Another Huge Setback With Our Project Honda Civic Type R

The following is a transcript of the episode, organized via AI and edited by a staffer:

This build centers around my dream-spec B20 VTEC engine, loaded with premium components before installation into my DC2 Integra Type R. In the last episode, we assembled the long block and lowered it into the bay.

The first task this time was to install a Radium Engineering catch can system. Pete fabricated custom aluminum brackets to mount it discreetly above the gearbox and below the throttle body—hidden once the Comptec Icebox and OE intake are in place. High-quality hose and Radium fittings connected the catch can to the engine, with fittings replacing the galley plugs on the block to serve as a crankcase breather. Since this B20 lacks the factory black box breather, the catch can is essential. A Radium petcock drain was also added.

Accessories went on next: AC pump, 4-2-1 header with fresh gasket, clutch slave, coil rad with both OE fans, Samco radiator hoses, starter, alternator, and the belt system. We hit a snag with the power steering pump—the GSR version’s feed port was too small—so the original Type R pump was reused.

For wiring, we installed a Versatile Wiring tucked harness, which retains OE connectors and routing. The engine management system is a Link G4X HC96 Plus plug-in ECU, paired with a CAN lambda sensor for accurate wideband data and an expansion loom for additional sensors. Installation was straightforward: a few connections for fuel/oil pressure sensors and CAN lambda power.

Before startup, we pre-lubed the engine with a JEGS pre-lubricator and Valvoline VR1 high-zinc oil. With the valve cover off, we confirmed oil reached the valvetrain. Using an Airlift vacuum system to fill the cooling system revealed a leak at the water pump due to a pinched O-ring. This required stripping the timing components, replacing the gasket, and reassembling carefully. After verifying a leak-free system, we refilled with Honda-specific coolant under vacuum.

A new OE+ Pro Series XD battery was installed for reliable cranking power. Eric from Lavine Motorsports provided a Link ECU base map for the first startup. Initial cranks showed fuel pressure but no spark—traced to a loose distributor connector. Swapping to a stock distributor restored RPM readings, and after some ignition/fuel timing adjustments from Eric, the B20 roared to life.

After weeks of preparation, custom fabrication, and a few setbacks, the engine finally runs.

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See below for a transcript provided via AI and edited by a staffer.

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