B18C5 Head Swap Worth It?

[Maxx]

I may have the ability to get a b18c5 head/intake manifold. My question is whether the swap is worth it on a B18c1? I have read about the compression ratio problem. Would shaving the head be a solution to this? What other problems would I encounter in doing this swap? I guess I am wondering if there is any benefit to doing the head swap versus a set of cams on my existing head. For what Cams/valvesprings cost, a new head almost seems like a better alternative.

[STIBungy]

What compression ratio problem are you referring to? Shaving it will just increase the compression.

It is said that the Type R head flows better. The internals are also better as well(valves, valvesprings, Ti retainers, cams). Plus the fact that the Type R head is pretty much a P&P B16A head but also with different length intake runners.

It depends on the price of the complete head.

Some folks I know have upgraded their B16 heads to Type R valvesets to be able to up redline to 9krpm.

[Maxx]

I read that the combustion chamber volume is larger on the type-r head, yielding a lower compression ratio than stock (assuming you retain the stock gsr pistons.) Is this incorrect?

[AcuraBro]

I read that the combustion chamber volume is larger on the type-r head, yielding a lower compression ratio than stock (assuming you retain the stock gsr pistons.) Is this incorrect?


No, you're correct. All the P28 heads (B16 and Type R) have round combustion chambers, the GS-R heads have combustion chambers that look like this ( ) if you connect the top and the bottom. The lesser volume inside the combustion chamber yields a higher compression ratio. I'd stick with the GS-R head personally-- it's worked just fine for me, unless you're getting the Type R head for free, in which case it would be fun to see if you get more HP out of the box.

[STIBungy]

You should get more ponies. Hence the term, poor man's Type R.

[Bryson]

No. IMO...its a waste of money. With the money you spent on the C5 head, you could have just gotten a mild Port job/rebuild with aftermarket springs and retainers and keep your stock intake manifold. If you want to upgrade the manifold, just get a Skunk2 for the GSR.

OR, you could just spend less $, and buy some nice cams/springs/retainers.

In the end, you would have more power, and a nicely rebuilt head for less money, compared to the C5.

[Maxx]

Thanks for the advice guys....it sounds like I should just pass this up and stick with what I got.

I appreciate the help!