i just bought a 1999 civic ex with a b16a complete swap the shortblock has a hole in it. so i took the heads off to make sure there still good. and there just fine now my question is what block to put back on. should i go with a b16a or a 1.8 ls. i dont have thousands to throw in this project so what would be the most cost efficient.

 

....is this a V8 or V6? i didnt know a B16 had "heads"....

 

Smartass

 

Personally if the block had a hole in it, I wouldn't use anything off of it. I would go with another B16A setup. But if you insist that the head is good, and definetely wanted the extra displacement I would go with a B20 bottom end and not a LS (GSR would be on the expensive side).

 

why wouldnt you reuse anything off of it? just cause the block is bad doesnt mean the head was damaged, not saying theres no chance of it, i've personally had it happen....but explain your choice in the setup...?

 

i do try...

 

I would suggest goign with another B16A block. My reason for this is the LS blocks are not made to spin and if you don't have a lot of money to throw into this project then i wouldn't do that, they are notorious for spinning rod bearings. If i was you i would get a set of OEM pistons that will bump up the compression a bit, then get a little bit better cams and perhaps a Skunk2 intkae manifold and decent exhaust and leave it alone

-Joe

 

i can get a b16a block right now for 200$ but it is bare. would it cost me more to buy it and add crank and pistons. if it was 1 of you would you buy it now or wait till you could get a complete shortblock.