LEATHL EG

I just sold my second civic and now I am going to have about 5K to put back into my '93 Coupe EX.

Since I am starting off with a virgin car that has never seen a single mod I am wondering should I pull the motor and build up the bottom half first, or do I go with the turbo kit, have some fun and then build her once she is closer the end of her life.

The only reason I ask what probably is obvious, is because I don't know really how much I should expect to pay to build up my block, and if it is a lot, I may not see this type of money again for a while and I'll be left with only dreams of turbo in my sleep for a couple of years.

The motor has 90K, and I am definitely going to do a valve job on the head regardless because... well just because I like starting off with a clean head.

I have the following pieces of hardware to bring over from the car I just sold:

Apex-i Dunk Catback
Flex-a-lite FAL fan
58mm throttle body
MSD SCI Ignition
MSD Blaster Coil
MSD Cap
9.3mm Wires
Coils/Struts
Rims/Yoko's

So, I have pretty much everything besides injectors that I am going to need if I go with a full kit. Any advice would be more than welcome, if only to say which kits you would recommend for the D16Z6...

Thanks,

Kyle

BudaKai

Seeing as how you don't really know what your doing at this point in time I suggest you learn a few things before you 'blow' (<- I mean that literally) all this money on your car. First learn all about FI then learn about turbo's and how to size them. Next move to standalone's, and 'finally' save your money to do it right the first time.
Right way would be to build the engine (sleeving, forged pistons, etc.) use the break-in period to piece together a turbo set-up. Then put it together and pray nothing breaks and you have no weak links. Then find a dyno with your standalone and tune it yourself with what you've learned.

This has been a broadcast of the 'DIY' turbo Honda azzhole...
"Because knowing is half the battle..."-- I'm sure you know where that's from.
Oh and just to keep up with the trends: Do a search...
If you need anymore help we would be glad to beat you up and take your money...J/K


[Modified by tweeked3rdgen, 1:51 PM 1/10/2003]

SIReg9

I would spend my money on a swap first off

LEATHL EG

Thanks, but no thanks. I like the SOHC and I plan on keeping it! If only to save myself from doing what everyone else is doing.

LEATHL EG

This question is for tweeked...

Any advice on where to study up on some of that stuff? I am all about any info. I can get my hands on...

What standalone would you recommend?

BudaKai

Your looking at place to find information right now. Look at the name of the web-site.

For standalone I personally would build my own, but for someone not into it that deeply. I'd suggest Hondata or AEM. If you really want to get fancy though I'd buy a MoTeC, but I'm too poor for that.

Mikeyslude

Here's some approximations to help you out then you can decide whats first :D
Turbo Kit $2500
Fuel System $800
StandAlone $500-$2000
Block Sleeving $1000
Pistons $500
Rods $400
Valve Job $1000
Valvetrain $700
Clutch $350
Gauges & Electronics $1200 (this includes WB O2)
Who knows what I missed ??????
If you do it yourself it's theres no labor costs but my guess is around $4000 if you don't.

LEATHL EG

Thanks, that's good info. I am definitely planning on doing it all myself. I have re-built many an engine in my day. Anyone have any opinions as to what is the best turbo system availible for my engine right now?

T-sohctec

well first let me say that I agree 100% with the advice given already.
I.E.
1.) Learn (H-T)
2.) build it (Search for turbopanda)
3.) Boost it (smaller trim T3/T4)
4.) tune it (hondata)

Second, you ask what is the best turbo setup for you right now?
That is a "stock block SOHC" I say go with a greddy kit @10psi or less.
you probably woln't blow up your car with that and you can upgrade your **** later.
Like everyone says do It right the first time. But it seems to me like your worried that your money is gonna burn a holoe through your pocket.

Be Patient!

Good luck