B18C1 GSR vs B16A2 JDM


doh

HONDA PINOY
Joined
Sep 17, 2008
Messages
139
Hi there folks,


I would like to know your opinions on B18C1 GSR vs B16A2 JDM. Pound per pound which is a better engine/tranny. Assuming, both are in good condition ang with LSD. Categories maybe, HP,torque,tranny,"turbo-compatibility",N/A potential,price,etc. (these are just example of categories or points of comparison) Feel free to add.

This is intended for an EK Hatch Swap.

Thanks in advance! Cheers!:welcome:
 
B18C1 (aka b18c4) is better than the JDM B16a in nearly every way, both for NA and Turbo potential, its a larger engine with a stronger block and the transmission's gearing is a bit more street friendly but you could always make it wicked with a 4.785 FD if you want to. Easy choice mate, b18c1 all the way!

And you know i am being honest because i have a 1.6 b16a block myself... I would have gone B18c block but i just didn't have the money at the time.

Now there is also the other side of the coin that you may have more traction with the smaller b16 due to "less torque" That's what i thought when i built my car but once you start making enough power wheel spin is inevitable, reducing torque as a means to reduce wheel spin is the wrong way to go about solving the problem.
 
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I guess you are right. so different is the B18C1 as to the B18C5? I think I am going sideways a bit from the thread itself but just putting it out there.

thanks
 
B18C1=B18c4=usdm GSR engine
B18c5= USDM ITR Engine, in short it has the ITR cams, lightly ported head, dual valvesprings, ITR IM, Higher compression (10.8) Moly coated pistons and a further balanced crank. There is more but i am trying to keep it simple.
 
compression for the USDM 18C5 is 10.6:1.

I'd opt only for the 16A if the price is at least $1-1,500 cheaper than the 18C1 and you have a very strict budget - as the $1,500 in a 16A setup can go a long ways into shaming a stock swapped 18C1 hatch.

Otherwise, I'd get the 18C1 and start building on it.
 
compression for the USDM 18C5 is 10.6:1.

I'd opt only for the 16A if the price is at least $1-1,500 cheaper than the 18C1 and you have a very strict budget - as the $1,500 in a 16A setup can go a long ways into shaming a stock swapped 18C1 hatch.

Otherwise, I'd get the 18C1 and start building on it.

I always thought it was 10.8, just like the b16b, where you getting your info? B16a is a great motor but its just so torqueless, add 1 passenger and it slows down A LOT...
 
I saw in a PDF manual for USDM DC2R one time that someone posted here a while ago. The CR was lower than B16B for sure.
 
10.6/1 for the B18C5. The piston dome is different between the B18C, B18C5, and B16B.

I agree with the consencus of this thread. If you can get the B16A for a great deal, go for it. Otherwise, start with the B18C1 and build from there.
 
Now there is also the other side of the coin that you may have more traction with the smaller b16 due to "less torque" That's what i thought when i built my car but once you start making enough power wheel spin is inevitable, reducing torque as a means to reduce wheel spin is the wrong way to go about solving the problem.
I don't think that's really rhe case since
1.) 1st and 2nd gear of the B18c1 are siginifactly longer = less power and torque on the ground
2.) B18c1 has an LSD, afaik most B16's don't!
 
I don't think that's really rhe case since
1.) 1st and 2nd gear of the B18c1 are siginifactly longer = less power and torque on the ground
2.) B18c1 has an LSD, afaik most B16's don't!

1st gear length and final drive are the same between the two. The second gear is a bit longer in the B18c1. Neither have an LSD in the US.
Some B18C4's in japan had an LSD, as with a lot of JDM B-series equipped cars the LSD was optional.
 
Here all B18c4's have LSD's and in the Netherlands B16's with OEM LSD's are really, REALLY rare. So I guess it really depends on where you live.
 
16a2 here is only CAD500 less than the 18c1. so, inclination is 18c1 eh?

also, can one just slam any lsd (of course from any b series) to any b series engine? are they all interchangeable?

thanks
 
16a2 here is only CAD500 less than the 18c1. so, inclination is 18c1 eh?

also, can one just slam any lsd (of course from any b series) to any b series engine? are they all interchangeable?

thanks

also, one more thing, which one has the better tranny or gear ratio between the two? i had a b16a2 back in the day, it was really good for me.close enough.in my opinion.im not too sure though with gsr trannys?
 
ideally what you want in terms of best STOCK USDM ratios is

1st - same
2nd - GS-R
3rd - 16A/ITR/CTR
4th - 16A/ITR/CTR
5th - 16A/ITR/CTR

Otherwise, just the regular 16A trans will do fine. OEM/Aftermarket LSDs fit either 16A or 18C, you cannot interchange them unless you change the countershaft and the ring gear.

example: If you want to use a 18C LSD in a 16A case, you need to include the 18C's countershaft and ring gear.

and yes...start with the 18C1 instead of the 16A if it's only $500 less
 
ideally what you want in terms of best STOCK USDM ratios is

1st - same
2nd - GS-R
3rd - 16A/ITR/CTR
4th - 16A/ITR/CTR
5th - 16A/ITR/CTR

Otherwise, just the regular 16A trans will do fine. OEM/Aftermarket LSDs fit either 16A or 18C, you cannot interchange them unless you change the countershaft and the ring gear.

example: If you want to use a 18C LSD in a 16A case, you need to include the 18C's countershaft and ring gear.

and yes...start with the 18C1 instead of the 16A if it's only $500 less

so is this saying that the GSR has the least qualities as far as oem tranny is concerned?hmm.. is a big difference from the rest?
 
so is this saying that the GSR has the least qualities as far as oem tranny is concerned?hmm.. is a big difference from the rest?

It provides better gas mileage than the B16 trans. It's good if you're making a lot of power, and the stock differential is stronger than the B16 diff.
The GSR trans is a great start anyway, even if you do decide to put an LSD and a select few different gears or FD.
 
so is this saying that the GSR has the least qualities as far as oem tranny is concerned?hmm.. is a big difference from the rest?

GSR tranny is great IMO, its short but not too short, if you drive on the HWY often you will appreciate it, you can always add a FD if you want shorter though.
 
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