I am thinking about rebuilding my engine this fall. It's a B18C1 with 88k miles, but like all B-series VTEC engines, it burns a little oil. I figure while I am going to have it in the shop for the timing belt service soon, I might as well get a few other things done. This car is my DD so I like the fact that it gets 25+mpg. I would like to keep it at atleast 20mph or so. I am thinking about getting a set of oem pistons (PR3 or P73 maybe, and .25 over), new oem rods (with ARP rod bolts), ACL bearings, getting the rotating assembly balanced, and having all the tolerences checked and whatever else may come from that (I.E. line hone, etc) For the top end, I am thinking about two different things.
1) Get a set of skunk2 pro 1 cams and a set of aftermarket valve springs and chromoly retainers, or...
2) sell the stock P72 head (which is actually in excellent condition) and buy a P73 head and IM, Buy a set of skunk2 Pro1's, and maybe a set of valvesprings.
I also plan on MAYBE converting to a OBDI ECU and having it dyno tuned to make sure I am getting the most power out of that setup.
Basically I would like to convert the B18C1 into a B18C5, without buying a whole engine. Like I said, this is my DD, so I want a reliable setup with about 20% more power than I have now. I am looking for about 170-180whp. I also don't want to spend an arm and a let. The transmission in the car is smooth and has no grinds or whining input shaft.
All B-series guys tell me what you think the best setup would be (best being most reliable and best bang for the buck)
reps given for any useful info
edit: I would also like to know the compression ratio of these setups:
1) GSR block/head with PR3 pistons
2) GSR block/head with P73 A0 pistons (USDM ITR)
3) GSR block/head with P73 00 pistons (JDM ITR)
4) GSR block P73 head with P73 A0 pistons (I guess it would 10.6:1)
5) GSR block P73 head with P73 00 pistons (same as jdm itr 11.0:1 i guess)
5) GSR block PR3 (or P30) head with P72, PR3, or P73 pistons
I know its a long list, but I have searched around and I am having a hard time finding C/R for the different pistons usinga P72 head, since most data is from a PR3 or P30 B16A head.
EDIT: for those who don't know what kind of car I have, its a Milan Red 97 GSR (88k original miles)