Hey guys, have a few specific questions here I was hoping you could shed some light on. I have a 92 CX that runs GREAT, uses no oil in 4k interval oil changes using 5w-30 Mobile 1, etc, but high mileage (230k).

I recently picked up a Z6 head SUPER cheap and thinking of when doing a Mini-me, doing a budget boost at the same time. I don't want to spend much money, but I'm patient, and usually that translates to good deals on used boost parts etc. I don't have any limit on time. So want to be inexpensive, but want to do it right at the same time.

I also use my car a LOT. I do a good bit of running around, mostly city, but also take trips here and there. Reliability and drivability is high on my priority list.

My question is then. You guys running custom kits, using various parts, are your cars very drivable daily (smooth idle, gremlins worked out, etc), have you made them that way, reliable? And which program do you suggest for a budget to have my ECU chipped with?

I want to turbo for the power obviously, but I'm not trying to push real limits. 180+ whp would be more than sufficiant. More would be fine, but again, I'm just looking for budget, yet reliable hp.

Possible? Thoughts?

Thanks for taking the time.

 

Reliability comes from taking time to do it right. Seems like you're on the right track. But you need to understand that with every motor build comes unexpected expenses. 180whp is pretty reasonable, and can be done reasonably cheap. I wouldn't recommend cheap parts becuase they're "replicas", but being able to buy quality parts for reasonable prices. Again, if you have the patience to look for deals, more power to you.

Reliability also comes from time on the dyno for a decent tune. Crome, Hondata, AEM EMS, Neptune, MOTec, all those are great EMS systems, it's a matter of choice and budget. Good luck.

 

reliability comes down to two things... Well actually 3...

1. Parts- Are they high quality parts proven to work over time
2. Tune- How good is your tuner? And how agressive your tune is...
3. You- How well you actually take care of the car...

To tune your car...

Run Hondata or EcTune

Neptune is great but I believe its being phased out... And Crome is lacking on a few features but can be had for very cheap...

If you do a mini-me swap... And boost a modest 10psi on your avg turbo... Assuming your tune is decent... You'll be well over 200whp which is beyond your goals... And realiability wont be an issue...

Im sure you can find stock D16 blocks running low boost around here for years... So yea, take your time... find a good tuner and take care of your ****...

And you'll have a reliable 200+ hp Civic for years to come...

 

Yes, on parts I plan on going mostly the used route. Agree with the unexpected expenses.

I'm gonna check into a few of those. I'm not gonna go stand alone, just too expensive. I was gonna send my ECU out to be chipped and then DEFINITELY have it tuned on a dyno. I want to be able to "jump on it" without worries of leaning out and such, and I feel that can only be accomplished on a dyno. I have a place in mind, so gonna make a few calls on that.


Parts are gonna be used, but the rest I plan on taking care of in spades.

What is Crome lacking in? I plan on doing a tune at ONE boost level, and drive it like that all the time. I'm not looking to mess around, raise and lower, street/race tune etc. I want to basically build a car that I can enjoy as if was that way from the factory, I know it's not, but I think you guys get the picture.


Shouldn't be a problem, I maintain my stuff very well. Thanks guys, keep them coming.