A20 Engine Build Research for Rhonda And Shelly

[ShyBoyCA6]

JIS can get you set of nice oversize pistons in the 9.4:1 CR ratio they are amazingly cheap too with rings and pins. They look to be the same as Honda ones most likely from same foundry in Japan.

Block seems to be in good condition although haven't seen the pics of the coolant passages this sounds like there maybe an issue there.

As for headwork be very suspicous of anyone offering headwork that cheap chances are 99% they'll be crap and more likely to do more harm than good!!

Make sure you stick this thing back together with Felpro gaskets and use a new water and oil pump.

ill get more pics on the top side. But when I left to NV the wind blew off the plastic bag and some light rust started to come around. I wonder if hot tanking would clean it up.
I hear ya on the head part I found this other place that does rebuilds so im gonna check that out. Ill see if I can get the specs you listed in the first page.

If any of the main bearings are spun the crank and the block are junk. You also can't run b18 pistons unless you change to an b18a/b rod and I think b18 pistons have a different wrist pin height so idk if they will work in an a20.

No spun bearing were found but ill take more pics. Hmm I see.. I guess ill have to find another block and assemble another. The current engine I was using spun bearing number 1 and slightly nember 2 &4 so number one would knock alot. <-- tthis one I wont be using and will be scrap.

[ShyBoyCA6]

On to the pictures: Note: not a pretty sight. Sorry for shitty photos all taken by Phone.

Crank Bearings And Caps:

[ShyBoyCA6]

Now on to the Pistons and rods:







[IMG]http://i981.photobucket.com/albums/ae295/Prettyboi_22_/2012-05-03_19-23-30_729.jpg[/IMG

[ShyBoyCA6]

Stupid laptop froze on me and got fed up that i broke that POS in pieces. Thats the last time i buy a DELL! well im using my uncles laptop which he nevers uses ill probably buy this one off him. well more pics sorry for my rant. now back to the thread.

[ShyBoyCA6]

Now this might look bad but in person it doesn't, the stupid bag flew off and a lil bit of water got in and this happens. it didnt look like this at all when it was in the car when i was inspecting it. well i think thats it for now i have more pictures but i think thats enough for today. ill be going to Honda dealer ship to order their gaskets and hopefully still make the head gaskets as i seen they are discontinued.









Next up is the Head so i can get the Cam off and send it to bisimoto for a regrind :Cheers: if this motor does not satisfy me ill be taking it apart again to build it for the power. Hopefully the torque will be close to 135 or so now that would be a good DD i might out a Stage 2 clutch if i go any higher in number.

[ShyBoyCA6]

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Coming soon Medium forced induction for a mild build. still leaving room for more power if i decide to want more hp.

[MessyHonda]

yup that was going to be my build too. Mid build and break it in NA and then turbo later once the engine is fully broken in and have more time to have a good turbo set up. im sure a mid built a20 could handle at least 15 pounds

[ShyBoyCA6]

Um for the crank bearings i can't seem to find the ACL racing ones for this car. Can any one point me to the right direction or do i need to special order this bearings? any ideas? would love to have the car running by mid august if not earlier

yup that was going to be my build too. Mid build and break it in NA and then turbo later once the engine is fully broken in and have more time to have a good turbo set up. im sure a mid built a20 could handle at least 15 pounds

Gonna stick with NA all motor but i would love to add a supercharger now that would sound and perform well.

[obdriver6]

I don't think they make crank bearing for the A20, only con. rod bearings, but you might want to give them a call. Why not use honda ones?

[gfrg88]

B series bearings?

[ShyBoyCA6]

I don't think they make crank bearing for the A20, only con. rod bearings, but you might want to give them a call. Why not use honda ones?

ive seen some on this website not sure if it was ACL homepage. If i can't find anything for the crank i guess ill use the honda bearings which will be pricey but i will give them a call.

B series bearings?

huh? for a A20 Block?

