what do i need to build an ls/vtec motor that doesnt blow up, besides the head. i want to build it for turbo and its gonna be a daily driver so im not going to boost like 20lbs. i was thinking of picking up some new pistons, rods and bearings.....anything else i need?
thanks

Most people that do an ls swap just do ls+turbo. Doing ls/vtec isn't quite as turbo-friendly (due to the valve timing and overlap and such), and will lead to a mildly lower improvement from the turbo.

the ls block, rods and pistons are often run at 8psi boost with stock internals. If you do this with an ls/vtec setup, i'd definitely recommend getting adjustable cam gears and tuning it on a dyno, to minimize the boost-loss from valve overlap.

If you want to go above 8psi, new rods and pistons would definitely be good. Depending on how high you want the rpm's to go, it might help to get the crankshaft balanced again for better high-rpm operation.

Fuel will also be a factor, since you're starting with a civic. Putting on a bigger fuel pump, integra fuel line, aftermarket fuel rail, pressure regulator and at LEAST the stock GS-R injectors would definitely help you stay away from lean fuel conditions. While you're at it, you might as well go with slightly larger injectors. The worst that will happen is that their duty cycle will be low, and they'll have room to grow with future mods.

Open up the exhaust. An aftermarket (ITR) exhaust header and 2.5" cat-back would be a very good setup for an ls/vtec+turbo, unless you go above 9000rpms :)

what do i need to build an ls/vtec motor that doesnt blow up

You need MONEY!! and alot of time.:bloated:

yea....i heard people just turbocharge the ls motor.....because you don't really want high revving with turbo rite?.....well....honda motor high revving...like 9000 rpm....and don't you get high compression w/ ls/vtec?....i know you can just swap out the pistons.....but....i think marasmus pretty much summed it upped perfectly......there's this ls/vtec around here running 13:1 compression.....i swear that shit's gonna detonate soon.....unless he's using octane booster or something

crankshaft, piston rings, good valves and a good camshaft

Originally posted by Mugen_R
crankshaft, piston rings, good valves and a good camshaft

camshafts......ls/vtec is dohc configuration..... car might not run to well with only one camshaft....hehe