The LS/VTEC and B18C Alternative

For street usage, LS/VTEC is pretty hard to beat.

The low rod ratio 1.53 to 1 is okay for the street usage because it gives you peak torque at around 5K to 5.5K which is excellent because you won't be caught out of gear as often. Put some hot cams in your motor and the shit will scream. No doubt. Longevity shouldn't be a problem if the motor is assembled properly with clearances checked and new bearings, etc.

With the B16A crank you got to 7K to hit peak torque so if you don't have a close ratio tranny the engine will feel sluggish.