LS/vtec sounds good, but are there any downsides?

[96civic_buildup]

The reason i'm asking this is becuase i did a search already and found out about as much as i could about the ls/vtec motor, but i was just wondering are there any downsides to this setup, beside price? Also what else other than the head would i need to make the engine vtec capable, like computer stuff, and wiring? Because like i stated in my previous thread i'm going to be building an engine for my '96 civic hatch, i originally thought b16a, then i started leaning towards a b18b or c, and then someone mentioned an ls/vtec engine. I thought sounded like a good idea because i can't really afford the +$3,000 it would take to purchase the gsr engine. And last question, would this still be a respectible setup if i used a b16a head instead of the gsr head? (by the way i will be building up the head with aftermarket, springs, retainers, seats, guides, valves, and cams.) thanks for the replies in advance.

[civickiller]

well with the lsvtec you need to run an oil line to the head, for vtec you need the head the sensors, the wiring, the ecu, and a working speedometer.

no downsides if built right. yes it will still be fast with a b16 head, tuning is the key

[civickiller]

oh and for the ls the 2 main things yoru should replace are the oil pump with a vtec oil pump and new stronger rod bolts like arp

[integraboy_2007]

you also might need an intake manifold as well not quite sure, i'm doing more researhc on it myself since i found a good deal on a gs-r head, and everything else.

[96civic_buildup]

ok, thanks for the replies. I think i've figured out what i want to do. I'll be doing the ls/vtec engine. Also i want the block to be strong so i think i'm gonna sleeve it with AEBSracing T-sleeves, does that sound like a good idea, or should i go with a different brand name? Also, this was mentioned in my other thread about using a b16a ecu instead of a gsr ecu, is there a reason i couldn't use a gsr ecu? Also civickiller mentioned about replacing the rod bolts with arp's, should i still do this even if i replaced the rods with some good aftermarket ones? Once again, thanks.

[civickiller]

dont run a stock ecu with your ls vtec, no stock ecu is mapped correctly for the ls vtec. get a aftermarket ecu, like hondata, uberdata or aem and have it tuned for the motor, thats the only way your gonna get max power out of that motor.

if you get aftermarket rods, most likely they will come with strong rod bolts that will be ok. ask the dealer if they are stronger then stock.