I have a civic type r ep3 (k20a) and I'm looking at turboing it for next years trackday season.

I'm looking for no more than 300whp.

I've been directed towards a Holset he221w and I'll use an external gate with it.

Anyone have any experience with this turbo on a k20? any advice most welcome

 

The HE221W is a great little turbo but not ideally suited to a K20 engine. The K20 has very high volumetric efficiency and flow rates, so by fitting a "too small" turbo on it you'll actually be restricting the engine and inhibiting power. It's more suited to 1.6 litre engines or engines with low VE and flow like a SR20 as alternative to a GT25/small GT28. The HE221W has a small turbine side.

I know of a HX27W (similar specs) fitted to a 2 litre Euro spec Ecotec (Opel Z20LET), and it made 300whp at altitude but the turbo failed repeatedly probably from being overspun and operating at super high backpressure levels. I suggest you look at something with a larger turbine side to allow the K20 to breathe (even at 300whp).

I'm a big promoter of Holset turbos and have sold many to customers for very diverse platforms, but their application isn't as broad as the Garrett/Borg Warner range. I'd say a HY35 would be a better fit but it's overkill for 300whp. We once used 2 x HE221W on a Lexus 1UZ 4.0 litre V8 Drift car.

Why don't you look at something like a GTX2867 or even plain GT2860RS or 2871R ?

 

Thanks for the reply. main reason for going for a Holset is cost, I can get a brand new holset for £450/ £500 where as a 2871r is more like £1100.

I'm looking at maybe going for an hx32 instead.