I know there has been many questions and concerns with the ls/b20 vtec motors but does it sound too simple to be true?

I currently have a 94 b18b in my 94 civic. My questions are can I just bolt-on a b16 head on my b18b block, leaving the stock b18b rods and pistons, add the vtec oil line, and use the b16 ecu, b16 distributor and have a complete, good running, reliable lsvtec motor?

 

i wouldnt try revving that past stock redline.

 

the b18b or the b16a redline?

 

dont rev the stock b18b block to the b16 redline

 

For the best reliability you will want to change the B18b oil pump for a VTEC oil pump from a GSR or B16, after that, there is very little revability concern. Damage from reving comes more from floating valves into the head than on the lower end of a honda.

 

If you want it to be as reliable as possible, you may also want to add VTEC oil squirters and a properly doweled-in OEM block girdle. The main reason you hear of LS/VTEC and B20/VTEC failures is because they lack the proper oiling components, or installed a block guard improperly. Bad things happen when you try to just slap a VTEC head on a non-VTEC block and expect it to be able to work as well as an engine designed fromt eh ground up with VTEC and high revving in mind. For a while, a lot of people doing LS/VTECs would go out and get a Z10 block girdle, and just bolt it on, expecting it to help. Even the Z10 girdles need to be doweled in, or else they can tweak the bottom end out of allignment. This is the prcoess to properly install an OEM girdle:
http://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=263598

 

Most problems come from the Stock LS rod bolts not lasting long at 8k...they weren't designed to go that high, so get some ARP studs and you'll be ok to 8k. If you want to be safe, do as Inspyral said.

 

The weakest part of the bottom end is the rod bolts. Rod Bolts and crank girdle will be just as strong (if not stronger) than a GsR.

 

Thank you guys for this info.. I think I'm might attempt the head swap and apply what you guys posted.

 

I found some more info on lsvtecs if anyone needs it:
http://www.diyracing.com