Hello all! So I've recently acquired a 97 Del Sol Si with the D16y8 for all of free dollars. I've always wanted a Honda to play around with, and I've always wanted a boosted car. So I've done a fair amount of research and have dove in to doing a turbo setup as budget friendly as I can without sacrificing quality of parts where I can and where I feel is necessary. I just wanted to throw what I have planned/started out there to the more experienced guys to see if the direction I'm going in is feasible. Right out the gate I'm going to say I will be running some eBay parts, including the turbo itself, I know a lot of guys will probably go on to bash the quality, performance, or whatever it may be, but this is what I have to go with for now. I opted away from buying one of the "kits" and decided to piece together my own. I'm not looking for huge hp numbers, I'd be happy with around 200. I just want a fun, reliable car that makes cool noises haha. I guess I'll quit rambling and give a break down of my current/future parts list and see what everyone has to say.

1997 DelSol Si D16y8 motor
SpeedFactory Vitara No notch rod and piston kit (undecided on standard length or long rod)
ARP head studs and quality head gasket (Not sure on a brand yet)
eBay cast turbo manifold (shorter runs with the waste gate in the center) *Bought
EMUSA 50ish trim turbo *Bought
Glowshift oil sandwich plate (for oil feed and pressure gauge) *Bought
"Stage 2" Clutch and pressure plate (rated for 240hp and like 207tq) *Bought
10lb lightweight flywheel *Bought
Upgraded injectors (thinking somewhere around 450cc, at least that's what I've seen as popular)
Upgraded fuel pump (haven't looked into this too much yet)
Looking towards an OBD1 ecu running Hondata, unless someone has suggestions on an OBD2 setup. I live in PA and they test for emissions

This is my plan so far, I've already acquired some of these parts (marked above), but just wanted to see if I'm missing anything or if anyone has any other suggestions. I know I'll need an intercooler, wastegate, bov, and all the other small pieces, just trying to focus on the bigger components to the build. I've been working on cars and motored vehicles since I was a kid, so doing this kind of work isn't hard for me, just looking to confirm what I have. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated! TIA

 

For 200whp I wouldn't bother building the bottom end. I'd go OEM on the head gasket. If the clutch is an eBay one I'd reconsider, I used an XTD "stage 5" on my b series CRX and it was done after the first dyno pull (at 220ish hp). Walbro 255 fp would probably be plenty.

 

What is your overall budget? Focus on the parts to get you to your goal, and don't buy unnecessary parts (adjustable cam gear, aftermarket cam, throttle body, intake manifold, fuel rail, fuel lines, etc).

What fuel are you planning to run?

If you're opening it up to replace pistons and rods, don't forget bearings, seals, and at least inspect your oil pump for rotor/housing clearance, or just replace it too.

I've heard the intercooler piping kits on eBay don't fit well - be prepared for some fabrication.

I would recommend not skimping on the oil feed line.

 

Well, I do remember reading the stock block and internals can support up to like 250, however I know myself, and I know that while I say 200 is good now, down the road I'll probably end up pushing for more, so I figured i would try and future proof. Yeah it's an eBay special. ClutchMax was the brand. I read a few good reviews and watched some video reviews so I figured I'd take the chance on it. If it sucks, at least I got a decent flywheel. Thanks for the pump and h/g recommendation!

 

I don't really have a set budget per say, I can allocate like $100-$200 a week toward the project, but I don't want to spend a ton. It's gonna be pump gas, I have some e85 near me but I think I'd like to stay on pump. Yes, I was planning on new bearings and seal and such while the motor was torn down. I have rear main and front crank seal on standby currently. I figured anything that come as a "bolt on kit" from eBay needs some tweaking, I'm no stranger to fabrication and modification to make things fit.

 

Don't skimp on the important stuff; injectors, clutch, engine internals.. Universal IC pipes are a definite bitch and only get worse. You WILL be cutting and/or welding on those. Lol! Sounds like your goals for now are low enough to make use of a cheaper turbo setup to learn on BUT... You'll be doing this build twice, (ask me how I know!) When the day comes that you want more.

 

Noted, I'm okay with some modding, honestly sometimes I even think it's fun haha. That was my goal just to get into the realm of boost. I figured if I do all the supporting mods now (injectors, fp, internals), when I do decide I need some more it won't be an entire process again.