Supercharging a b-series engine.


W

Weasel

EM1 racecar
Joined
Oct 11, 2008
Messages
1,316
Hi all.
I am looking for information about supercharging a b16b engine. I have done limited research at the moment, mainly searching the archives on some forums.
What i would like to know is;
1. What types of superchargers are available for 16b/18c and which work well
2. What sort of supporting mods/ancilliaries are reccomended to increase engine lifespan and reliability.
3. What type of camshafts would work well with an entry level SC.

I understand that the b-series Honda engines were designed for N/A aplications, but some people have attempted to supercharge them....I would like to hear of these experiences and in particular what problems were encountered and if they were overcome.
What i would invisage initially is a low power gain....(maybe 250hp at the crank or so on very low boost). Power can be worked on at a later stage but reliability would be the highest importance from the outset, so getting it up and running with smallish gains would be a milestone in itself.

To SC a b-series i think that the following parts would be reccomended as a minimum:
Low compression pistons (inc. thicker head gasket)
Uprated fuel pump
Adjustable FPR
Larger injectors
Wideband o2
Suitable ECU
Good flowing exhaust and intake
Thermal intake gasket

Opinions and expansion on the points above would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
 
When I was in the states I had a B16A2 supercharged with a Jackson Racing Supercharger. If the build is done properly the engine will handle the extra boost. This is when I was first getting into cars and my biggest problem was I was using stock pistons. After putting the supercharger on I was running such high compression that I blew the block. After that I purchased a new block and low comp pistons and the car ran amazing. Just make sure you purchase everything you need to make the car run properly. Upgrading your fuel system, low comp pistons. I would just get forged pistons and rods to ensure that your safe. I always upgrade my valves, springs and retainers as well. I ordered some from spoon for 400 and I haven't had any head issues. Good luck though hope things work out good for you
 
I was actually thinking of keeping the capacity at 1600cc and use the standard CTR rods.
I was also thinking of keeping the stock valves and just upgrading the spings and retainers. The supertech ones should do the job. The OEM valves should be good for some boost i think.
Thanks.
 
There is a guy on here (I believe up in scotland) who has as 9 with iirc a J's Compressor on it. Maybe worth doing a search for his build thread, sorry can't remember his name.
 
Ah yes, that guy has a c's roots type charger. I would only really consider a centrifugal charger as that makes better power up high and can be intercooled.
I should have also said, that when i eventually get round to building my own engine, it will be for race use only. I will not be using it on the street at all.
 
i would love to find out where to actually find a b series supercharger these days :( jackson and vortech have discontinued selling them ! and not many second hand units out there ! I Need More Torque !!!
 
I have read before that 'low compression' isn't essential like it is with a turbo.

While B16B compression may well be deemed to be a bit too high, B16a compression appears to be no problem subject to a good map and adequate intake cooling.

As for the PD/centrifugal choice, it's a toss up between high up power or low to midrange torque. Hondas already have plenty of high end power, so PD chargers get my vote!
 
HillyJordan said:
i would love to find out where to actually find a b series supercharger these days :( jackson and vortech have discontinued selling them ! and not many second hand units out there ! I Need More Torque !!!
Click to expand...

its a pizz of in it :drive:
 
It can be done, thick headgasket is mandatory, expect about 180whp and absolutely NO MORE!
 
Curious as to why you think 180whp is the absolute maximum?

For those of us in the UK, thats about 210bhp right?
 
Kozy said:
Curious as to why you think 180whp is the absolute maximum?

For those of us in the UK, thats about 210bhp right?
Click to expand...

Was wondering the same thing 210hp??? surely it will be capable of more.
 
blinx9900 said:
It can be done, thick headgasket is mandatory, expect about 180whp and absolutely NO MORE!
Click to expand...

Not had mines on the rollers yet but thats a very strange thing to say considering ant's old charged 9 was dyno'd at 230bhp at 5psi.
 
There is nothing wrong with a good SC setup, but what ever the whp/bhp goal you will have a cap on the max power output due to the nature of how the SC works. Not the same with a turbo setup, sky is the limit...oh and money.

Seems there are way more turbos kits out there and good ones to boot, making a SC seem like the lesser of the options for forced induction. You can get low lag setups or not and go for wild high end power, where all B motors sing and so do turbo's.

Best is all motor for the track.
 
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