I asked this on another forum, but wanted to get some other points of view... I'm getting a civic with a d16 to turbo. There are many any quality kits out there running in the $3k price range which seems like the way to go. But be seeing as how the car will have high mileage, a proper rebuild w/ internals will soon be necessary. Now, I've been doing some reading/searching and have seen many people say you can piece a turbo set-up together for around $1k (intercooler too?). I was thinking, and please stop me if I'm making a mistake.... get a cheap kit off ebay for parts, and replace the turbo with a new or used quality turbo charger (sell the one that comes with the kit). I would run the set-up on stock internals and at low boost (not looking for huge HP right now). While running this set-up, I would then start collecting the parts for the 'new" motor, EMS, etc...

Does this sound like a viable way to go to you guys with experience in boosting d16's?

Like I said, I have 0% experience with turbo's and would most likely have a tuning shop do most of the work just to be safe... Please be kind... my first post. -Thanks!

 

You will have to build the engine and 3000 on an engine rebuild is a better option than a 3000 turbo kit. People will obviously have a different view on this but thats where I stand. Piecing together your kit is going to be the cheapest option. Buy a cast manifold, ebay intercooler, piping and your call on what type of BOV. The downpipe and exhaust can be done by any muffler shop and try to buy a real turbocharger. I have managed to find all of my feed lines, fittings etc at local parts store so you can try that as well.

If you are going to stick on a stock internals than there IMO not worth spending 3k on a turbo for 180-220 horsepower.

 

Yeah, I would rather spend my money on a nice short block with pistons, rod, and even the valve train.... I just don't really want to drive a built, low compression engine until I can afford the turbo kit. I'm probably be going about this all wrong (which is why I'm here).... I was going to turbo the old motor and build the "new" motor (different block and all) at the same time.... run the old one till it blows, then replace it. Seems logical. Not the most cost effective method, but more fun.

 

You don't have to go low compression, obviously a vitara setup will be relatively low comp and best bang for the buck/reliable but you could still go 9.1/10 with forged pistons.

Regardless your still probably better off piecing your own kit

 

Three grand for a rebuild sounds about right... I was looking at prices of parts. I'f I open the motor to change the pistons, I'd probably do rods, etc... What's the rpm limit on one of these motors with pistons and rods? I come from a Subaru background; lots of low-end.... Saw some youtube vids of turbo civics on a full throttle passes... these guys are either retards, or these motors are really stout. 8,500rpm?!

 

8500 sounds pretty normal, look around at some builds on here to see what other people have done.

 

Thanks for your info...