b16 tranny is great, but itr is better. u wont regret it.

as for starting from scratch, what u mean? from just a block?

if it has a crank , youll need a full bearing kit, full gasket kit, pistons, rods, piston rings (if the pistons didnt come with them), a complete b16 head with a hybrid b20_2_b16 headgasket.

performance parts to use, ctr 85mm bore pistons,arp rod bolts,arp headstuds, and some itr cams, and call it a day. youll be waxing ass like theres no tommorow.

and ftr, theres no tranny thats more reliable than the other, its about where u got it from , how they took care of it, and how u maintain it to make the tranny reliable.