B20 Swaps

[imported_notyuravgjoe]

I have a 99 Civic coupe. My latest desire motor wise is to build a B20 for turbo. I won't be able to afford a turbo right away, so I was curious about something. Does anyone have a stock B20 in their car? If so, are you satisfied with it? I'm probably not going to be able to put a turbo on for another year after doing the swap, so I'm wondering what I'm in for if I just have the stock motor in first. Also, anyone who responds, do you have a B20b, or a B20z? I can get a JDM B20b pretty cheap, but I'm just wondering if it's worth it to spend a little more and get the B20z.

[imported_comutek]

95.5-98 JDM B20B 8.8:1 - 126hp
99-00 JDM B20B 9.6:1 - 146hp
97-98 USDM B20B 8.8:1 - 126hp
99-00 USDM B20Z 9.6:1 - 146hp

the compression ratio is obviously higher for the 99-00 and the 99-00 have a more agressive cam profile. The 99-00 motors have the same P75 cams as the LS motor and a higher redline.

i don't know what the pricing difference is on the B20B and B20Z but if it isn't much, go w/ the B20Z because you'll have more power to begin with and a better history of the mileage on your motor.

btw, a guy here named camelian has a B20 swap (i'm pretty sure it's a B20B).

[imported_notyuravgjoe]

So, is the only difference between the two the cams? If so, wouldn't I just be able to put B20z cams in the B20b head and make up the difference, or even better, put in aftermarket cams and have an even bigger gain?

[imported_camelian]

Hey, I actully have a B20Z in my car. (It's a 99 civic coupe too :P). It feels a whole lot better than before. My friend that drives a SE integra drove my car said that I would probably beat him in a race. So, it's the same or a little faster than an LS, if you want to think about it that way. I haven't pushed it yet cause I haven't worn it in yet, so I don't know what it's capable of. With i/h/e you'll almost be as fast as an SI. I'm not gonna turbo for a while either. Best setup for turbo with the engine is with LS tranny. Sure it wouldn't be as fast as a GSR or Type R swap, but its already a decent driver until you get turbo.

[imported_Slick]

Ask Mike (Calesta), didn't he have a b20 swap?

[Calesta]

Yes, I had one. No, the difference isn't just the cams. The compression is different.

The peak power figures for the B20 may not be that much more than the B18, but the power curves look a whole lot better.

[imported_camelian]

Sorry to bring up and old post, but I figured you haven't gotten your swap yet. I just passed the 500 mile marker a few days ago and tried pushing it today. Wow! i like it . I only went up to about 5500 or 6000 (redline = 6600). I haven't driven a GS-R or SI before but I'm sure it's not too far off. If you aren't going turbo for a while, get B20Z for a decent daily driver, and just lower the compression when you get turbo. Should work out.

[imported_comutek]

Originally posted by camelian@Aug 8 2003, 02:26 AM
Sorry to bring up and old post, but I figured you haven't gotten your swap yet. I just passed the 500 mile marker a few days ago and tried pushing it today. Wow! i like it . I only went up to about 5500 or 6000 (redline = 6600). I haven't driven a GS-R or SI before but I'm sure it's not too far off. If you aren't going turbo for a while, get B20Z for a decent daily driver, and just lower the compression when you get turbo. Should work out.

when you going to take that booger out to the track to crack a high 14

[dubcac]

You don't need to lower the compression ratio of the b20z for boost.

[imported_camelian]

With school starting monday I don't think I'll have time to take it to the track . If i'm gonna get my parents to help pay for the turbo, I gotta do good :P. As far as the compression..I guess it depends on what you're going for/planning on doing. If you leave it at 9.6 compression you'll have less turbo lag but can't run boost as high unless you swap internals. That's probably what I'm gonna do. Eitherway, it'll be a blast to drive