thanks folks, I saw a site that showed engaine bay with the head + intake removed, and it was a fairly open access to the back of the block...I'll discuss this with my machanic, its an critical step that must be done right.

jdm dc2r - its a 2000 crv, b20b8/b20z with that air chamber/resonator box ontop of the intake. I agree that the CRV runs ok, it will never perform or handle like my previous dc2...but i would like a bit more to her fat butt moving. I have a CAI and magnaflow muffler

If i could get a equalivant vtec performance gains from stock head work with aftermarket CAM + headers - then this option would be the simple route for now. From my research, folk are saying its not worth going the performance non-vtec cams route...go straight vtec. Been thinking of a going stock with small turbo...its pretty tight fit and I'll prob have to get & mod the non-sports plastic bar.

Cheers, mike