Tech Support
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Here's where we act like we know something technical about cars. Feel free to ask us about your technical troubles. Write us at tech@ superstreetonline.com or Super Street c/o Tech Support, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. Feel free to include a picture of your project or tech problem.
Q: Your mag is cool and has humor like no other import magazine. My question: is there a way to stroke a LS/VTEC without a stoker kit? I know that the B16A3 can use the rods from the B18C1 to make a 1.8L B16A3, so if you want a GS-R but don't have the money do the step above. So if you can do that, what are some interchangeable Honda engine rods that will make it a 2.0-2.1 liter? And is it correct that using a GS-R head will have a compression ratio of 11:6:1?
Anthony Firth
Via the Internet
A: First of all, the B18B or B18C rods and crankshaft will not fit into a B16A. Well, not without some machining, and custom parts, like pistons or rods. In the end, it's not worth it. You might be confused with people using the B18C rods and crankshaft in a B16B. And the reason that work's is because the B16B (Civic Type R) is basically a B18C cast block with a de-stroked crank and rods. Now to your question about stroking a LS/VTEC: there is no factory Honda crankshaft that will bolt in and give it more displacement. You will have to go with an aftermarket stroker kit if that is what you want. If you don't mind going to a 2.0 by bore size instead of by stroke, you can do a B20 VTEC. B20 blocks are essentially LS blocks with a 84mm bore instead of 81mm. About the GS-R head, the compression will depend on what pistons you use. If you're using the factory LS pistons, you'll be around 9.7:1 with the GS-R head.
Q: I have a '90 EF Civic with a D15B2 block, a Y8 head (except distributor) and a S20 tranny. I am looking to do a NA build, so what pistons would best fit that block with high compression? All the rest of the engine has stock internals. Also, what kind of wiring am I going to have to do for this new setup?
Mike Byrnes
Via the Internet
A: The P29 pistons from a '88-89 Integra (same as the JDM PM7 ZC pistons) will give you an 11.3:1 compression ratio. These cast pistons are cheap making this a great upgrade. For more compression ratios with different combinations of D series pistons and head gaskets check out www.zealautowerks.com/dseries.html. As for wiring, you will have to get an OBD1 ECU jumper, add VTEC wiring, and an OBD1 distributor. And if your car doesn't have EFI yet, you'll have to do that too.
Q: My question is in reference to the '01 Acura Integra in the August issue, the cover car. On pages 50 and 51, there is a picture of the engine bay with a sweet turbocharged B18C1 But there is no ABS pump/motor. I'm asking where the hell did the ABS go? Throughout the article the car is called a DC chassis and as far as I can remember that means it's a GS-R or Type-R and ABS came standard on those models, or so I thought? Did Mr. Soto remove the ABS and all the hardware? I would really like to know what he did or replaced. I do have experience as a mechanic so running brake lines isn't a problem, but if it's as simple as swapping out a master cylinder and buying some pre-bent lines say from a GS Integra or an Si, that would save me a lot of headaches!
Jon
Via the Internet
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