Hey guys, I know this has been asked before but please help. Im building my d17a2 motor to get it ready for turbo. I was planning on using vitara pistons, crower cam stage 2 cam, crower springs and retainers. after I build the motor and get a turbo kit, do i need a management system? Or can they turn my ecu like that?

Any input would be helpful. Any suggestions on parts I should get are welcomed. Thanks.

 

You won't be able to use the stock ECU. I advise buying Hondata K-PRO, although some people have used Greddy E-Manage, or AEM EMS.

You might want to look through this thread. https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-2001-2005-78/turbo-thread-boost-noobies-1897200/

 

Thanks brotha!

 

I don't think vitara makes pistons for our motors???

 

they make 75mm pistons. They're for d16's but im assuming they will fit ours cause of the size.

 

Hey you guys know how to piggy back our system? Im REALLY new at this.

 

Don't run a piggyback it will just blow up they don't work with our ecu's any change you try to make will be tuned out you need a standalone. You have two options AEM EMS or Hondata K-Pro I highly recommend Hondata thats the safe option.

I think you need to do a little more research before you decide to boost it's costly and real easy to throw money down the toilet if you don't know what your doing.

 

If you are new at this, you need to do a LOT of reading. Especially the turbo thread, the FAQ thread at the top of the page, and use the SEARCH feature on this forum. Nobody is going to spoon feed you the whole way.

That being said, this guy ^ is correct, piggy back systems like greddy emanage might be sufficient for other motors and ecu's, but our cars do NOT respond well to them.

You need to buy Hondata K-Pro. It's going to run you about $1,000 and I believe you need to run it with an RSX ecu. Can somebody confirm this.

 

People have used E-Manage, but it hasn't been given the nickname "E-Mangle" for no reason.



From Hondata...

 

Oh dear lord. K-pro is the best option. AEM EMS is difficult to use but works just fine. I used AEM F/iC with pretty good success, but I'm one of the few from what I've gathered. If you use a stage 2 cam you need a standalone EMS. A piggy will not cut it beyond the stage 1 cam.

Vitara pistons will not work, they will stick out of the deck by .5 mm. Last I checked Wiseco is the only company that makes pistons. Save yourself a huge headache and money pit and throw your money into a swap. K20's are getting cheaper and easier to find every day. I've done a turbo build and worked very very hard to get 225 HP. I wish I had done a swap instead.

 

With the K-swap, the power is already a huge improvement over a D17, plus you've got the reliability of NA power and a lot more aftermarket support if he decides to do a build.

 

Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help. I realize now that the money ima spend boosting this motor, i can do a k swap AND buy some bolt-ons. K series, HERE I COME!!

 

I was considering doing a turbo, but what is easier for a new guy to tuning? Doing a turbo and changing out parts, or doing a totally different engine swap? Thinking about going with a B- or K- series engine/tranny.

 

Neither are going to be "easy" - but you'd probably be better off doing a K-swap. It's the easier of the two, and is (IMO) more reliable. (unless you beat the crap out of it.)

B-swaps are not street legal in the 7th generation Civics. The engine has to be the same year as the car, or newer.

 

I did not know that (referring to the B-swap). Like I said, I'm really new to tuning. I got the Honda Civic in hopes that I can learn more about working on cars, and I want to totally transform the car. Paint, engine, tranny, interior color, even the brake caliper color. Off-topic, but do you know what the best thing for a new guy to start off doing?

 

The things I have highlighted in red.

Move on to mechanical modifications (engine / transmission swaps, etc.) after you've done more research. It isn't something you should dive in to.

 

I'm super late to this post, BUT TO ANYBODY BUILDING A D17. I wouldnt build the bottom end, the high compression plus boost on these motors are asking for a swap.. it will blow under high compression and lets say 20 pounds of boost. Get your fuel setup (maybe rsx 310cc injectors or maybe even up to 440cc's, fuel pump, and adjustable fuel rail) then maybe even a crower stage 1 cam shaft, adjustable cam gear. adjust your timing. ARP HEAD STUDS ARE A MUST on this motor with boost above 7-8 pounds. It would be smart to upgrade the clutch too, I anihalated a oem clutch with this set up, so I went with a stage three racing clutch. I've went through every problem with my boosted d17, haha. And also, a piggy back tune would not hurt this especially if you're only running 200whp.