Hey guys, name is Nick been a member here for a bit now, but never really stepped into the 7th gen specific realm. Normally I roam around in the FI section. The other project is my turbo em1 that is soon to wrapped up, save that for later.

But onto the topic at hand- My dd 03 es1!
So amongst building the other car I have decided to do a mild turbo setup on the daily (shooting for roughly 180-200whp & relative torque), just to make things a little more interesting. That and I have most of everything to complete it just lying around as extra anyway.




ep3 seats, and you can see the em1 creeping in the background


And at last, the ugly, stock bay lol


Plans:
-Stock block/head- d17a1 (185,000mi.) Healthy leak-down results.
-ARP headstuds
-oem headgasket
-oem t belt/wp/tentioner
-colder spark plugs
-
Turbo:
-gspd cast mani. (gets the job done w/o cracking, along with ps/ac retention)
-t3 garrett .48 a/r
-tial wg
-blitz bov
-2.5" intercooler piping
-jdm sport intercooler
-rsx s injectors
-cheapo vacuum block
-3" dp/back exhaust
-dump tube to atmo.
-stock fuel pump along with factory return-less system

Trans:
-ACT clutch/PP

Misc:
-autometer boost gauge
-autometer oil press. gauge
-still need to pick up a wideband
-greddy turbo timer

Engine Management:
-More than likely going to work with the AEM f/ic that I already have, for my power goals I feel that it will be proficient. Along with that my tuner has experience with it and feels confident it will work well for my setup. If the moment arises and I decide to go bigger/better, I will for sure pick up kpro.
Do any of you have any personal experience with the f/ic? I have done some reading and can't come up with much.. It's either complete and utter bashing of it, or a great success with no info attached lol. Any input would be greatly appreciated, and I know that kpro is by far the better route, just looking for opinions before I make initiative and purchase it.

Some other fun pics of the 2nd project:
Semi-built turbo b16 (aiming for around 400-450whp)





I will be sure to add anything I may have missed! In the mean time please feel free to share your comments and opinions!

 

AEM FIC is fine for a mild build like yours. I dont think keeping the stock fuel pump is a good idea when a Walbro 255 is so cheap.