How We Assemble a Honda B18C Race Engine at MotoIQ

[@mickl8212]

Brings back fond memories of building my B18C turbo engine. Wiseco 81.5mm pistons and eagle rods. I remember sat there filing each individual piston ring with a diamond file to the correct gap. Took me AGES, but the motor was reliable. Did a lot of track days here in the UK. Never let me down.

[@Backyard_Racing]

This is one of the best videos on the engine building process I’ve seen on KZbin

[@CarRacerGVR4]

Well, this video breaks my personal rule of skipping the first 30 seconds of every youtube video because the intro on this is fucking hilarious

[@IIStyx123]

Damn listening to him breakdown all the components and saying why you need to do what you are doing is wild. Like from engineering perspective, they legit thought about everything! Crazy how genius they were. The B series is such a stout engine. Love me some Honda!

[@Caliber1077]

4 minutes in and this is already incredible. I hope to one day send you my K20Z1 when it's time to rebuild it.

[@MuramatsuInosuke]

GUYS! THAT WAS HILARIOUS! "TAKE IT AWAY HOWARD!"

[@kenshoenso3038]

Real OG mechanic. No talk, no gloves, all business. 🫡

[@Scott9181970]

Yay, Howard! One day I'd love to have him do a big port 4A-GE for me

[@namraq]

Awesome to see the amount of care put into your work. This is the other side of the videos where you describe the parts that you would use in a build.

[@MMORPG87]

O.O looks to the left of my desk of my GSR that i tore apart and been to lazy to put back together lol ive rebuilt 2 myself and one has been running strong for almost 10 years of beating on it and the other been sitting on the floor for 11 years and the 3rd is ready to put back together. figured id watch cause there is always something new to learn no matter how much u know lol

[@dat_blue_si]

I really appreciate ya guys doing this video like how layed back this guy is 👍

[@velocity211]

Content like this is the best of what KZbin is meant for

[@charlesshamseldin9555]

Awesome video Mike. I'm a Ford/Mazda Duratec guy but I love lurking around here for the great content and info. And of course your trademark no nonsense delivery. Keep up the great work bud

[@martindworak]

Thank you Mike! I’ve assembled a couple b-series engines(didn’t blow) and I thought I knew it all, now I do!😊👍🏼

[@R00567]

This is such a treat and an honor to watch a master at his craft. Thank you for sharing this 🎉❤

[@alexfontaine6233]

I wish i could work at your shop. Motoiq is providing an immense wealth of information. We are all so lucky to watch these videos, I cant stop nerding out.

[@jeromelucero95]

The time lapes was so satisfying to watch

[@john-martin]

Of course the perfect timing thank you.

[@andyskaggs3323]

Appreciate the cam timing explanation. Noticed you guys used the arp studs rather than the factory head bolts mentioned/recommended in the previous video?

[@motoiq]

We don't recommend studs unless you need them. In this case the customer wanted them.

[@thecontraguy5536]

This is the best video ever

[@jdubbsvt85]

Harold's look when the camera went to him in the beginning was priceless 😂

[@ther1kid]

This was great! I learned, and I need to buy more Mitutoyo now.

[@ItzzLex]

man i would love to do stuff like this or even just be around it feel like i could learn so much, thanks for giving me something to watch while i start my weekend

[@JacobMueller]

How do you make the end to the weekend perfect? Finish installing a refurbed Alpine tape deck into your CRX and come in to see a MotoIQ video dropped.

[@PNW_Fiddle]

Time travel

[@BLoudermilk]

You guys are next level. Hope to have you build a motor for me some day

[@VinceCannavaII]

The best.i truly enjoy your videos. Keep it up

[@garywayne123]

This was an excellent video!!!

[@kenyau8962]

really thank you guys🙂

[@Thatloudfit]

Another banger ❤

[@SRDmotorsports]

Love watching this! and nice seeing pistons installed 1-2-3-4 sequence I always get asked why I don’t install 1 and 4 then 2 and 3 Frankly I think that’s a lazy approach as 1 and 4 are both at btdc so it’s a “might as well” kinda move

[@aventari]

How in the world is it 'lazy'? It's pretty dumb not to do 1-4 and then 2-3.

[@SRDmotorsports]

alright

[@bobbyleebuiltit8776]

All I can say is , Thank you

[@simonsays8704]

Mike, you are too funny , great vid

[@josephpalack1440]

B Series engines are extremely rare and expensive now. I had an EM1 but blew the head gasket at 180k miles. Redid it and blew the gasket again. Turns out the block was warped and a new B16A2 is nearly $10k. Decided to buy a GR86 instead.

