How To Install Eagle Rods in a B18C1

Today we’ll be installing a set of B18C1 Eagle ESP rods and Wiseco pistons in a Acura Integra GSR, or the B18C1. We’ll be showing you how to take your motor apart from the point of your engine being on a engine stand. If you need assistance removing your engine or getting to this point, take a look here.

The part number we’ll be taking a look at is Eagle ESP part number EG-5430A3D, and it comes with all the hardware required for install outside of the rod bearings, which we’ll be using a set of ACL Bearings. We’ll be building our B18C1 for boost, and installing a set of Wiseco pistons as well part number WSCO-PSO-65698.

Again we’ll be starting from the point where you have your engine on a engine stand. As with all of our writeups, if you are not comfortable working on your own engine, stop now and take your car to a ASE certified mechanic. We’ll begin by flipping your motor upside down and removing the oil pan.

You see the oil pan removed here, and oil pickup along with the GSR windage tray, remove the 10mm bolts that hold down the pickup tube and windage tray and remove.

With your windage tray and oil pickup removed, you should now be able to see your factory rod bolts, undo the nuts that secure the rods to the crankshaft and remove your rod end cap. Take extreme caution when removing your rods and pistons, and make sure not to nick or scratch your crankshaft. Some use McDonalds straws that are cut to cover the rod bolts, ensuring that they do not hit anything on the way out.

With the pistons and rods removed you must have your block honed and your cylinder wall cross-hatch restored before installation of your new components. If your B18C1 has been bored or honed, make sure to order your replacement head gasket accordingly. For example a B18A engine is factory 81.00mm bore so you can use the 81mm bore headgasket like a Cometic at whatever thickness is desired.

If you have your shortblock prepped and ready to go, take this time now to clean and properly line up your Eagle rods. Do not use any metal stamps to number or identify rods, instead use permanent markers or felt tip pens to help you identify each rod and piston.

Take this time now to mark down and number each rod before you have your rods and pistons put together.

We recommend taking your pistons and rods to a machine shop to have them installed if you are opting for factory pistons. As we are installing Wiseco pistons at the same time of our build, we’ll be using the Wiseco circlip pins.

We really like the price point of these ESP rods, and they’ve got more nickel and chrome in them than the standard rods you will find in the market. This unique blend from Eagle gives you a better rod than the typical 4340 steel rods, and all at a price that goes easy on your wallet.

Using your ring press, assemble and line up the pistons and rods and tap them in very slowly. Make sure to align the pistons using the marks provided, or by referencing your Acura B18C1 manual.

We are assuming that you have filed your rings to fit, or if you are using a different ring style make sure to reference your installation card before continuing.

Use the utmost care when installing your rods and pistons, for an in-depth look at how to install your main caps, crankshaft and properly plastigauge them, take a look at this page.

With the crankshaft and mains installled, you are now ready to tighten down your rod caps by tightening the ARP fasteners. The rod bolt threads and underside of the head of the bolt should be lubricated using ARP moly assembly lube. Make sure the rod caps are seated on the rod and crankshaft by aligning the rod cap by hand and gently tapping into place.

Tighten slowly and sequence each bolt so that you do not cock the rod cap or bind the rod cap on the ARP bolts. If you do not use ARP moly lube, the bolt stretch will not be consistent with ARP specifications due to the different viscosity lubricants. Incorrect bolt torque or bolt torque procedures will lead to premature bolt or rod failure.

ARP Torque specs

Remember that proper sequencing and rod bearing clearances are completely up to you and your engine build. For more information on the GSR engine and How-To’s on the B18C1, check out more of My Pro Street.