What Engine?

yes, I know this question is asked thousands of times, but this is isn't just "Hey I just got a 91 civic and want to do an engine swap". I want some of you guys/girls opinions between a couple of engines.

Alright, I'm stuck between these engines, B18B, LS/Vtec, B20, CRV/Vtec. I am planning on putting a turbo on it, so I don't know how the vtec will work with that. I heard its bad to have a turbo on a Vtec, unless you time your turbo right. And also, I'm not just planning on going in a straight line, I love turns. The suspension will be getting beefed up with all this as well.

So tell me what you guys think.

I say you do a B18B and some suspension work, roll around like that for a while, and then later turbo that ... its what I would do. 'Marc-os' is running a similar setup with his crx.

Well if you want to be able to turn at high speeds I'd suggest none of the above. I know people are gonna say it's unorigional and point out the fact that theres only like 150-200lbs difference(if that) between a B18 and a B16, but either way, weight is weight and civics already have way to much up front.

I would suggest a B16 with a small turbo, if you want to run auto-X or just touge then you don't want a whole lot of power. 250HP is plenty in a light weight civic. Also you don't want to have to worry about turbo lag, not because it would slow you down but because it would complicate driving if you were using a very high output turbo system because it could jar the car mid-turn.

So, if your not looking for just straight line performance then use a small light weight engine. Either a B16 or B18. Hell, even a SOHC D16 with a turbo would work well.

Also, if your gonna be driving enthusiastically and doing suspension work, then i suggest you check out the books I mentioned in thie thread:

Here (http://139.81.142.25/vbulletin/t80882.html)

Hope this helps.

Originally posted by Melt
I say you do a B18B and some suspension work, roll around like that for a while, and then later turbo that ... its what I would do. 'Marc-os' is running a similar setup with his crx.


I thought Marc had a b16???

Originally posted by Melt
I say you do a B18B and some suspension work, roll around like that for a while, and then later turbo that ... its what I would do. 'Marc-os' is running a similar setup with his crx.

Actually, I switched to a b16 instead because I couldn't find a good cheap b18.

Anyway, out of the options I would definetely pick up the b18 non-vtec so you wouldn't have to worry about managing boost and vtec. Plus as CaptynCrunch mentioned, the weight difference can mean a lot in the corners. Also, with the LSVTEC and CRVTEC there is some machine work like drilling the oil lines, that could be trouble if done wrong, and those setups usually don't last as long as a stock vtec engines.

Alright, thanks guys. So far looks like its going to be the B18. I would go B16, but everyone has a B16 in their 4G. Just one of those things where I want to do something that is played out so bad...but maybe once I do some more looking into it, the B16 might get a chance.

Captyncrunch, thanks for the names of the books, I have been wanting to know what books I should get to learn more about all this stuff for a long time. Just gotta get some spare money up.

Keep the thoughts coming.

Hey Mods!!! Can I get a option for B16b thrown on this poll?

Originally posted by Theodditie
Hey Mods!!! Can I get a option for B16b thrown on this poll? i hope you meant the ctr engine. :)

works for me...right now im looking for opinions, and their through up the B16, so it works for me.

B18c1 is probably my favorite motor, I'd go with the b20b out of the top motors, ok The B16A and the B18B, share the same block with with the engine's overall width of 601 mm. The B18B's 1834-cc capacity was obtained by stroking the B16A to 89 mm. Now the b20b utilizes consecutive liner construction, "quad-sequential sleeve block." the distance between the inner walls of the adjoining cylinders, are reduced to 6 mm from the separate lines' 9 mm of the b18b, while retaining the same bore pitch. This enables the b20b an addition of 3 mm to the bore of 84 mm which, combined with the B18B's 89 mm stroke increases the engine's cubic capacity to 1972 cc. The b20b is also one of the lightest for its displacement. Oh and the b18b and the b16a are not heavy motor's. I saw some very questionable weight ratio's above. hope I helped out odditie.
:)

The B18A/B cannot be based off a bored B16A block, the B18 non-VTEC has been around since the 1986 Accord GXL-S, where it was carbed and made 130 HP.

