Ls/Vtec----Experienced only please

[Jszy]

Ive just read basically every post concerning the ls/vtec from the past 2-3 years. No matter what the question, the same answers kept getting repeated. All anyone ever says is that the ls/vtec is "unreliable" and not worth it but if its built right, it can be a great investment and a bad ass motor. People love to repeat that answer. Could someone please explain to me what is the difference between a well built ls/vtec and a shit one. Many people linked tutorials on building these motors....I read everyone, so are those the 'right' way to build one? Would using the golden eagle ls/vtec conversion kit be considered properly building an ls/vtec?

And let me specify, when I say 'building' the motor, i just mean putting it together and making it run well. I do not been building the internals.

[crxlvr]

as long as every step is taken along the way of proper torque specs, correct parts usage, proper fittings, lines, wiring, etc. the motor will be fine. if you rush the job, skip a step here or there becuase you dont think its nesecary then the motor will fail. just do it right the first time, follow the steps of someone who has properly done the swap before.

[Jszy]

Where would I be able to find proper torque specs for the ls/vtec....im sure there is alot of different answers for each person you talk to

[udelblue]

has anyone here acturally done an LSvtec? I am curious myself

[Tomsriv]

Originally Posted by Jszy

Where would I be able to find proper torque specs for the ls/vtec....im sure there is alot of different answers for each person you talk to

I always like to have the official manufactures repair manual for all my cars. If you can't find them or afford them, the Haynes manuals are also good.

Oh, FYI the clicking torque wrenches are not as accurate as the bending bar style.

[snowman2005]

go to hondatech.com im sure ud find more help there i see alot of build ups over on that website

[Jszy]

Yea haynes manuals are good for ls motors and the b18c's and b16's, but i dont think they have a manual for an ls/vtec which probably has different numbers.

[almxdupintegra]

I've am currently running LS/VTEC. So far no problems. I don't have any leaks **KNOCK ON WOOD**. Everything is running great the power gains is awesome. The Haynes Manual worked great with the torque issue. So far its been great going on 5 months already.

[jcrx]

Originally Posted by Jszy

Yea haynes manuals are good for ls motors and the b18c's and b16's, but i dont think they have a manual for an ls/vtec which probably has different numbers.

Well, they don't have the numbers for LSvtecs, because LSvtecs, while made from Honda parts, aren't Honda motor. Use the vtec heads torque specs.

[Jszy]

Oh ok so if I do this, I should use a manual for the head that I am swapping onto the ls block....

almxdupintegra- you said that you are running an ls/vtec now...did you use the eagle kit?

[jcrx]

Actually, I think you want to use the GSR headbolts, and specs. I'll confirm it with my friend who has built three very nice crvtecs.

[Jszy]

So you mean that I will want to use the GSR headbolts and specs if I use a GSR head...but if I went with a b16a head, then I would use those right?

[jcrx]

No, even with a B16A head you use the GSR ones, since it is a 1.8 block. I only asked him about the specs, but in a build up I read by another guy how's been running a B16A head on a LS block for a while now, he says GSR bolts.

[eckoman_pdx]

One of the things to remember once the LS/Vtec is built is not to rev it much past 7000rpm. The LS has a redline of around 7000rpm. Although the Head you are putting on may redline at 7800-8000rpm, you are still using the LS block, which has designed with a 7000rpm redline in mind. One of the things that can help mess up an LS/Vtec is over-revving it like that. You may have a new head that can handle higher revs, but the block and the internals are still the same ones that were built with a 7000rpm redline in mind.

[Jszy]

Yea, I agree with what you saying. I have been driving my car with the stock redline at 6800...and I dont bring the rpm's up there hardly ever at all, so I will be fine keeping the rpm's where the block likes it, under 6800.

But say I wanted to have the ability to rev the ls/vtec up past 7000 rpm's, would I want built up internals like heavier forged rods for strength or would I want lighter weight rods (wouldnt this make sense because they move alot faster?)