i have a 1998 honda civic ex with a d16y8 motor and i was planning on turboing it but somepeople tell me not to because thats not a strong motor and i have also heard that if i was to upgrade the valves and retainers and all that stuff that its a great motor to turbo any opinions

 

welcome to the board. this is a question that has been covered.
https://honda-tech.com/forums/forced-induction-16/sohc-boosted-set-ups-chime-place-single-slams-1643764/

a mega thread devoted to the single cam.
you are encouraged to search for your answers.