br />about the b20z <br />It is a direct bolt on, using the matching ECU and harness (&#128273 with immobilizer.<br />On your chassis you gonna love the xtra torque.<br />Despite everyone looks for extra ponies, torque is what moves the car forward, so on the big B has overall increase in torque, and is more linear in all revs. you will loose some top speed, as it cuts a bit sooner. I personally don't like the entire intake set up, but that's me.<br />Unless you are aiming drag race once in a while.<br />The VTEC head, has better flow and would give overall increase in performance, but needs proper instalation, ECU managment has no stock options and tune, bottom end oil line add ons, and many other small bits that in average can cost more than the top and bottom of the engine. <br />​​​​<br />​​​​​hope this helped in your choice.<br />Cheers

 

Thanks a lot that really helps. I think I'm going to just swap the complete motor in for now and worry about the head later. Now being that I have an LS VTEC in there now will I have to do much if any wiring to swap the complete B20 over? Like I said I've never done an engine swap but I'm sick of shops charging an arm and a leg plus with the internet I feel like you can accomplish anything these days.

 

What ECU you run on?
eventually a harness.
b20z has a knock sensor, adding few wires.
vtec is off, ignore few wires, but do not cut as you may need it on later.
if the head has IAB intake, the couple of wires to control it.
basically find the full set
engine
harness, engine bay
harness, dash,
harness, inner chassis
ECU
immobilizer
keys
all electrical components from same CRV or Element, and good to go.
best is find rear end hit Car and just install all over.
​​
Cheers.

 

​​​​​​Sorry,
I am possibly misleading you.
note
all above said is correct only if you have B serie engine in your car and replacing for B.
Integra LS, b18b engine is what you have now?
asking because there was some bolt patterns engine to gearbox not aligning.
me not familiar with, for starters in Europe we never had this engine, or is rare enough to found.