is it possible at all to put a vtec head on my b21a1? if possible to find a match or something that would fit how hard would it be to get it to work properly?
thanks again
vtec
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spiffyguido
- Moderator
- Posts: 2196
- Joined: Fri Nov 11, 2005 2:55 am
- Prelude Model: 1991 SE-SR
- Location: Alberta, Canada
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You ask a common question, Dougler.
I won't tell you that it is impossible, but at the same time, it's too hard to make it practical.
Even though your B21A1 shares the letter 'B' engine designation with engines like the B18 and B16, it is actually a very different motor and the heads are not compatible. From my own experience, even a quick glance at a B18 head compared to what we have reveals many differences. The coolant ports, oil ports and even the cylinders themselves are located differently. Adapting a VTEC head to fit on a B21A1, or a B20A5 for that matter would be costly, and a major headache.
I can't blame you for wanting VTEC; it's marvelous technology and bucket loads of fun to have. If you do have your heart set of a VTEC engine, I would propose to you that swapping in an entire VTEC motor would be the way to go. Many people have succeeded in getting H22As into 3rd generation preludes, and I'm pretty sure I even saw one on the net somewhere that had a B18. These are not easy swaps as the motors will not simply drop in, but with the right mounts, axles, and a few other changes, it can work.
If you're just looking for more power out of your car, perhaps you should start thinking about running a forced induction system (most likely a turbo) to find extra power.
Also, don't forget about weight reduction. A lot of people who are trying to get better performance out of their car forget how important weight reduction is. At the end of the day, it all comes down to power-to-weight ratios for a car, not just horsepower. I calculated it once for the 3rd gen prelude, and I think it worked out that dropping 170 lbs of weight was equivalent to a 10 horsepower increase.
Here's the original thread:
http://preludedriver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=67
I won't tell you that it is impossible, but at the same time, it's too hard to make it practical.
Even though your B21A1 shares the letter 'B' engine designation with engines like the B18 and B16, it is actually a very different motor and the heads are not compatible. From my own experience, even a quick glance at a B18 head compared to what we have reveals many differences. The coolant ports, oil ports and even the cylinders themselves are located differently. Adapting a VTEC head to fit on a B21A1, or a B20A5 for that matter would be costly, and a major headache.
I can't blame you for wanting VTEC; it's marvelous technology and bucket loads of fun to have. If you do have your heart set of a VTEC engine, I would propose to you that swapping in an entire VTEC motor would be the way to go. Many people have succeeded in getting H22As into 3rd generation preludes, and I'm pretty sure I even saw one on the net somewhere that had a B18. These are not easy swaps as the motors will not simply drop in, but with the right mounts, axles, and a few other changes, it can work.
If you're just looking for more power out of your car, perhaps you should start thinking about running a forced induction system (most likely a turbo) to find extra power.
Also, don't forget about weight reduction. A lot of people who are trying to get better performance out of their car forget how important weight reduction is. At the end of the day, it all comes down to power-to-weight ratios for a car, not just horsepower. I calculated it once for the 3rd gen prelude, and I think it worked out that dropping 170 lbs of weight was equivalent to a 10 horsepower increase.
Here's the original thread:
http://preludedriver.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=67
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team123luder
- Prelude Enthusiast
- Posts: 3
- Joined: Wed Aug 29, 2007 8:24 pm
Re: vtec
The H22 is by far the easiest way to achieve VTEC. Although there have been numerous B18C swaps done.
I did the H22 swap and the 3rd gen is now a blast to drive...
I did the H22 swap and the 3rd gen is now a blast to drive...