stock vs. stock

[Miataracer]

Which motor would be better/faster as a total stock drop in... a B16A SIR II motor with more hp or a B18B LS with more torque?

www.hmotorsonline.com rates them like this:

-B16A 170 hp 113 trq
-B18B 145 hp 127 trq

Are these correct?

I know the B18B is a better motor for turbo, but it lacks Vtec which kind of sucks. I am sure someone is going to suggest LS/VTEC... please save it as I am not interested in doing that. I just really don't want to go through the hassle of looking for a head, plumbing lines, worry worry worry about the block strength, etc. So basically its not too special as a stock engine. The only option I have interest in with a B18B is either totally stock or modest turbo. HOWEVER, when I look at turboing I see a lot of trouble involved with getting the computer right... maybe it is not as bad as it seems but I keep reading the computers can't support much boost stock without freaking out and putting the motor in limp mode or whatever and Hondatas cost a small fortune to buy/tune.

Then the B16A... mmm... DOHC VTEC! I am sure it would be a fun engine but as I don't really want to dive in deep and do a bunch of internal engine mods would it be stuck relatively close to the 170~190 mark??

So frustrating trying to decide what to do with my car...

Sorry for my rambling... feel free to give advice or flame away or whatever it is you care to do.

[eckoman_pdx]

Okay, the turbo shouldn't be a problem, just make sure you do it RIGHT. People run into problems when they cut corners and/or do it wrong. There are cheaper ways to help keep the cpu and turbo in check...a missing link is a cheaper route. I can't remember what else is involved, and seeing I am not at home, I can't look it up in my notes or books. Okay, as for internal engine work to a B16A, engine work is NOT cheap. Umm, if you consider a hondata a small fourtune, that is also. I would go with the boost and cgreater torque. I found the added low-end torque of the LS to be VERY useful in street driving. You won't be disapointed with an LS turbo. Really, if you want turbo, get the LS, period. I you decide to stay N/A, well, then the vtec B16A comes into play. I'd go for the LS...heck....I went for the LS, lol, thats what I have now. Also, the LS HP is techincally 142 and the B16A SiRII motor is 168. Remember though, the RPM numbers that is hit at. Like I said, LS has more Low-end. Especially the torgue. I beilive it hits its peak 127 lb/ft torque a full 1000-1200 rpm lower than the B16A hits it peak. When the B16A hits it's peak torque 1000-1200 rpm later, it's still down 127 to 113. At the point the LS hits it's peak, it's closer to like 127-100. LS peak torque is like 5200 rpm, B16A is around 6200-6400 I beilive. This makes a big differnce on the street. Yes the B16A makes more HP, yes, it revs higher. I found the added low-end of the LS to be more useful to me, and when a turbo is added to the mix on the LS, it kills. The LS can handle more boost than any other honda motor, 12psi. You can easily hit well over 200WHP with a turbo LS. Closer to like 250, maybe 275...if you go the full 12psi. Still, you get the idea. My vote is LS turbo, thats my route, and I wouldn't change it at all. If I could do it all over again I would. And that computer boosat issue you speak of isn't a problem unless you are designing your own turbo kit and controls, and have no clue what you are doing. If you know what you are doing, byu a pre-made kit, or have someone in the know help, you'll be fine.

[Miataracer]

thanks man... that makes me feel a good bit better. and yeah I really dont want to dig into an engine. internals are expensive just to buy let alone get installed correcly. i would much preffer to get a nice LS and leave the inside alone... either way i wouldn't touch the inside of a B16A anyway

but once again, thanks... sometimes I need a little kick in the ass like that

[Ricochet]

Stock for stock, B16A. Like he said, if boosting go B18B. I have a friend with an Integra LS (granted it's a bit heavier than a civic) and it gets up moving, but there's hardly a top end like the mighty B16.

[Thepeug]

I'd go with the b16 just because I like the "purity" of all-motor. It depends on how fast you want to go. A b16 with bolt-ons in a civic wouldn't be insanely fast, but it'd be a lot of fun to drive. If you got tired of NA and wanted more power, you can still boost a b16 to about 7 psi with stock internals. A B18 turbo is definitely a cheaper route to power, however. It just depends on your goals.

[eckoman_pdx]

True, the LS doesn't posses a top end like the B16A, but the B16A is no where close to the LS in terms of Low-end power, low-end torque, and overall torque. In that sense, it's what do you want, higher top end power and revs, or more on the low end power and torque. If you plan to stay N/A, the B16A is a choice good, but like I said, and Ricochet agreed, if you go turbo, go LS...period.