So my b18a blew a head gasket and its got 277,000 kms on the motor. IMO its seen better days and I just don’t want to spend any money rebuilding it.
I have found a 97 b20b local so its USDM for $700, complete swap. Now I understand the b20 is a fairly simple swap, However the only concern we have is since im turbo what to do with the ECU. I have an obd-0 chipped ecu, should I get an obd-1 conversion harness and then that will allow me to use a much more wide range of programs ?
Now I’m not very engine smart and I have no problem admitting that That is why i’am here to ask you guys if there is a difference between the JDM b20b and the USDM b20b when installing ?
When I get this motor ( friday ) I will replace the timing belt, valvecover gasket, head gasket ( lower comp to 8:8 or around there )
If you guys have any advice that would be much appreciated. I checked out the b20 JDM swap guide however I do have concerns with the USDM swap and my turbo setup.
USDM and JDM B20’s are the exact same things. Along with the VC gasket and head gasket I would get the whole bottom end gasket set(not expensive) and water pump with the timing belt and since you plan on making some power I would suggest get new bearings, ARP rod bolts, and ARP head studs. Do a valve adjustment also. The swap itself is just like swapping any other LS in, the engine is the same externally. I don’t know enough about turbos or ECU’s for them to make any suggestions about that though.
a 97 b20b would be an OBD2…does it come with wire harness and ECU? it would do you good to go with OBD1 as it offers a more wide range of tuning software, great when you go turbo. but you will have to replace that OBD1 ECU, or you can just run it with your current OBD0 setup…you will have to swap over some parts from your B18a like your injectors and distributor. And i don’t think the B20 intake manifold will clear the hood, so might want to replace that with the B18a.
That is why i’am here to ask you guys if there is a difference between the JDM b20b and the USDM b20b when installing ?