Originally posted by Kai
A couple things about that list really irk me.
One of the most significant things is the head. First, where are you going to get a B18C5 head for $500? I got $590 for a stripped B18C1 head I sold about a year ago. Second, why are you getting a Type-R head if you are going to replace the guts and port it? You might as well start with a cheap-o B16A head, because you'll end up with the exact same thing.
Below that, the labour charge of $250 to prep it for LS/VTEC. That's bull. All you need to do is tap and plug one hole, ream two holes, and unscrew a plug.
At that, I don't see an LS/VTEC plumbing kit in there. Add on about $120 +shipping.
I fail to see the need for a Toda oil pump.
I've heard bad things about those Total Seal gapless rings, too. I can't remember where or in what context though.
I should also mention that those cams are a bad idea if you plan to boost. Similarly, those pistons are a bad idea if you are staying N/A.
In short, if I was spending that much cash I'd be pissed if I didn't have some nice Crower rods and a Z10 block girdle. It sounds like a solid engine, but not $5k solid. If you want something nice and easy, get a B18C1 and drop in a B18A/B or B20B/Z crank along with some Crower rods for a B18A/B. That will give you the same 1834cc that an LS/VTEC will, plus you have a real VTEC block with oil squirters, the proper factory oiling system, the ability to accept unmodified VTEC heads, and a factory block girdle.
well, here's what i'm doing... the car is a crx. i'm about to buy a b18 full swap, still have to go check it out to make sure it runs etc. my goals are 12's in the quarter shifting normally, and 200 at the crank(hopefully more), while still being a daily drive(hence the easy shifting). i have the ability to get cheaper parts if i go through comp cams. this was something a guy there typed up for me when i said ls/vtec turboed. now... excluding the cost of the full b18 swap, could i accomplish this with only 4000 minus the cost of the turbo and everything with it?