I am a complete newbie with a few questions. First off, what engine does a 1990 GS come with stock. also what would be a good mod to the engine to start off with, Or what is the best engine to swap it with. THanks a lot.
You’ve got a “first generation” B18A1, 1.8L nonvtec. In 92-93, they revised the head, cams, and IM along with the switchover to OBD-I (doesn’t really affect performance) which all together officially added 10hp, but the engine is still called a B18A1.
Depending on the shape of your engine I’d recommend playing around with it first if the milage isn’t too high, but if it is, I’d probably just find a good B16A and that should keep you happy for a while. If you’ve got the green, go all the way and go with a 94+ GS-R (B18C1) or even an ITR engine (B18C5). If you’re not crazy about vtec, a worthy swap a lot of people are starting to do is dropping in a CRV engine (2.0L, no vtec) called the B20B or B20Z.
Awesome, thanks a lot for the help out. More people need to be like you.
Another newbie question
Ive got the same engine - B18A1 from a 90 GS. I was wondering what head will work good with it. I am not interested in vtec if its complicated and wont work good with a non vtec block. What’s the best head to swap in if my cams, cam gears, and timing belt are still good?
Re: Another newbie question
Originally posted by 90blackGS
Ive got the same engine - B18A1 from a 90 GS. I was wondering what head will work good with it. I am not interested in vtec if its complicated and wont work good with a non vtec block. What’s the best head to swap in if my cams, cam gears, and timing belt are still good?
In your case, it’s probably best to stick with your stock head and do some work with it (ie. Port & polish, wild cams, adjustable cam gears, etc.). Some people swap a B18B head (whole head, cams, valves, springs, etc.), but those gains are roughly 10-15hp at the flywheel. If you can get a complete B18B head cheap, then you got yourself a deal, otherwise, stick with your stock and work with it.
Regards,
Oz
Re: Another newbie question
Originally posted by 90blackGS
Ive got the same engine - B18A1 from a 90 GS. I was wondering what head will work good with it. I am not interested in vtec if its complicated and wont work good with a non vtec block. What’s the best head to swap in if my cams, cam gears, and timing belt are still good?
mr black. just get another b18a1 head or perhaps a b18b1 for maybe a few more horsies. I assume your trying to conserve money and just get somthing well running, since you’re 16?
I dunno, but you might have to get the new used head with the cams included. Cam gears don’t wear.
How do you know your cams are good tho, considering you’re valve guides were worn out. How do you know the timing belt is still good (milage on receipt?)
d
Yeah, I am trying to get something relatively cheap but reliable. I figure the cams and such are good because we inspected them and think they will do. I don’t have the dough to replace stuff that doesnt need to be replaced. I just want to end my oil seepage problem. Yea, I figured I should stick with the kind of head I’ve got. Anyone know how much the bottom end of the head (everything below rocker arms i guess) would run for? Where can you get one?
daver: there is no such thing as a “b18a2” maybe you knew that already and were just trying to differentiate between the 90-91’s and the 92-93’s. But still, i don’t recommend doing that, especially in a post full of newbies. If they learn the wrong engine codes now, they’ll sound funny asking questions regarding engines that don’t exist, and their questions won’t be answered as thoroughly.
90blackGS: where is the oil coming from? I really doubt you’d actually need a new head. Most likely its just maintance things: valve cover gasket, head gasket, cam seal end plug, spark plug grommets, valve seals, maybe the valve seats could use some cleaning up.
stock heads are really cheap ($30-$100), but they are all gonna have a lot of miles on them (obviously, they are off of 10 year old cars). So, it’d be a better idea just to fix your stock head. get all the seals and gaskets replaced, and see if any machine work needs to be done. Then add some cams/springs/retainers as well as maybe some headwork and you’ll gain some good power.
ya i think i meant the b18b1 (not b16a1 → b16a2). I’m tired of all these letters and numbers throwing my brain for a loop; and i already knew them (imagine the poor newbies). Let’s just think up real names for them, like Archie or freddy, or maybe somthing cool like betsy…naaa
d
ps. i’ll fix it