Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2003 12:09 am Post subject: lsvtec question
i have a question i was wondering if any one knew if i would be better off gettin an ls integra 94 and puttin a b20 block with a vtec head or gettin a gsr cause i am confused
Personally I would go with the gsr. When you start getting into hybrid territory and you unsure about what you are doing, you are just asking for a headache. Most of the time it is not even all that much cheaper than a B18C1 when you think about all the time and effort you will have to put into it.
Posted: Thu Jun 12, 2003 4:18 pm Post subject: Builders beware!
Let me tell if you choose to go the LS route you will be walking into a mine field. Some common problems are:
- Oiling can be a problem (both pressure and flow from VTEC head)
- No oil squirters for the pistons
- Headgaskets often fail
- Overheating is common (likely b/c of poorly seated headgasket - make sure to replace all gaskets)
- Long stroke, short rod, not good for high RPM use
- B18A/B rods are weaker than other B18C series VTEC rods
I just want to let you know what you are getting into. The LS/VTEC has the best of both worlds, massive torque with the screaming power of VTEC. That is of course when done correctly. That head swap adds about 40 hp to your typical LS engine with naturally aspirated wheel hp figures in the 170-190 hp range and torque in the 120-145 lb.-ft. zone easy to obtain on 91 octane pump gas. The engine will retain a compression ratio of approximately 10:1. If you are really serious about it, the added torque alone is worth it. But beware, don't let the name FRANKENSTIEN fool you, it may be strong just like the name suggests, but is also very fragile too! So only go the LS/VTEC route if you really want to spend the time and effort building and maintaining it, otherwise go with the gsr its a lot easier.
so the gsr will last me a lot longer than the lsvtec performance wise but i am a little confused i will get more porwer but it will cost me up the ass for maintance? My other question is if i get a 94 gsr does the engine itself have a little more power than a 96 and up?
Building a hybrid usually is cheaper than going w/ stock power, thats why so many people do it. The problem is it is like walking a tight rope, it requires A LOT of attention, not necessarily money. Any difference in power between a 94 and 96+ is negligable, it matters how well the car was broken in and kept. If memory serves me i do believe there is a 2 hp differce in favor of the 94 motor, but that is comparing new engines. Engines will lose a tiny bit of power over time from wear and tear.
If you build an Ls/VTE right, you will have no problems. I had an Integra with a fully built Ls/VTEC, with CTR pistons... the compression was 12.8:1 and I beat the hell out of it.. never broke, ran bad, anything...
That was a very fast motor, that I never had any problems with. Sure, its not going to last long(in that example) but they are very reliable motors. Of course a stock motor is going to be better, reliability wise.. but I wouldnt shoot down the option of Ls/VTEC. If you find the right machine shop, that does this often, then you will have no problems. Keep it simple, keep it safe.
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