Simply put price! A comparable F20B DOHC VTEC or a H22A will set me back around $3500-4000.
I only wanted a new engine b/c my old one was only running on three cylinders and it was fried.
This F20A DOHC including matching 5sp transmission cost me well under $1000...thats not bad for 150hp and 139ft-lbs. The shorter stroke makes this engine much more smooth than my old motor. And the short gear ratios makes this engine/tranny really fun to play around with.
With the modifications I have made to it, i figure I am running around 160 hp and 150ft-lbs????not sure tho.
My plan next summer is to rebuild the engine. Just to make it more durable. Lighter internals, balanced rotating assembly, and new ECU (8000rpm redline) should get me around 190hp without VTEC.
we'll c