Hey everyone. I've got JDM 16 that I bought from hmotoronline a few years back. I swapped it into a 95 civic and did the usual I/H/E, and it was fun. Now I've got the motor out, I'm in the middle of restoring the body along with a wire tuck and shaved engine bay.I'm also going to replace all the gaskets in the top end and timing belt, head studs, and LMA's. I plan on going turbo. I've done sooooo much reading its not funny. I'm getting mixed reviews though. Now my question is, what are your opinions on internal upgrades I should or should not do while I'm in the motor? dual springs and retainers? B16 cams ok for turbo? I'd like to stay away from going into the block if I can...I'd be completely happy with about 230-250hp. nothing crazy, I'm thinking a smaller turbo that spools a bit quicker is what I want. Thanks in advanced to anyone who an help,or has some input.

 

For 250 HP you can use a completely stock motor. You can definitely get away with a smaller turbo to make that kind of power and it will spool very fast. I would freshen it up if you want, but probably just go with ARP headstuds and a new headgasket. That should be enough for your goals.

This is pretty much the same thing I'm in the process of doing right now. It's definitely been done before, but someone will chime in with better advice than me.

 

Thanks for the input. I'm still wondering if dual springs wold be a good idea? Or if its not really worth it when using the stock B16 cams.Also, I think I'm going to use hondata, but I'm confused on what it is. Is it a chip that goes inside your ecu? or is it an ecu that replaces your current one?

 

Man, I wanted to believe you actually have read endlessly, but I'm starting not to.

I don't know what dual springs are. I assume its the retaining springs for the valves. I'm not sure, I've never done anything but adjusted mine. B16 cams work. The GSR or ITR cams are obviously better. Some people will recommend skunk2 cams or something. Hondata is probably overkill for your set up, but it's always a good investment. It is a board that goes inside the ECU.

 

I have read a lot. so much I confuse myself sometimes. I have 6 honda books next to me now. yes I have read them. I asked about hondata beause I have seen it for sale as a chip and as an ecu. so now i know they were selling their ecu with hondata installed. so thank you for clarifying that. and yes dual springs mean dual valve springs and retainers. just easier to type dual springs. sorry for confusion.

 

You want 250 hp now.For the big chance you will need 300 hp some months after your first pull.I wouldnt buy a very small turbo.Also you should check if the engine needs new pistons rings and maybe bearings.Its a good thing whenyou go turbo on a 100.000 mile engine.
EDIT: Also i would replace those 15 year old retainers.They killed a lot of engines.Im sure mac will come for a turbo suggestion.

 

Ah, yes, I've read myself into confusion before.

Hondata is the board inside the ECU. The website sells the ECU and the board as one piece since the installation of the board is very important.

Gotcha on the springs. My biggest thing about talking cars on the internet is what people call certain parts. The valve springs could be replaced, it's entirely up to you.

As for what Balor said, checking the motor's health before you go into this is a good idea. There are a handful of tests to check your motors health.

I'm going for 250-300 myself, and I'm pretty sure I'll want to say I have 300 HP so I went with a little larger turbo. T3/T4 .57 Trim Garret turbo. It's a little bigger than what I wanted, but I got it so cheap I couldn't say no.

 

I was reading a lot of good reviews on the super 60 turbo... I'm between that or t3/t4 .57 one you mentioned. I'm into lifted trucks, so I really think I'll be happy with the 250hp mark. Just want a quick little car to buzz around in I'm not looking for anything crazy. Hell the stock B16 was already smoking 5.0l mustangs. lol.