truth about LS/VTEC

[lsinteg]

I want to get the lsvtec conversion done on my 98 Integ LS. I am planning on getting it done in a few weeks, but I've been reading some of the posts and some people say its unreliable. I've done a lot of research into it, I know about the r/s ratio and no oil squirters,I can deal with that, but I dont understand why some people say its unreliable. I am hearing a lot of good things about lsvtec and some bad.

Someone please give it to me straight. Why is it unreliable? I want to know before I get myself into trouble if there is any.

[Moppie]

I think it has more to do with the quality of the work done, and the knowledge of the person doing than the work than any inherint flaw in the design.

But, you have to remember that your building something that was never intended to exist, and simply becasue you are mixing unlike parts a decreased degree of reliablity over say a B18c or B16a swap should be expected.
Quite simply there is far more work required, and so more chance for an error to be made, or a poorly manufactored part to fail under stress it would not normaly encounter.

[rockerdude]

70% says it's not reliable while the other percentage says it is. even people who built the perfect ls/vtec isn't satisfy after a while. the money invest in it can be simple as buying a b18c engine. people build it because it gives them more bottom end power. sure you'll win many races but you'll regret it once something goes wrong.

[Moppie]

I get the feeling its also one of those things that people with the right technical know how do simply because they can.
There is a great deal of satisfaction to be had from building something that seems to be totaly silly.
Whether or not it works properly has nothing to do with it, and only in the end only adds to the fun of having something to fix and fiddle with.

I think if your looking for a bolt in swap that will give you trouble and maintance free performance then a B18c in the long run will be the better and cheaper option.
But if your one of these people who likes to fiddle with cars, and has the time and patiance and knowledge, and preferably a second car then doing something like and LS/VTEC, or CRVTEC could be a great idea.
Unforunatly it can be addictive, and lead to bigger and more ambitious projects, such as Kit Car building..............

[lsinteg]

thanks for the input.

Is anyone talking from experience? I would like some hard evidence that its unreliable or is reliable. does any know someone or has themselves an lsvtec built motor? if so, please give some input on this.

Like you were saying Moppie, I've heard that if its built right, it will be "just as strong if not stronger than a b18c," thats a direct quote from an import shop that does swaps and lsvtec conversions all the time. I would love to do the lsvtec conversion on my teg cuz its cheaper than a b18c swap and theres more torque, but of course i need it to be reliable cuz its my ONE AND ONLY car.

[GSteg]

well lets see..there is this guy on Super-honda that has a CRVtec (same comcept as LS/Vtec) and he's making about 300whp with only 7psi of boost. its running fine ever since he started on the project.

if you don't want to take the risk, go for a B18C1. if you can find a good reputable mechanic than go for it. by just adding Vtec on to the LS block won't get your engine to 170hp or over. if you want to get GSR-like HP, u would have to get higher compression pistons, which is always recommended when doing a VTEC head swap.

http://crvtec.com/index.php?section=pistons
same thing as LS/VTEC, just that they are dealing with a B20 block. this site is just to get an idea of what should be done. it is not a manual or a reference when you make the mistake on your car. read it thoroughly.

Good luck!

[sEenx]

If I builded the bottom of the engine on my LS and put a v-tec head on it after, do you guys see any problems ?

[strodda]

chances are youre not from the bay area, which is too bad. the shop i goto specializes in lsvtec's. their shop race car is an lsvtec and they have 3 main street cars that are all lsvtec, as well as his wifes car. none of them have had any problems, and shouldnt... like mentioned before, reliability is only as good as the builder.

[Noremac]

I actually own an ls/vtec and have been driving it around for 20,000 miles and haven't had any problems with it at all. Granted, I know my mechanic like he was my brother and he knew what he was doing.

[kesnut]

i am makin' my crv/vtec, as with most things, know where you are going with your build, try to do things to your best, if there is a better and a best way, always go for better. if you building a ls/vtec, build it with the aim if making 220 + hp, this will keep you on the right track, if your looking for 200 hp, then go for a B18. If this is something you "really" what to do, then forget the "can'ts" look for ppl who "can" and build your ls/vtec. yes it is a lot of work, but if ur really love this game, you just picked, great build. And do it right. I think the writer of "Civic Duty" has a ls/vtec that is a Daily Driver, if not one of the cars in it is... buy it... good book... Good Luck...

[almxdupintegra]

Well I would have to agree with some of you. If its done right then there should be no problems. LS/VTEC for the past 10K miles have been good to me. I haven't had any problems either. Check this website out hopefully they can answer some of your questions. www.importreview.com