One of the most popular mods for B20 engines is the installation of VTEC heads. The VTEC technology can drastically improve the performance of B20 engines. In addition to adding VTEC, some engines also respond well to aggressive camshaft durations. Another popular mod for B20 engines is dropping in a B17 crankshaft. Adding injectors and modifying the ecu map can also make a difference in the amount of torque gained.
Simple construction
A B20 engine is a simple, reliable and solid unit. Despite being relatively low-cost, B20 engines require regular maintenance and service. Carbon buildup on the engine can cause the engine to lose power or cause flat spots. Luckily, this is easily remedied. It’s recommended that you warm up the engine before driving it.
The B20 engine has a very similar construction to the LS engine. The B20 bottom end, or cylinder block, is the same as the B16 and B18 family engines, and is interchangeable with parts from the Civic/Integra series. The B20 also shares many of the same characteristics as the B16/B18 series, including the 84mm bore.
Reliability
While the reliability of B20 engines isn’t that problematic, the age of the vehicles with this engine is a concern. The oldest B20 engines are over 20 years old, and even those with low mileage may start to show problems. In addition, the use of expensive oil is recommended. However, reliability is not an absolute requirement, as the reliability of B20 engines depends on many factors. These factors may be related to the type of fuel used in the vehicle.
A recent study by NREL evaluated the performance of fifteen 40-foot transit buses with Cummins ISM engines. The study group included eight vehicles that ran on B20 and seven that ran on petroleum ULSD. The buses were operated from two separate depots at the St. Louis Metro. The bus routes and duty cycles were similar between the two groups. The ULSD-powered buses had an average fuel economy of 3.58 mpg.
Power output
The B20 engine is a naturally aspirated engine developed by Honda. It is the largest engine in the B-series family. Its block is made of aluminum and features cast iron cylinder liners. It features 16-valve non-VTEC belt-driven double overhead cams. The B20 engine is available in several variants, each with a different power output and compression ratio. Its redline is set at 6,500 rpm.
A B20 engine can be easily tuned for increased power output by adding more air and fuel to the engine. Adding more air and fuel will increase the engine’s fuel burn rate. The air is drawn into the engine during the suck phase and mixed with the fuel. It is important to note that the design of the intake system has a large impact on the mixing of fuel and air. An aftermarket CAI can be a great way to increase power and efficiency without the cost of an expensive plenum chamber.
Fuel blend
When preparing a fuel blend for a B20 engine, it is necessary to keep several things in mind. The temperature of the fuel is the most important factor. Higher temperatures increase NOx emissions. This is due to a higher combustion temperature, higher oxygen content and increased residence time in the cylinder. During the test, the fuel was preheated to 40 degrees Celsius. However, if B20 is not preheated properly, the temperature of the exhaust gas will increase.
The combustion process for B20 engines is similar to that of conventional diesel. In terms of horsepower and torque, the two fuels are nearly equivalent. The energy content of biodiesel is 1% to 2% less than petroleum diesel. This difference is negligible in most situations, and many B20 users have reported little or no difference in performance. Biodiesel also offers some air quality and emissions benefits. In addition, it offers greater greenhouse gas benefits compared to conventional diesel fuel. The emission benefit of biodiesel depends on the blend level.
Head porting
Head porting for B20 engines can increase the power of your engine by improving airflow. A ported head eliminates flow restrictions and turbulence. This modification is a great choice for those who want to increase the performance of their street car or racecar. While the process is complicated and time-consuming, it can deliver significant gains.
Head porting is a complex process and can yield a variety of results. Depending on the application, the process can change the flow characteristics of the engine significantly. In many cases, the port size must be proportionate to the volumetric requirements of the engine. For example, if the port is too small, the flow will be significantly reduced.
Cost
The cost of a B20 engine is determined by the type and size of the engine. In general, the cost of a B20 engine starts at around $500. The engine is typically shipped on a shipping pallet. It is usually delivered to a business address with a loading dock or to your home. You will need to purchase proper papers for sale.
Honda offers two B-series engines. The B18 and the B20 share the same family, but it is cheaper to swap one for the other. The B18 engine is not as powerful as the B20 but can outrun it with performance parts. Its redline is at 6,500 RPM. The B20 engine is more powerful but is not as durable as the B18.