Honda B20 Vtec Swap Questions.

I got the civic running pretty well, the engine sounds really healthy. Here is my question. I have no CEL's except the IAT (Intake Air Temp) which the car has a JDM B16A Head with no provision for it. A guy on here said he has one I can have so I can hook it up and I should be good. I did notice the car has a virgin unsocket/unchipped OEM P28 ECU, which does run the car. Any input on how much of a difference I'll notice with a chipped P28, and any recommendations on a map to load on it? I don't plan to thrash it alot, but occationally romp on it some. I've been told to not rev it over 7k, as the B20's have thin cylinder walls. Any input would be appreciated.

You need to add the IAT/TA sensor. It's mounted on the intake manifold. Unfortunately you may need to pull the engine to remove the intake manifold with some chassis/swap kit combos. Don't just drill it on the car, engines don't like little flakes of aluminum oxide.

The P28 is a good ECU but it runs a B16 rich on the freeway and has an uncomfortably high rev limiter (83-84 if my tach is remotely accurate).

dansxr2 wrote: I got the civic running pretty well, the engine sounds really healthy. Here is my question. I have no CEL's except the IAT (Intake Air Temp) which the car has a JDM B16A Head with no provision for it. A guy on here said he has one I can have so I can hook it up and I should be good. I did notice the car has a virgin unsocket/unchipped OEM P28 ECU, which does run the car. Any input on how much of a difference I'll notice with a chipped P28, and any recommendations on a map to load on it? I don't plan to thrash it alot, but occationally romp on it some. I've been told to not rev it over 7k, as the B20's have thin cylinder walls. Any input would be appreciated.

A chipped P28 with a good map will give you obscene amounts of additional power. I'd get on moates.net and start asking around and see who has the best B20 Vtec map they can send your way.

How much power do you figure it'll gain? I'm waiting on the guy to get back with me about socketing my ECU, and I'm gettin a little ancy...LOL I may end up throwing a new clutch in the car also as its slipping, but the PO just literally had it replaced less than 50 miles ago.. I'm gonna call the shop tomorrow and see whats up with that.

Anyone here able to socket it for a reasonable price?

...just don't blow it up.

That is the fate of many a B20VTEC/LSVTEC

I'm not gonna over rev it. I never run my DD's hard...

dansxr2 wrote: I'm not gonna over rev it. I never run my DD's...

Because they go KABLOWEY on their own!

dansxr2 wrote: How much power do you figure it'll gain? I'm waiting on the guy to get back with me about socketing my ECU, and I'm gettin a little ancy...LOL I may end up throwing a new clutch in the car also as its slipping, but the PO just literally had it replaced less than 50 miles ago.. I'm gonna call the shop tomorrow and see whats up with that.

Depending on how well it's actually running now?

I wouldn't be surprised to see 30+whp more, and a MUCH improved powerband overall.

Honestly, you're sitting on a car that could break into the 13s in the quarter. It should do a bit more than just feel "alright."

dansxr2 wrote: Anyone here able to socket it for a reasonable price?

I can, but even i've muffed up a couple in the past. Some ECUs just don't take well to it, so there is always that chance. It's a very small chance, but it's there nonetheless. I don't like to work on other people's cars, because then i feel responsible for everything that may go wrong afterwards.

But seriously... can you solder, like, at all?

Just buy the kit from Moates.net, including the burner. There are tons of good instructions online, and the kit will probably come with it, too. Even for an amateur, it's like an hour job. I'm not great with a soldering iron, but this is even easy for me.

gamby wrote: ...just don't blow it up. That is the fate of many a B20VTEC/LSVTEC

The B20vtec blows usually because of a strange squish area, and weak sleeves. I still wouldn't hesitate to rev this thing to 7600 or so.

I can't explain the LSVtecs. I think a lot of them are assembled badly. I have a buddy that was revving his to 9200rpms with no problems for a LOT of miles, and it made some unholy amounts of power.

B18B block
LS crank
LS rods
CTR pistons
B16 head
ITR cams
CTR valve springs and retainers

Connected to a GSR tranny.

Seriously. This thing was silly stupid fast, and possibly the most free-revving motor i've ever experienced. And the noises it made were glorious.