question about vtec conversion

[samurai10001]

So if a civic has a sohc motor, does that mean it's always a vtec. Years are like 90-98 if that matters

 

[Grayfox]

It depends on the motor.

VTEC increases the lift time of the valves doesn't matter if the engine is SOHC or DOHC.

My Honda Civic Si Fk2 is a SOHC R18A2 engine and it has iVTEC(talking about real life).

Honda Civic from years 1990~1998 were the 5th and 6th gen versions.

5th gen civics(EG,EH and EJ) had these engines
1.3 L D13B2 I4 Non VTEC
1.5 L D15B7 I4 Non VTEC
1.5 L D15B2 I4 Non VTEC
1.5 L D15B8 I4 Non VTEC
1.5 L D15Z1 I4 Has VTEC
1.5 L D15Z3 I4 Has VTEC
1.6 L D16Z6 I4 Has VTEC
1.6 L D16Z9 I4 Non VTEC
1.6 L B16A1 I4 Has VTEC
1.6 L B16A2 I4 Has VTEC
1.8 L B18A3 I4 Non VTEC

The 6th gen civics(EJ,EK and EM) had these engines

1.4 L D14A3 I4 Non VTEC
1.4 L D14A4 I4 Non VTEC
1.5 L D15Z4 I4 Non VTEC
1.6 L D16Y4 I4 Non VTEC
1.6 L D16Y5 I4 Has VTEC
1.6 L D16Y7 I4 Non VTEC
1.6 L D16Y8 I4 Has VTEC
1.6 L B16A2 I4 Non VTEC
1.6 L B16B Has VTEC(found in the EK9)

 

[samurai10001]

Since you answered my first question, that brings up another. How are vtec conversion kits installed (new parts needed, etc) and how exactly do they work? http://www.andysautosport.com/honda/1996_2000_civic/performance/vtec_conversion_kits/

There's an example

 

[Grayfox]

Never even heard of a VTEC conversion kit.

I know you can get devices that change the VTEC changeover point.

But if there were was a conversion kit.

It will involve a Camshaft with the VTEC nodes, Solenoids, alot of electrical work, a new ECU, VTEC Controller.(if it can be done)

Here is a video of how a VTEC system works.



If you want to know which engine you have.

Do either of these 2 things.

1: Look at the engine number the first few digits should be engine version
eg B16Bxxxxxx

2: Look at the engine version on the plate that is on the engine on the front near the exhaust manifold.

I boxed the engine version plate on this A16A1 engine, so it should be in a similar location on the B and D engines.

 

[samurai10001]

Thanks for the vid lots of good info I still don't completely get it but oh well

 

[Grayfox]

I don't think you can add VTEC to a non VTEC motor.

I think that conversion kit is to upgrade the VTEC in the motor you have, like a pop filter.

 

[CyborgGT]

You can put a VTEC head on a non-VTEC block. The "LS-VTEC," that is a DC Integra LS block with the B18C VTEC head, is quite common. A few people have taken an F22A block and fit an H22A head to it (then proceed to mistakenly call it a "G-series" even though Honda already has a G of their own). H23s with H22 heads are also common; there was a factory H23A VTEC, but it was only available in a rare Accord wagon so people just make their own.

Takes a decent amount of work though. I'm not too familiar with the details myself, but I know routing oil is an important issue.

 

[Eric.]

In other words. Just go do a motor swap and save time and maybe even money.

 

[samurai10001]

Where do u even get a motor that's what u need but also decent priced and good quality

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

Please type properly. 'U' doesn't exist in any dictionary.

LS/VTEC swaps are doable, but not really worth it. The non-vtec bottom end generally doesn't like to be spun as hard as the vtec head will give it the ability to.

If you want VTEC, buy a proper VTEC motor. D series are junk, I don't care what anyone says. B16a, B16b, and the B18c are the best 'old school' Honda engines, with the B16b being my personal favorite. This thread needs some vtec noise:

 

[Em22294]

Hi I have an 05 Em2 with a NON-Vtec Engine. I wanted to know if I can put Vtec onto my NON-Vtec Engine.
Please Help.

 

[TexRex]

Hi I have an 05 Em2 with a NON-Vtec Engine. I wanted to know if I can put Vtec onto my NON-Vtec Engine.
Please Help.

My Honda knowledge is limited to that derived from ownership (of a pair of SUVs, at that), but a quick search of parameters stated gives me reason to believe your car is equipped with the non-VTEC D17A1. Its bore (and likely bore spacing) is likely consistent with the VTEC D17A2 but that doesn't mean the A2 head will fit. Then there's the matter of all other components that allow VTEC to work and the application of such components. If you want VTEC for fuel economy, the cost of adapting would outweigh any savings for the foreseeable future, and if you want VTEC for performance, you'd be better off equipping the typical bolt-on parts or upgrading to a vehicle with more performance potential altogether.
If you're dead-set on converting your existing engine to VTEC, you'd be wise to make your second post on the subject your first post on the subject on another forum dedicated to the topic.

 

[Sage Ages]

Yes, it's possible, but it's most likely very difficult and/or expensive. You're probably better off with a new motor that already has it.