[@motoiq]

That is why you need a good engine builder.

[@josephpalack1440]

@@motoiq Yup. It had been rebuilt once by someone before I had got it but it was clear there were issues. It was beyond my capabilities to fix or pay to fix so I sold it to a mechanic. I love old Hondas so I was sad to see it go.

[@scotteric8711]

These were awesome engines. Build a Dart GX20 block!!

[@mixxeerr]

It's so ASMR listening to Mike Kojima

[@thexpression27]

As always great video:) What may be added to your cam timing guide at the end is that you always wanna use solid lifters when timing the cams on hydraulic lash adjuster engines because if you dont the slack of the missing oil pressure which would zero your lash really gets your timing numbers wrong ( you can build them of spare hydro lifters welding a nut in and screwing a round machined screw in there that you can turn to zero lash once the head is all together). But thats just by the way. Great content as always i love it keep it up and greetings from germany near the beautiful Nordschleife:)

[@motoiq]

You are 100% correct

[@davewolf8869]

Great information !!

[@gamerdiydad]

Thank you!

[@ethanlewis7847]

I love it!

[@spencersgarage]

Niiiice! Love my 94 GSR

[@manitoublack]

plasti-gauge is the best way to check if there is any taper in the bearings/crank. god to check both

[@motoiq]

Micrometers are. Plastigauge can be off by 50% of the entire clearance.

[@kracksmith4ejm1]

this is so cool i would literally work at this place for free just to be able to learn from these masters. where is this place??

[@TrackSol]

Regarding plastigauge, what are you thoughts about the Honda and Acura Factory service manuals showing main and connecting rod clearance checks using plastigauge?

[@alexanderscholz8855]

PLEASE make a Clip from the Aprillia RS 50 "100MPG" Scooter!! And the Video is always Perfect, mooooooore please! Big Thanks to Howard that he is on the Video. If he want, please make a interview on the Podcast with Howard. Thanks for sharing knowledge!!! Stay safe, awesome and share knowledge and Greatings to all goes out😁😁😁

[@motoiq]

I need to clean out the carb and get it running.

[@alexanderscholz8855]

@@motoiq AWESOME, Please bring it back to old Glory! More from engine build Content! Thanks😁😁😁

[@willnzsurf]

Thanks, more of these would be great.😎

[@RDGarage]

Making me miss my B series LOL Howard's face LMAOOOOOO

[@filepz629]

❤️‍🔥MOTOIQ❤️‍🔥

[@mikewargaski]

I greatly appreciate this info!!!! I building a b series now. I put gsr cams in for a turbo build. I read all Honda cams have same centerlines 98 intake and 110 exhaust do these numbers work for low cam lobe like you measured or do I need a different number. I thought most numbers are based on v tec lobe? I’d rather not take the rocker out to lock them if I don’t have to. The head and block have been cleaned up And I want to get the cams dialed in Thanks !

[@motoiq]

That is not true

[@kerrvfx]

This has made my day

[@ahatch3086]

This info in incredible! I’m curious, what would a stock rebuild b18c cost? Mine has 284k miles and it’s getting tired.

[@AdinSLaboy]

😮 i have to download this one i did a b18 b1 for first time but have to do it again because I didn't take it to shop and it looks like cyl 4 it's having issues after I asamble it I heard a clong noise after the piston started going down after top dead center

[@NoItDoesntHavePopups]

Would be nice to see you giys build a miata turbo engine

[@MichaelFlare]

These guys are insanely OCD and I really respect that. I had to rewatch the last 10 minutes of the video like 5 times to really understand what they were doing. However, I’m so confused about something. When they are finding the true top dead center, why do they have to find the before & after dial values to average together to find the degree value? Why can’t they just look at the dial meter and turn the crank back & forth until they see the HIGHEST value? The highest value should be top dead center right? Same with the cam lobe centers afterwards. They did the same thing.

[@motoiq]

It's actually hard to see TDC exactly to the degree like we said in the video, the needle hardly moves over a range of about 5 degrees.

[@carllourenznaidoo2470]

Appreciate the content, whatever happened to your Sr20det build any dyno video and track/road testing video of that bolt-on and big build Sr20det?

[@motoiq]

It's waiting for the transmission

[@cnknguyen]

Howard reminds me of a modern day Masamune of motorsports lol

[@cnknguyen]

Hi Mike.

[@bmwe-op4jx]

Did you arp lube the washer side which sits on the block? Also did you take pause on each arp torque step ?

[@motoiq]

Yes, I should have said something about that.

[@brianvandell5969]

when are these guys getting a televised series jesus.

