I'm looking to purchase a turbo'd CRX with a D16z6 engine out of a '95 civic si. The guy has a turbonetics T4 turbo on it running 10 lbs. of boost. There are also a ton of other mods on the car, although I don't know whether or not they have anything to do with the engine's ability to handle the extra power. I was wondering if there are any indicators to look for when examining this car, just to make sure the engine won't blow up or something after I buy they car. I'm going to look at the car in person this weekend, and hopefully purchase it if everything checks out.

 

YEA! theres a lot to look for. Too much in my opinion.

1. look for neatness of installation of the kit and motor. How are they actuating vtec? If they are using a ecu to actuate vtec (which they should) how well is it wired in. If things are sloppy (DONT BUY IT unless the price is right)

2. Turbo shaft play (make him take the couplings off)

3. Smoke out the tail pipe?

4. Weird smells, sounds

5. If anything looks out of place, then it probably is and it means they were un-capable of making other parts of the car work as well.

6. Use common sense

7. Dont buy it unless its a good deal. Why are they selling it?

8. usually turboed cars have been run ALOT. and people abuse them sometimes.

This all depends on how much the car is, how much time you think you have to fix problems, and how much money you have layin around.

YOU obviously dont think your getting a perfect car do you? I hope not!

 

Personally I wouldn't even buy a turboed car due to the fact so much can be wrong and they are usually driven to hell.

The only thing I can add to the list above is to make sure you get a leakdown and compression test done on the motor before you get it. I know those test wont tell you everything but if everything else checks out plug those two tests are good then I would say it would be a good idea to go for it.

 

make sure it idles smooth. a rough or hopping idle are anoying and tough to fix

 

Just look at the owner....a person who has quality n their work will most likely not half *** their ride!! IMO..