[MessyHonda]

ive seen some on this website not sure if it was ACL homepage. If i can't find anything for the crank i guess ill use the honda bearings which will be pricey but i will give them a call.




huh? for a A20 Block?

If the B-series rods fit the bearings should fit too

[obdriver6]

If the B-series rods fit the bearings should fit too

ACL makes connecting rod bearings for the A20 but he's looking for crank bearing.

[cygnus x-1]

I used Toga bearings from these guys:

http://www.importperformanceparts.net/

MBH20-HP, and RBH15-HP

They appeared to be good quality parts and fit perfectly.

C|

[AccordEpicenter]

i used king bearings. Its tough to say if those new pistons you have will work with that block yet because those bores look rough. The crank looks fine but i would at least put in new arp rod bolts if youre going to reuse the rods, but you MUST get the big end re sized if you do this also. Its def worth doing as these are the most stressed fastener in the ENTIRE ENGINE.

[ShyBoyCA6]

I used Toga bearings from these guys:

http://www.importperformanceparts.net/

MBH20-HP, and RBH15-HP

They appeared to be good quality parts and fit perfectly.

C|

ok thanks ill looking into it.

i used king bearings. Its tough to say if those new pistons you have will work with that block yet because those bores look rough. The crank looks fine but i would at least put in new arp rod bolts if youre going to reuse the rods, but you MUST get the big end re sized if you do this also. Its def worth doing as these are the most stressed fastener in the ENTIRE ENGINE.

Thanks for the tip .


Also i checked the other pistons that came in the mail and noticed something i didn't like.



I dont know how this passed inspection or if it even passes but it looks horrible. look at the other pic for "PJO and Arrow"

What do you guys think? would it effect any thing? its carved pretty deep and looks like it might crack after break in or certain mileage. I already called them but the guy that took my order isn't there today. i will call him tomorrow for new replacements.

[cygnus x-1]

It does look bad but I don't think it would cause any problems. How many are like that?

C|

[ShyBoyCA6]

It does look bad but I don't think it would cause any problems. How many are like that?

C|

2 of them

[ShyBoyCA6]

Called the guy up and he said they dont keep track on the inventory and seNd them out as is but will replace them. So i ask if the piston will work like it should without problem and yes it should. So thats good enough for me so the block will be going to the shop to get worked on. Mean while ill be buying the gaskets and bearings.

[AccordEpicenter]

Shouldnt be a problem but I like to sand down the rough edges on piston crowns specifically around the valve reliefs. I do it by hand with like 400-500 grit just to eliminate hot spots and stress risers. If this is not gonna be a performance build I wouldnt worry about it or the PJO or arrow marks. Also, the fit of the bearing is more critical than the brand. Any reputable bearing company will be fine. Remember when the oil pressure is good then the engine parts ride on a film of oil, not the bearing directly, so I wouldnt sweat it, as long as they fit within tolerance.

[elpuma]

any updates??

[ShyBoyCA6]

Sorry no updates at the time. But will have some soon.

[ShyBoyCA6]

i wont't be going down this route for now cause my mom (yes mom) is helping me to get the car running. so im limited to $500 or so on getting it fixed. i already ordered everything for the bottom end and will be installing everything myself. Engine block and head will be in the shop getting cleaned and inspected. only thing im not doing is the head ill be leaving that to the shop to do.

But i do need help on sealant for the head gasket and intake manifold gasket...im not sure if sealant is required for the exhaust or not. maybe a thin layer.

Ok so my question is what sealant should i use or what do you use and highly recommend? I got permatex Ultra black for the oil pan gasket cause we used it before and was pleased that it didn't leak or anything. i seen some of you guys use some colored sealant like red or blue. any information would be great!

Im expecting my car to be done sometime next week and running like a champ that she is.

On the side note: I do have a Spare head i can mess around with so don't worry about me losing interest on getting the build. block will be to spec but head will take awhile to get the power.

[gfrg88]

You're kidding, right?

[MessyHonda]

dont use any sealant.