[@vision27]

When degreeing the cams, was VTEC locked and was the valve lash set to zero?

[@motoiq]

We dialed in on the low rpm lobes and when using the top center method we showed it doesn't matter where the lash is.

[@birdman0607]

Need that Neo Vvl video

[@ThmsPtrsn]

Did the customer request to use the ARP Studs? I remember in the last video you recommended to use OEM Torque-to-Yield bolts for under 400hp Street to Track N/A builds over the ARP hardware to prevent distortion.

[@motoiq]

Yes

[@alexfontaine6233]

Once you guys have the pulleys adjusted do you custom order them so that they are that exact geometry you adjusted them to? this might be a dumb question

[@motoiq]

No we adjust the pulleys as we showed in the video!

[@alexfontaine6233]

@@motoiq oh so you just leave those on there? so they are strong enough

[@motoiq]

Yes

[@alexfontaine6233]

@@motoiq thanks

[@aventari]

Are the stock TDC marks usually very accurate?

[@motoiq]

On most cars

[@jeremyfiel]

Seems the ring pack alignment was missed during the bottom end time lapse Otherwise, great content!

[@motoiq]

Yeah, I realized I did this after we were done. It is not a show stopper because the rings spin at about 10-20 rpm but it is still a good practice. Also explaining the ring compressor. Next time!

[@slfrules1]

About ring grinding, is it true you're supposed to only grind one side of the gap at a time to keep the ends from tapering? I feel like i've seen a lot of people pinch them on the wheel and i think i've heard that isn't right.

[@motoiq]

Yes

[@irsever]

the quest for true TDC is very satisfying to me. The usual method people seem to use of getting it close enough to start and then monkeying with it while running is nerve-wrecking, especially when they start adding boost. Trying to get the most out a motor with no reference of where you're starting from is reckless at best.

[@jench78]

were considerations made for budget reasons or is this kind of an ultimate street/track build for n/a B18C?

[@motoiq]

You need to take this level of care anytime you build and engine, even if it is a stock rebuild.

[@jench78]

@@motoiq I meant the intake, the cams, pistons and rods, the cryo treating and the wpc treating. Would more money mean more power or is this about all you can get out of an n/a build?

[@motoiq]

It's a medium state of tune engine, but built for durability. We could get at least another 50 hp out of it with more revs and exotic parts with shorter life.

[@Lost10mm.]

Do they have any different girdles for the b series, like the f series.

[@motoiq]

You don't really need one unless you make crazy power like 1000 plus but they do have them. I like the TPR one that ties in all of the mains.

[@Lost10mm.]

@motoiq that's awesome, thanks. I'm looking into swapping on a 90 Honda civic wagon rt4wd. Still not sure if I will go h22 or b series plus I haven't researched much for what matches up with the drivetrain or if I'll need an adapter plate to still be 4wd.

[@motoiq]

I am partial to the B series over the H series.

[@Lost10mm.]

@motoiq my favorite engine is the gm 5.7, but always appreciate your input. And hopefully I get your seal of approval on one of the few honda builds I'm doing. Getting close to assembly on a old honda accord.

[@taydencornish]

I have a question.. How many cases will you simply replace the bearings with all std items?

[@motoiq]

It depends what clearance you are chasing and how picky you are about it.

[@jsr3793]

Ahhh Howard. I believe his picture was in sport compact car more than Dave Coleman.

[@motoiq]

Was he?

[@chiefslief1886]

Ooow Howard is sweet🥰❤💋💋💋

[@mickl8212]

When are you doing a video of this in the car running?

[@motoiq]

Never, we built the engine not the car.

[@mickl8212]

@motoiq ahh, that's not great, I thought you guys were going to do a follow-up of it

[@motoiq]

No, it went to the customer. We have built similar spec engines and they made 230 whp plus before.

[@CarAholic86]

What model torque wrench is that?

[@motoiq]

Snap on, I dunno exactly the model number

[@b18c5turbogt35r]

when i do my i put the head on first than the aftermarket studs

[@motoiq]

Put the head on first then the rest of the valvetrain

[@hawyn99]

Now this is what I'm talking bout. Send me the motor pretty please 😢

[@bryanlarrea2867]

How important would it be to have close to zero dust particles in the air when assembling an engine? Not going to lie, that is something that I would be concerned about.

[@taydencornish]

And how would some particles of dust harm an engine 😂

[@motoiq]

Well you would not want to do it in a dust storm! It doesnt hurt of course.

