Originally posted by RyanCivic2000
Has any of the information you've ever read explained why two cams would be better than one? Why would you want two cams to do the same thing one cam can do? I'll give you a few concepts to get you started.
-SOHC motors have less rotational mass and less frictional losses.
-Vavle angles allow for more radical camshaft profiles.
-The F Series in particular has higher and superior port angles to the B and H Series.
-Spark plug placement is better.
-Less parts and cheaper parts.
-SOHC engine is much lighter overall.
The only advantage to a DOHC is the ability to tune in overlap with seperate cam gears, which if you have the correct camshaft grind to begin with in the SOHC, you don't need to worry about it.
The advantages of the DOHC engine over that of the SOHC lie directly in the placement of the cams. Due to cam position, the DOHC design allows the spark plug to be placed directly in the middle of the combustion chamber (optimal regardless of what you may say above). Also, due to the cams laying directly over the valve train, valve duration can be minimized due to better float prevention and thus enabling a higher rev limit (a large reason you see DOHC not SOHC in F1 motors).
Now as far as your B-series vs. D-series debate goes, it all depends on how far the person wants to go in messing with the engine. Myself, I went with a B18C5, not because of the "hype" as you like to put it, but due to the completeness of the package. I was able to get a transmission with great gearing, stock LSD, more displacement over a d-series, internal and external oil cooling, strong internals (well as strong as OEM cast can be considered), moderately aggressive cam grinds, and a great head. All that was required was for me to bolt it in and go hit some road courses. With a D-series motor, while I don't doubt I could make the same power, it would require quite a bit more time and effort. To each his own I suppose.