I have a b16a with a KMS block guard. I was wondering if a block guard greatly affects cooling. KMS block guards have cooling passages that are suppose to help with cooling, but i was wondering if it is true or not. The car is turbo with stock internals running at 7psi, so temperatures do get hot. I was wondering if it is worth running the block guard or not.

 

it'll help hold the sleeves steady, especially with the high revs of the b16, personally I don't see any harm in it being there.

Sometimes they can cause "hot spots", but the one I've seen from KMS looks like there is plenty of room for the coolant to pass through....it may not be AS streetable as a stock block, but I personally think you'll be okay. I'd get a low temp thermostat to be on the safe side, as well as perhaps running a upgraded radiator.

- Nathan

 

... and maybe try using water wetter in the coolant and an external oil cooler. You're better off with the block guard than you are without it when you're boosted.