Thread: My VE build. ACL, ARP, P&P, SUPERTECH, etc

hey everyone, I'm starting to build a VE now finally; After piecing parts and hardware together from other forum members (Adreas Miko, sr20?, others) I'm finally ready.. I think. I'm not going for power here, I just want something reliable but peppy, I plan on putting A/C and cruise on this, with stock mounts and decent suspension. I have a no rust car I want to make quick and clean

unless I can get some sr16 pistons soon, I'll be building this with a stock bottom end, ACL race bearings, stock headgasket, ARP headstuds, port and polished head, SUPERTECH s&r, stock cams and valves, stock intake.. completely rebuilt with all new... I still need a good header and exhaust though..

this is all going in my '92 se-r
http://www.sr20-forum.com/members-rides/61349-92-eng-bay-proj-round-2-a.html


Later on, after I get all bugs worked out, I'll be throwing n1 cams in it, some intake mani with q45 tb, and injectors, but my budget wont let me do that right now. I'm still planning on painting this car.

I've got a Haltech E8 to control this, but I'm going to go with Nismotronics if I can't get decent enough support on the Haltech.

Any thoughts or ideas? any tips/experiences to throw in? anything you would do different if it were your build?

My thoughts on experience:

-Do not attempt to port the head if you or whoever is doing it has experience with the VE and knows what they are doing. Opening up the ports without knowing can lead to power loss as you can hurt flow characteristics.

-If you decide to go with new pistons, save another 300$ and buy a set of CP/JE pistons. They are lighter and more resistant to detonation if it occurs.

More advice. Save, save, save. Things don't happen overnight. If its a matter of waiting a month or two to do it with a better option, wait the month or two. Good luck!

I agree, take the time to do it right. 12.5:1 pistons are a nice upgrade, or even go 88mm for not much more if the block has to be machined. External stuff and cams can be easily changed, pistons are not as easy.

thought about pistons.. but didnt think of the detonation factor. I just might get some now. the block doesn't need machined, thankfully.
as far as p&p goes, I've done DE and b series honda heads before with great results, but I never had any of it dynoed. I just noticed the throttle response difference throughout the power band. basically with this head, I'm just going to blend the bowl a little bit if it needs it, unshroud the exhaust valves, knock out the casting marks, and angle the exhaust valves a bit.. then hit it a lil with a 32 grit, or 80

and now I'm looking for pistons, 12.5:1 86mm

The haltech its the best option...

Surprised you said that @El_Wil, most people go with the proprietary stuff. Interested in knowing how the Haltech works with the VE.

yeah me too.. Haltech isn't too popular here in the states, lotta Australia I've been told. I've seen a few rwd sr haltechs, but idk how they like to use it.
I'll be keeping everyone posted.

I am getting new pistons, cp or wiseco 86mm 12.5. Just sold a car to get em..

We currently have a good deal on the pistons CP if you are interested.

Just find the specs of the E8 vs Nismo... for the support, email them. They have a great customer service.