Hey, a friend of mine is thinking that he wants to Vtec his LS Integra. How much work goes into making an LS have Vtec? Parts/labor? Thanks

~Andrew

 

First off, what type of head is he planning on using? B-16, B-18c, B-18c5?

 

Which is best?

~Andrew

 

I think he means making a hybrid LS block with a B18C or B18C5 Head (GS-R, Type R respectively). This is often done because the GS block is more robust than the other B series 1.8 liters, and is cheaper than a full swap. how much cheaper, i don't know. how much for labor, sorry can't help there either. I'd say plan on spending quite a bit to build the motor, because it needs to be done right. the head will bolt drectly on, but the VTEC solenoid needs to be wired adn the GS ECU obviously won't work...you'll have to source a GS-R or Type R ECU, or in the best case, a HONDATA ECU to control it all. THe HONDATA will help tuning it, while the others would require a lot of piggyback devices to work properly and efficiently. All of this requires an experienced technician, and those dont come cheap.

Quick2K

 

OK what i would do is use a b16a head they flow better a gsr head and are very similar to type r heads and can be had for about 400-500 complete from sellers....you need to tap and plug the original oil source on the head since you need to use the external oil line that is needed for the head since the oil passage on the block and head do not match..hence a non vtec block with a a vtec head..also what year integra is it? cuz if its a 90-93 you can just get a PR3 ecu from a JDM 88-91 b16a car and it will lug right in and then you just needed to added three wires.. VTEC..Vtec pressure switch...the swap is fairly easy I have do in twice when I had a 91 integra.but I did a CRVTEC with a b20 block..

 

So which would be better, getting a '94+ LS and converting it to VTEC or a GS-R?

~Andrew

 

It would be better to do the lsvtec due to the little longer stroke on the ls block..so you get a little more torque...but I would beef up the ls block with a b16 water pump...oil pump and then you need to use a b16 or gsr timing belt...when i say get a b16 oil and such you can get it from any vtec 1.8 motor even type r components to...but it would be cheaper to do it this way then swapping a complete gsr motor..

 

He actually doesnt have the car yet, but is close to buying one and the best prospect is currently an LS, but would it be better to get something else? type-R excluded? Or should he just try to get this LS and do the work to make it VTEC? Seems like ALOT of work.

~Andrew

 

Well if you are up to the work its worth it and he will save more money but you can find dcent price gsr 94 95 years to make it all easier...but its up to him I guess..

 

Alright, well thanks for all your help! I'll probably talk to him and have more questions

~Andrew