I have a stock 1994 integra LS with 136k Miles on it. I am wondering what would be something to spend my money on. At the moment i have $1600, but can save and come up with whatever is necessary. I was thinking of waiting and getting a turbo, but then i dont know what i all need. Or does it just make sense to get a vtec engine, like a b16a or b18c. Thanks for any input.

 

For an LS, there are a few things you can do. It is ideal for turbo. If you want to go N/A then go LS/VTEC with a GSR trans.

 

With that kind of mileage you'll need a new clutch. With that you could easily replace the flywheel while you are at it.

A turbo is going to be the cheapest way to get really high horsepower out of your car, but a turbo will be ~$3000 for parts + $ for tuning. And even then you'll probably end up a needing an engine rebuild soon afterwards.

In the mean time you are probably better off upgrading parts of the suspension. Things like a rear strut-tower bar.

 

a turbo is almost a never ending story. you'll need more than the turbo kit. stronger clutch, ignition, stronger axles, bigger injectores, fuel pressure regulator, gauges, cam gears, exhaust... that is if you want it to run right you'll get that.

 

first off enjoy your car. Second have some work done as far as upkeep if needed. an LS with 135+ on it isnt in perfect condition no matter what. Have little stuff done as far as upkeep. As far performance mods none of them will matter when you break something important like a timing belt or your water pump fails or soemthing like that and more damage is caused. Im all about modding it up and what not, but let be sure and prep it for the mods to come. I hae a 94LS with 125k on the clock. It wouldnt have gotten there if it werent for some reoutine maintanence. Im not saying do everything but a trip to a honda/acura dealership for a estimate or look over wont hurt at all.

Things to consider----
everyone feel free to add to this if you think of anything.
--timing belt
--associated belts, powersteering, AC, alternator.
--water pump
--check out brakes
--clutch check up (sometimes isnt needed, i have my original clutch still at 125 and no problems.)
--tranny fluid flushout
coolant flush, this is done when you replace water pump anyway.

--Cheap ones that really help---
PCV valve
fuel filter
plugs, wires

I know it looks like alot but some might not be needed. If you really want the car to last most of this stuff cant be overlooked forever but definatly donest need to be done at one time either. Does that make since??

If anyone else has anything please add.

Once you get that stuff out of the way consider what route you wanna take weather it be forced induction or whatnot.

good luck

 

its probably time for a rebuild.

 

i'd say you should get the motor/maintenance done and the car checked out to see that the motor is healthy and do a compression test... you dont want to spend like $3K+ on a turbo set up.. only to have something else break that you could have prevented.. with all those miles.. make sure everything that needs to be replaced is done... i would work on suspension/handling.. because a fast car that cant handle sux.. do the maintenances and make sure its mechanically sound.. then work on handling.. then motor..

 

i agree with everybody except one.....first check the engine and make sure everything is right..........all you need is a turbo and an ignition sytem to be fast.......i put my kit on with 111ooo miles on it.....everything that comes with the turbo kit is all you need(except exhaust), you DON'T need bigger injectors or stronger axles unless your going for a build up, you can run on stock everything and be safe, 10-11psi,....you could probably use a fuel presseur regulator if you want to automatically start to tune your car.....the fuel pump that comes with the kit will supply enough fuel to be safe....i run a litle bit rich with the fuel pump but it's not a real big deal....axles are not an issue...if your at the track just launch at 4500 and you'll be fine and if your on the street just don't down shift from 5th to 2nd, i've been running on regular axles for the whole season and so is everybody else i know.....the ignition system is definitely a must though....guages are also..boost pressure is really though only one you need cause those autometer air/fuel guages aren't accurate....oil pressure is a good one to have to....I have the same car you have and i've been boosting for a while......almost everyone i know has been boosting on there car with over 130000 miles on it....i know have 132k and everything is fine...you just have to know how to put the kit in correctly....a friend of mine did it and nothing has gone wrong...........turbo my friend is the ultimate thrill....