I was hesitant about posting a thread like this but then decided I had nothing to lose.

I have a del Sol with a B16A3 (1995 del Sol VTEC). I have a ported/polished head with a three-angle valve job, and a portmatched OEM Intake Manifold and Portmatched DC JDM 4-1 Header (which will go away with turbo). I also have Hondata (s200).

I know it's all in the setup, and I don't know which setup it's in. I want to make 400whp, and I want the car to be reliable. I don't care how I make 400hp, as long as it's with boost.

The question is that I have seen a lot of guys on here with simple SC63's, manifolds, and FMUs making 300 horsepower on stock internals, and it's crazy. I didn't know 300 was attainable on stock internals. What do I need? The more inexpensive the setup is adds somewhat of a benefit, but I understand I am leaving cheap out of the "fast, cheap, reliable" concept.

Well, give this Soler a setup. Tell me what I need, and why.

 

Aw come on guys, no help?

 

My .02

Do some more research, most poeples questions are too broad to answer. I am a firm beleiver in taking gradual steps to the top or to your goal. 400 whp isnt a night and day number, it takes alot of time and $, research, ect... I know it's not what you want to hear,but start with a simple kit that has potential to grow .

 

Honestly, that's fine. I have been doing research, and I have had many recommendations from people around the area, but then I notice people running these numbers here on HT just as reliably, with an end cost of less than the plans people are telling me.

That's why I've been hesitant to just buy a kit. I can't find a kit that I feel is going to be perfect for the application, and therefore want to come up with some custom setup... otherwise I'm wasting money when I'm swapping in a new turbo or manifold, wastegate etc. If I don't need forged internals I don't want them. If I don't need some ridiculously large turbo, I don't want to have one. I know what I am shooting for, and I know it is possible to do on a RELATIVELY inexpensive scale. That's why I came to HT. You guys are knowledgeable.

Like you have in your sig. Turbo isn't just a bolt-on.

 

Okay well that makes more sense, your right the last thign you wnat to do is get a kit that your goign to upgrade everything. Sounds like you need to meet in the middle and piece together a custom kit with parts that meet the specs to meet your goals. Now yes amazing things are being done with stock motors these days, but seems like your concerned with reliability. 400 whp on a stock motor is'nt going to be reliable. I would meet in the middle and lower your goals to maybe 300 whp for now and do a mild build fast for a street car IMO.

Hondata will also be a great edition to your car if your trying to stay reliable. Sounds like your on the right track you just need to decide exactly what you want ou tof your car/setup. It seems like most poeple who want to come to the darkside want to jump straight into 400+ whp. ITs just not practical for a turbo n00b, Ask any of the guys making big #'s the effort and time it took to get thier.

Yes you will learn that my signature is very true

 

400 doesn't need to be on a stock motor. It can be on a built one.

What do you consider a mild build? pistons and rods, cam gears and cams?

I assume an LSD would also make a world of difference. And yeah... I have Hondata already.

300 was my original number. Now I think I want more. If I can't keep up with an M3...

 

Yeah i would consider a mild build pistons/rods, good tuning= good power, however not that fully built motors aren't as reliable as stock,but just keep in mind the more things you mess with the more prone you are to having problems. This is where the KISS theory evolved from

Where are you located? Do you have a good reputable tuner in your area? Answer these questions before you build a baddass motor.

 

I've got Tom Payn (Payn Technologies) an hour and a half away, and Tim at Unleaded Racing an hour away...

reputable enough?

I'm in Ann Arbor, MI by the way.