Need Help on purchase a VTEC

ASSISTANCE Stock Engine-Bay Components
1

I am about to purchase a 92 GSR. However, the engine in the car doesn’t look like a B17A. Does anyboday know how to easily distinguish a B17A and B18A w/out take out any parts? How can I know it is a VTEC engine from non-VTEC? (The valve cover in the car is balck and without any enblem or marking).

Thanks

2

Or maybe it is not a GSR model but GS? How do I tell that?

THanks

3

Look down in the engine block, right behind the main radiator fan. On the block, there will be a “B17A” etched marking with its serial number etched below it. About a few inches to the left will be a serial # sticker for the transmission. The GS-R is a fully loaded GS with all the power and luxury options. There are more things to look for, and I’m sure others will chime in.

Regards,

Oz

4

or if there is alot of dirt and grease on the block to where you can’t see the block numbers and codes look for the VTEC solenoid right in front of the distributor…on left side of valve cover(passenger side) when looking into the engine bay… you will definitely be able to to see it there…and make a distinction between the 2 engines…

5

The VIN number should have the sequence “DB2” after the standard JH4 (which stands for Honda Motor Company). One obvious thing is that the valve cover should say DOHC VTEC right on it. Also, there should be a silver/grey spark plug cover. The regular B18s don’t have this silver/grey cover and don’t say VTEC on them.

Genuine GS-Rs also have:

  • an insulation cover under the hood
  • red-stripped seats
  • 9000 RPM tachometer
  • no brake light housing on the rear window
6

also the stock spoiler will have LED’s in it and the side moldings on the front fenders will say ‘vtec’ not ‘dohc’

7

the tach should redline at 8k

8

i don’t know about the 92 but the 93 gsr does not have a break light on the top of the rear window like the other trims