Originally posted by diegoaccord
The B18A/B cannot be based off a bored B16A block, the B18 non-VTEC has been around since the 1986 Accord GXL-S, where it was carbed and made 130 HP.
DA6 Honda Integra RSi/XSi with the first B16A was first introduced by Honda in April 1989. the first 1.8L engined Integra was introduced in 91 a DOHC (non-VTEC) B18B which was used in the integra ESi. I assume he's talking about a 3rd generation integra motor anyway, and yes it can be and it is.

CTR engine is not even worth buying. Why spend near 5g's when theres a cheaper way of doin it? Like me for an example...well my friend bought a type r block now he doesnt need it anymore. Since i already have a b16 i'm just gonna mate my head with the type r block. Just as good as the whole swap maybe a bit higher compression since the deck is different from itr head. Anyways i know alot of ppl have a b16 in there cars. I'd say it doesn't matter what u have what matters is what u've done with it! IF you want a ctr motor go with b16a and throw in ctr pistons and get some ctr cams along with the whole valve train. MUCH CHEAPER and just as good. Now for b20..i'd go for that cause they're pretty cheap motors and i believe they are one of the strongest honda motors out there. Get that and slap the turbo on there with fuel upgrade and a lil tuning will help. Then you're set. :)

Originally posted by hybridsol
Oh and the b18b and the b16a are not heavy motor's.
:)

I agree! Same goes with gsr motors.

Very true Hybrid, none of these engines are technically heavy at all, especially compared to most other engines.

BUT, they are heavier than each other, which does make a difference :)

Any chance you, or anyone really, could point me in the direction of some exact weights? or if possible full spec sheets?

Either way, the point I'm really trying to emphasize is that civics, being FWD are nose heavy as it is and this is a bad thing, just like being ass heavy is a bad thing for handling. So, anything you can do to make the front a bit lighter would help for Auto-X and just handling in general. There's nothign worse than a car that plows, and theres no easier way to make a car plow than to overload the front, except maybe putting lunch trays on the front wheels...:D

Either way though, which ever engine you choose the weight distrubution problem can be allieviated through some proper suspension tuning :)

Man strap ur dog or ur sibilings on your front hood and go cornering with them on it. Come back and tell us if u feel the difference. I bet you can't tell. SO its just like the swap. Its not much of a difference. Yes the turning might change a lil but it doesn't hurt at all. If you worrying about the weight. Relocate ur battery to the back and get c/f hood. I'd also recommend getting gsr front brakes for that extra stopping power. Trust me theres not that much difference between the motors. You can't even tell actually.

Thanks Hybrid...now that is going to take me a week to figure out, but I'm sure once I find out what all the means, it will come in handy.

:hehe: Nice way of putting that mellowboy. Yes, the car is going to be getting a CF hood, a brake upgrade, and definitely beefing up of the suspension.

Mellowboy: I have heard that about type r motors in general, about just getting the base engine and either putting type r or better internals in it, instead of paying the extra for them being in it already.

Thanks everyone for the advice, keep it coming, because how this looks, I'm sure several other people could use the info you guys are giving out here.

Actually I've read many places B16 18 and 20 all weigh about the same and are the same size.

alright, right now I know where I can get a complete B18A1 setup for 500 bucks. This includes engine, tranny, ecu, wire harness, and drive axles...well the last 2 I don't remember for sure if he said or not, but I think he did. What do you guys think about that? The engine is missing a few parts such as the dizzy and a few extra things, but the bulk of it is there. If I get it, it will completely rebuilt before it goes into my car. My only conflict with this is...I'M BROKE RIGHT NOW!!!!!....so it make take me awhile before I could get it.

Originally posted by FourthGenHatch
Actually I've read many places B16 18 and 20 all weigh about the same and are the same size.

Well in that case, forget what i said earlier :D

If they weigh the same I'd go with the B18, all around good engine.

b16a- 309-113 lbs
b18b- 326 lbs
b20b- 318 lbs

not that much difference in weight.

DA6 Honda Integra RSi/XSi with the first B16A was first introduced by Honda in April 1989. the first 1.8L engined Integra was introduced in 91 a DOHC (non-VTEC) B18B which was used in the integra ESi. I assume he's talking about a 3rd generation integra motor anyway, and yes it can be and it is.

Not tryin to prove you wrong sol but we have a 1990 rs sedan with an LS block which is b18b right? It's actually a september of 89 production date but september is when a car is officially considered a next year's model, so it's a 90.

