Last Updated on September 16, 2022
If you’re thinking of boosting your b20 vtec to get better horsepower numbers, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll go over how to boost your car’s power, buy a B16a or B18c running gear, and tune your b20 vtec with a VTEC-capable ECU. These are all necessary parts to make your car perform like a beast.
Boosting a b20 vtec to build a reliable b20 vtec
If you’re wondering how to boost a B20 vtec engine, it’s a good idea to get a tune and run block sleeves. You’ll gain more torque and lower rpm response, and will enjoy the reassurance that a B20 engine will run reliably. But before you boost your car, you need to know how much boost you should use.
First, consider the cost. A basic B20 vtec will put out about 180whp and decent torque numbers. This is the least expensive and most reliable setup. But you will have to spend a lot of money on parts. And you’ll need a decent ECU. Next, consider the quality of the pistons, rods, and cam gears.
Ideally, you’ll upgrade your connecting rods and sleeve the cylinder block for modest boost levels. You can purchase b20/LS rods in shot-peened and N/A forms, but they’re insufficient for turbo setups. Also, you’ll need to buy aftermarket pistons. But you’ll need to do all these things in a few months, and this can make or break your car.
Adding a Skunk2 chip or Mugen head is not an authentic program. If you think you’ll be able to boost your B20 VTEC motor to make 250 hp, think again. That’s too much for a street car, but a CRX with stock internals will handle it just fine. A header and b20v motor are good investments.
Buying a B16a or B18c running gear to build a reliable b20 vtec
Before building your own engine, you should consider if the stock or aftermarket pistons are suitable for your build. Stock pistons for a B20 or B18 have a low cr, while aftermarket b16 and b18c pistons have higher compression and have a larger cylinder bore. For NA builds, you may want to choose b16b pistons. They will fit your block well, and will allow you to increase your compression and horsepower.
You can find cheap parts for a B16, but it is recommended to consider your car’s stance when choosing a running gear. If you’re looking for a street car, a 1.6-liter B16 is a fine choice. For more power, you can choose a 1.8L B16. However, bear in mind that the chassis you’ll be installing the engine into should be suitable.
Before buying a B16a or B18c engine, you should know that both pistons are compatible with a B20 VTEC head. If the pistons are compatible with both, you’ll have to modify them a bit. You should also check the rod bolts for proper torque and spec. Depending on the head and your budget, you can save up to half of the cost.
Choosing the correct cam is crucial for building a b20 vtec engine. A vtec cam requires an oil line to be run from the block to the head. A vtec oil galley raises oil pressure to 55psi, and an extra oil line will work as a substitute. You’ll also need a vtec oil pressure sensor, which can be found on the back of the block.
The timing belt needs to be a B18C. It will work with a 1.8 block. To add more cooling, you need to purchase a B18C water pump. The water pump is different, but it will still fit in your car. A B16a water pump will work, but a B18c water pump will provide more cooling.
The Honda B16 family has six varieties, and the most common is the B16A. It was used in the 1989-1991 Honda Civic and CRX. It was also put in the Integra Type-R. It made 158 hp and 118 ft-lb of torque at 7,800 rpm. Both variants were re-designed in the early 90s, and are therefore highly sought after.
The B18c engine is a little more difficult to find than the B16a or B18c. However, the difference is minimal. You’ll want to buy the correct head for your car’s engine configuration. The ITR head uses a higher-compression piston set than the B16a. The ITR head is also much easier to find than the B16a or B18c.
Using a VTEC-capable ECU to tune a b20 vtec
If you have a B20, you should be able to use a VTEC-capable ECU with a Honda head. This head has excellent airflow and is also capable of producing similar peak power to Type-R lumps. The valves on a VTEC engine also have different lengths. This means that the head has to be tuned to make the engine perform better.
The stock ex ECU is not compatible with the B20 VTEC head. The mapping is for a base D16y8 Civic. This means that if you are trying to tune your engine to make more power, you would need to use performance cams. Alternatively, you could use ITR cams and performance exhaust to boost head power. Regardless of the tuning system you choose, you should first install a 10W30 oil and filter.
Another option is to use a PR3 headset on a b20 block. This method requires minimal work. But you should still install a VTEC conversion kit. You can fit a b16 head straight onto a b20 block, which has a different geometry. After that, you should work the head a bit and measure the gains.
In the past, the B20 was one of the least desirable models in the B Series. However, Honda enthusiasts realized the potential of LS/VTEC and made some incredible engines using the technology. The first generation of B20Bs produced 126 horsepower while later models of B20Z2 produced 150 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers were disappointing compared to their predecessors, they did have a large displacement – and that was enough to make the “Frankenstein” engines.
The Honda 2.2ltr 16V VTEC is a great engine, and it was the basis for many BTCC and JTCC race engines. With heavy tuning, it can put out over 300bhp, and in some extreme cases, over 1000bhp – which is not a bad result at all. If you want to upgrade your b20 vtec, it’s worth checking out a Honda ECU.
About The Author
Wendy Lee is a pop culture ninja who knows all the latest trends and gossip. She's also an animal lover, and will be friends with any creature that crosses her path. Wendy is an expert writer and can tackle any subject with ease. But most of all, she loves to travel - and she's not afraid to evangelize about it to anyone who'll listen! Wendy enjoys all kinds of Asian food and cultures, and she considers herself a bit of a ninja when it comes to eating spicy foods.