SR20VE Conversion VVL Rattling

[Kaisen]

Hi guys,

currently in the midst of a SR20VE conversion. Got the engine running and whenever the VVL engages, there is this rattling noise coming from the valve train which I don't think it should sound like that. Appreciate if I can get some input on what might be causing this. I've attached a video of it as well. Thanks in advance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2HGAsBCsiE&feature=youtu.be

[claaasssiiiccc21]

Holy crap, that sounds bad. Might look on honda forums as that problem more than likely occurs on their vtecs as well and might give you some insight. Never heard a VE make that sound before. Sounds extremely rapid so it is not the rocker arm. Sounds more like a solenoid.

[Kaisen]

Is there any certain way to tell? The VVL clicks when it engages so it should be working fine right?

[Yellow4g63]

Did you use the VVL oil pump? I'd pull the cams and start inspecting the head. Try a different cam tensioner too.

[Kaisen]

Yes, I did use the VVL oil pump. I guess I'll have to take the head off to have a look then :(

[Yellow4g63]

Start with the cams, check to see if any of the shims popped out of the retainers. Then move to the tensioner.

[Kaisen]

What would cause shims to pop out of the retainers?

[Yellow4g63]

Something getting sucked into the motor. This happened to my sr20ve. The factory throttle screw came off the shaft and got sucked in. Does it make the sound with the vvl unplugged?

[Kaisen]

It doesn't have that sound when the VVL is not engaged. We took off the valve cover to inspect and everything seems to be fine. Taking the whole head off to inspect now. Maybe it has something to do with the oil feed

[claaasssiiiccc21]

It may be because your VVL is engaged at such a low RPM. How does the oil pressure react at the VVL engagement?

[Kaisen]

Okay. Found that it's the valves hitting the pistons on the intake side when VVL engages, lol. Can't SR20VE conversion work on stock SR20DE pistons?

[Yellow4g63]

I have acivated mine at idle never made that sound. Just a lumpy idle because of the big cam.

[claaasssiiiccc21]

Okay. Found that it's the valves hitting the pistons on the intake side when VVL engages, lol. Can't SR20VE conversion work on stock SR20DE pistons?

Oh damn. Hope you got lucky. That reallllly sucks. Time for new valves, valvejob, and VE 9.0 pistons. DET pistons are no good as the CR is way too high (or well at least not ideal)

[jr_ss]

Okay. Found that it's the valves hitting the pistons on the intake side when VVL engages, lol. Can't SR20VE conversion work on stock SR20DE pistons?

The P11 head and cams works on stock DET pistons with a thicker head gasket. What cams are you using as that plays a huge part in working or not.

[Yellow4g63]

Stock p11 cams clear the 9.5:1 de pistons. Anything bigger like sr16ve and N1's don't clear.

[Kaisen]

Sorry for the lack of reply. Managed to get the issues sorted out. Just wondering what rpm can the stock VE head handle? I sent mine for tuning and the valves in cylinder 1 broke as well as all of the valve guides after a few runs. Could the cause of it be from the valves hitting the pistons the first time round that already caused some damage to the valves, otherwise there shouldn't be any problem at all?

[jr_ss]

Yes, the damage was done when the valves contacted the pistons the first time.

A VVL head should be good for 8k rpms out of the box. Size of turbo and cams also play a role in this. Have you upgraded springs? I suggest you do to the 9X lbs seat pressure supertechs.

I rev mine to 8250, but there is real estate left on the table. More boost and better cams should yield 8.5-9k.

[Kaisen]

That clear things up. What a costly lesson this conversion has been lol. Mine was stock when I assembled everything. I'm intending to go for Supertech Valve train set this time round and CP pistons

[Hyaboosta]

so is it safe to say that the weak valve springs and 9:5:1 compression caused the interference? I am in the process of building a sr20ve rwd conversion, planning on using cp 9:1 and a p12 head with p12 cams. I plan on upgrading the springs and retainers as well as valves. anyone running this and having issues? does a thicker head gasket need to be used?

[Kaisen]

so is it safe to say that the weak valve springs and 9:5:1 compression caused the interference? I am in the process of building a sr20ve rwd conversion, planning on using cp 9:1 and a p12 head with p12 cams. I plan on upgrading the springs and retainers as well as valves. anyone running this and having issues? does a thicker head gasket need to be used?


Actually that was my fault, I got the timing wrong, hence that's what caused the whole mess. Your set up should work fine.

[Yellow4g63]

so is it safe to say that the weak valve springs and 9:5:1 compression caused the interference? I am in the process of building a sr20ve rwd conversion, planning on using cp 9:1 and a p12 head with p12 cams. I plan on upgrading the springs and retainers as well as valves. anyone running this and having issues? does a thicker head gasket need to be used?


If the pistons are DE pistons you need to have the valve relief cut into them to run a bigger than stocvk p11 cam.