[@luisfittkau9322]

i have the same bore gauge haha

[@chash7335]

That spring compressor is super tedious. I have always given the valve stem tip a wack to ensure the keepers are seated. I have seen keepers come loose in engines assembled by others.

[@motoiq]

I tap them too with a mallet handle but Howard does not agree with me on this, he closely visually inspects them.

[@Patrick94GSR]

I don’t really agree on the “platigage is a no-no”. For a machine shop sure, they should be using those high dollar precision measuring instruments. But for us DIY guys rebuilding an engine in the garage, most of us aren’t going to spend thousands of dollars on precision measuring tools. Of course it’s best to check the machine shop’s work, and the Plastigage is a good option to verify that clearances are in spec. obviously a race shop building race engines would have these tools. I was just referring to home DIY builders.

[@motoiq]

Not if you are a professional engine builder for paying customers or building engines correctly at home. A machinist might have precise measuring tools but it takes skill to measure properly and more skill to machine properly. We fix a lot of botched engines for people here and poor machining is the reason for many engine issues. There are only a handful of machine shops we work with here that are good enough and this is Southern California where there are many to choose from. Plastigage is often over 0.001" off, which can be 70% or more of your total clearance on a late-model aluminum block engine. Also in the case of the crank, since it is supported in several places, that affects the measurement of the journal you are checking with the plastigage.

[@thexpression27]

@@Patrick94GSR I always use both plastigauge and precision bore gauge & micrometer but plastigauge serves a different purpose for me. If you crush a strip of it you can see if the mated up surfaces have taper to each other meaning that one side has less or more clearance than the other. I find it difficult to measure that with a bore gauge and with plastigauge you see it immediately. If theres no taper i proceed to precision measuring my clearances. Tools are not super expensive either. Get yourself some good condition used Mitutoyo Micrometers in different sizes, a quality dial indicator and a cheap bore gauge. All together youre looking at maybe 200-300 dollars which wont break your bank if youre just starting.Learn how to use your tools and prduce repeatable results then theres nothing that can stop you from DIY. Everyone has to start at the beginning noone is born pro:D

[@motoiq]

We measure in three places across the jornal and three places rdialy to measure out of round and taper. I think I said that in the video but if I didn't, I was supposed to.

[@JP-gd1ln]

@@motoiq are you familiar with/any opinion/experience with Jeffrey @ CNC Werx's machined CSS cylinder support system (closed deck conversion) I couldn't find anyone local (Washington state) that if they did quality machining & assembly were either booked out far too long or so busy not even taking any new business so after a bunch if research i sent my b18 short block to CNC werx for machining/CSS/assembly w/ arias 82mm 10:1 flat top pistons K1 rods micro polished crank & ACL bearings now same problem with local machine shop for the head still deciding where to send my head between headgames / bad guys / portflow/ 4 piston any experience w/ or opinions of those four as well in regards to head machine work (porting / valve jobs)

[@Patrick94GSR]

@@motoiq yep you did and I agree with doing it that way. but it's just not feasable for us home DIY guys building or rebuilding an engine. I would have to pay a machine shop to machine everything, and then I guess pay someone else to check the machine shop with their precision tools? And then, if I'm not standing there watching them do it, I would want to go behind them and "check the checker". And for that, I would have to use plastigage.

[@pcorps999]

Lmao . Og forgot to put head on block before cam caps.

[@motoiq]

No we were showing head assembly first.

[@neilreid9701]

Belt looks a bit loose 😮

[@motoiq]

It isnt

[@jdmlover2011]

Poor Howard b like yall said none about talking

[@vtecminileon]

This is how i want my engine built. Made by japanese and alos rebuilt by proper japanese peeps

[@danielhaynes1642]

Hereeee

[@mgck6822]

Not much a lot to do 25:55 howards look lol

[@jasonmajere2165]

It annoys me to no end when ppl that don’t do mechanical work don’t know how long it takes to do something. ‘Can you do it faster’, nope, if you keep asking I’ll go slower.

[@jasonmajere2165]

Tube squeezer? 35:45

[@motoiq]

Yes

[@jasonmajere2165]

@@motoiq I found it online, I already ordered 2

[@pareshlalta792]

how reliable is the "orange peel" circular torque sequence (start from center) compared to the x-pattern torque sequence on non performance, regular ass city cars 🥲

[@motoiq]

I think the X has got to be better.

[@BabyChupacabras]

Wheres the b18 located in my tesla?🤔

[@ryanbramley5290]

IF PLASTIGAUGE IS GOOG ENUTH FOR F1 ITS GOOD ENUTH FOR ME

[@motoiq]

They do not use it for F1 engines.

[@lukehd4081]

Thank you!