BTW he's right, they are the same block, there's no difference in size when you take the two out and put em side by side.

Originally posted by red4thgencivic


Not tryin to prove you wrong sol but we have a 1990 rs sedan with an LS block which is b18b right? It's actually a september of 89 production date but september is when a car is officially considered a next year's model, so it's a 90.

BTW he's right, they are the same block, there's no difference in size when you take the two out and put em side by side.

That is a B18A, not B18B. The B18A was in those model tegs, and the B18B was in the 94-2000.

Originally posted by Theodditie
alright, right now I know where I can get a complete B18A1 setup for 500 bucks. Do it that is a prettygood deal..you should find out the miles on it though!

Yea, I don't know how many miles are on it. But it shouldn't matter since it is going to be completely rebuilt, should it?

Originally posted by red4thgencivic


Not tryin to prove you wrong sol but we have a 1990 rs sedan with an LS block which is b18b right? It's actually a september of 89 production date but september is when a car is officially considered a next year's model, so it's a 90.

BTW he's right, they are the same block, there's no difference in size when you take the two out and put em side by side.
Official JDM Honda Integra catalog.
91-93 Integra ESi
DB1
B18B
weight, tire size, length- ect. in this section. (via- stuff I don't feel like typing)
Capacity(cc) 1834
Bore X Stroke(mm) 81.0 X 89.0
CR 9.2
Specification: 16V DOHC PGM-Fi
Max Power(ps/rpm)
manual/(auto) 140/6300
Max Torque(kgm/rpm)
manual/(auto) 17.4/5000
(also gives gear ratio's)
Gear MT/AT. 1-5 and reverse

Your motor is a B18A :)

Originally posted by hybridsol


Your motor is a B18A :)

woops it seems the odditie has beat me to it, (should have scrolled down more) :D

Originally posted by Theodditie
Yea, I don't know how many miles are on it. But it shouldn't matter since it is going to be completely rebuilt, should it?
not really, (are you blueprinting?) just make shure you hot tub the block/dishwasher. If you going for a rebuild, why not just buy a blown motor? Your going to find them for much less than a high mileage motor.

What... no option for the LS1 V8? :huh:

what kinda list is this? :D


Its all about the B18C5... it OWNZ JOO...


:hehehe:

Originally posted by Theodditie


That is a B18A, not B18B. The B18A was in those model tegs, and the B18B was in the 94-2000.

gotcha, makes sense now.

Originally posted by hybridsol

not really, (are you blueprinting?) just make shure you hot tub the block/dishwasher. If you going for a rebuild, why not just buy a blown motor? Your going to find them for much less than a high mileage motor.

I don't think this is a bad deal. Just about everything I need for a swap for 500 bucks. Yea, if I rebuild the engine, it is going through the whole deal...even though I don't know what all to do exactly, but I will make sure I know whats going on before anything happens to it.

the b20 has more torque than the others!
ill go for the b20!

Originally posted by gemballa
the b20 has more torque than the others!
ill go for the b20!

that would be great, if i only wanted to go for drags, but i want corners too, probably gonna be a b18

Originally posted by Theodditie


that would be great, if i only wanted to go for drags, but i want corners too, probably gonna be a b18

Why for drags? b20 is one of the strongest honda motors if not ..Then its THE strongest honda motor out there. Str8 b20 is really safe to drive daily.

Originally posted by mellowboy


Why for drags? b20 is one of the strongest honda motors if not ..Then its THE strongest honda motor out there. Str8 b20 is really safe to drive daily.

I agree ... redline_civic91 seems quite happy with his CRVTEC setup.

Ive heard it throws the weight of the car out too much, but ive never driven one myself, apparently the b16 or 18 are much better handling wise.

Originally posted by slave
Ive heard it throws the weight of the car out too much, but ive never driven one myself, apparently the b16 or 18 are much better handling wise.

im sure it does, but all the big ass engines do this, I guess you sacrafice some handling for more speed. But if you mod up your suspension you should be aight.

Thanks guys, hopefully after I get my tax returns and finacial aid return from school. I will be getting a B18A1 setup to start workin on. The next questions is what are some good books to start reading so I know what I am doin with this engine.

why is this thread so near the top ?

someone musta voted on the poll...

*click*