Hello Honda Tech,

I have done quite a bit of research reguarding the above items that I am struggling to stick with one for my build..as said I have a 1991 Honda Civic Wagon RT4WD..

Here is a Pic.

I have weighed out MANY motor options out and I am using a D16Z6 Block and I have a D16Z6 Head but it needs rebuilt due to a Valve being bent. (For Warning do not ever use one of those Tornado's one of the blades came clean off and went into the intake manifold and is smashed between the piston and valve.) Anyway I have never rebuilt a head before nor have any idea how much any of it costs..

Here is my true goal with this whole build I am posting on this thread..

- Horsepower Goal: 150-200 WHP
- Really want a Low End Torque Build.
- Budget is around $1000 - $1500 (The Lower The Better)

Alright so I really want a Torque Build hence I do have a Real Time 4 Wheel Drive Civic I want alot of power off the line. I have not bought anything for the build yet since I am seeking Honda Tech's opinion on all of this and what everyones experiences would best suite the build I am looking for in my goal.

I know people say Turbo > NA power wise and money wise but I am only looking for merely 150-200 WHP at the moment, I will MOST likely upgrade in the future when you deal with Cars and want more power why wouldn't you want more.

I was really close to going with a High Compression build to get good power off the line.. I was going to go with..

- P29 ZC Pistons
- Stock Z6 Rods or Aftermarket I-Beam Rods
- Y8 Head Gasket
- D15B Vtec Cam (May not help but eh I heard it gives more power)
- Aftermarket Cam Gear (You need to Adjust the Timing for HC I believe)
- Mill the Head (If I have to.)
- Some Easy Tuning Software..? Crome or S200/S300

If I went with a High Compression build I wanted to make it light enough so I can eventually run a turbo set up and make more power LATER on..

If I went with just a turbo set up there would be many things I would need to buy vs a NA (High Compression) set up. I would most likely use..

- Stock D16Z6 Pistons & Rods (I Have Already)
- GT28R Turbo or Godspeed T3T4 .57 Stage 3 Turbo

I haven't done too much research on the other components for the turbo set up to know what I want to go with. Just trying to figure out what Turbo I am going to go with.

My third option would be F*K it leave it stock and go with a Jackson Racing Supercharger (If I can find one), I know it doesn't give much power but I am only looking for approx. 150-200 WHP..


Please let me know some honest opinions, I know I may get alot of negative comments since this may have been asked before and believe me I have read different things but I am stuck on what I am looking for on my application...

If I missed anything please let me know politely..

Thank you.

 

do not bother with the NA.

 

Okay, What would be a good Turbo that would spool quick giving me a good torque curve? But Also would a High Compression (Later Turbo) Build be a good idea..?

 

This.

Stock motor with even low levels of boost (~6psi) with a fairly small turbo (.50) will make as much or more power than a high compression motor, and will most likely last longer. Turn up the boost to the 8-10 psi range, and you can really have some fun. And as long as you have a good solid motor, and quality turbo components, it will still be pretty damn reliable.

Oh, and a head rebuild runs about $200-300. If all you need is one valve, then you may be able to get it done cheap, but if it needs a full rebuild then expect to pay upper 200's.

 

t3 super 60 is a really good street turbo, or a 16g mitsu turbo or even a volo t3. Warning if you dont know much about turbo hondas your budget will be smashed. all three of your wishlists will be over 1500 unless you plan on doing most of the work yourself etc tunning and fab work/machine work.

 

if you want low end HC will work, the turbo can give low-end at the loss of top end, also the AWD civics are great up top but they are useually pretty crappy low end just because a FWD will spin and take off where as the AWD tends to bog down, (know this from experience) granted if you can push a lot of power the AWD would be great,

pretty much if you build the AWD make it a 30-100 roll on car not a red light to red light,

as far as turbo vs NA it all depends on money and your goal, wanting bottom end I would go with HC but as others have said the turbo will inevitably have more power, but a longer lag before you feel it. which works hand in hand with the awd, it would be a better turbo car, DO NOT turbo a HC motor, it don't work out well.... most forged internals actually drop the compression ratio.

if you are going to use a Z6 as your motor switch the car over the OBD1 and boost it, stock internals 200hp should be a easy goal, forged pistons/rods with a balanced rotation assembly and you can get even higher, stock D16 blocks can hold upwards of 400whp. they just lack the torque to match it

I would personally drop the Z6 you said you have, and around here you can pick up a new head for $100 unless you prefer to rebuild yours which isn't much either if you can do it yourself, get a reputable turbo kit ($2k) and a good tune ($500 where I live) and you would be happy. add another $700 for forged and you can push 350whp all day with upgraded fuel and ignition

 

I do have my own preferences.

 

Warning if you dont know much about turbo hondas your budget will be smashed.