I'm sure this has been covered many times, but no matter how much I search, I either get answers that negate each other, or information that doesn't answer my questions which causes more questions.

In the future I plan on rebuilding a stock CRX Si D series motor, and I'm trying to figure out a setup. I do not have 10k to spend on this setup, but I'm also not thinking I can get away with spending 300 on the entire thing. I feel I've got a setup that might work for what I want but I'm looking for your opinions/suggestions on the setup. This setup will eventually be turbocharged and daily run 12-15 psi on the afc hack (I've ran the hack for so long on a daily driven 12 psi 97 civic hatch that I swear by it).

Block: (d16a6)
Block will be posted using endyn posts
Vitara Pistons
Hasting Rings
Eagle Rods
ARP rod bolts
ARP Head bolts
Rebore/hone to true up cylinder walls after posting
Cometic .027 Headgasket

Head: (d16y8)
Stock Valves/Springs/Retainers
Slight port and polish
Small cam upgrade (still researching cams, no clue which to use)

Now my questions regarding this setup:
1.) Are there "better/stronger" stock piston/rod combos from Honda? I don't want to spend 600-800 for forged internals.
2.) Is there something you can do to the rods to strengthen them? (shotpeening?)
3.) Which headgasket to run with this setup? *Answered*
4.) Suggestions on turbo cams? I want to idle like stock, so would a new cam even be worth it?
5.) Suggestions on machine shops to send block to for work?

Thank you so much for your suggestions/opinnions!

Nick

(edited to update setup with new decisions)


Modified by T25 civic at 2:42 PM 3/16/2007


Modified by T25 civic at 1:02 PM 3/19/2007

 

1.) Are there "better/stronger" stock piston/rod combos from Honda? I don't want to spend 600-800 for forged internals.

Stock rods and pistons are not manufactured to handle the power that most people with built motors are trying to make. A tune is key but will only keep the motor together for so long.

2.) Is there something you can do to the rods to strengthen them? (shotpeening?)

Alot of aftermarket rods will be able to handle anything you can throw at them, as for stock rods i would suggest not doing anything to them but trash them.

3.) Which headgasket to run with this setup?

Stock

4.) Suggestions on turbo cams? I want to idle like stock, so would a new cam even be worth it?

I believe Delta makes a good cam for D-series motors

5.) Suggestions on machine shops to send block to for work?

Seach around your area, try calling some shops in your area too and ask them where they send thier motors

 

Thanks for the reply!

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by urbansi &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Stock rods and pistons are not manufactured to handle the power that most people with built motors are trying to make. A tune is key but will only keep the motor together for so long.

Alot of aftermarket rods will be able to handle anything you can throw at them, as for stock rods i would suggest not doing anything to them but trash them.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

I just can't justify, in my own mind, spending that much money when I ran a stock internal, 120k mile engine on 12 psi daily for over a year with no problems. Are there any piston/rod combo's out there that can handle 12-15 psi for under 450 dollars?

What about a set of pistons or rods (I'm not to sure of the exact name) that I read about 3 years ago or something. I think they might have been called Vitara. They were OEM in something and were being used for cheap turbo setups in hondas.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

5.) Suggestions on machine shops to send block to for work?

Seach around your area, try calling some shops in your area too and ask them where they send thier motors
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Unfortunately, I'm completely unaware of any machine shops around Toledo Ohio, and by the time I start this build I will be relocated to Phoenix Arizona and will have even less of a clue where to look.

 

I found more information, Fjt from Puerto Rico was selling a set of Suzuki Vitara pistons that would bolt right to the eagle rods (total cost of piston rods~425). This setup was running more than 300 whp on many cars.

And according to this site http://www.knology.net/~jediklc/D.htm with the vitara pistons, y8 head, and cometic .027 headgasket I would be looking at around 8.48:1 compression ratio.

If I deck the block to get the piston to deck clearance closer to a stock setup of .02 that would put the compression almost 9:1.

Will the extra money to get to 9:1 be worth it or is 8.5:1 still good for turbocharging?
Is it possible to deck a block about .027 in?
Is it Safe for the block?

 

No one can say anything?

 

TTT Someone has to know something, this board can't be that useless! lol