What is needed to make Acura Integra Run 12psi??

Ive Read many places that you can Run 12psi on a stock integra LS but its harsh on the motor. i was wondering what would be needed to run 12psi all the time. I was looking at a rev-hard kit that was about $2800 and i dont think its worth buying the turbo to just run the std. 8 PSI when i know LS can handle more. So can i run 12 psi on a Stock integra LS or what would i need to add to run 12 psi.

Here is what i was told by a shop, and has been verified by many import tuners.

A stock ls motor, with low to moderate miles, can run 15-20 psi with piston and rod upgrades.

If you want to run any higher then that, you should sleeve, and do some of the valvetrain, ie..retainer springs, vavles, valve springs....etc..



I am doing a an ls motor swap with 35k on it, into a civic hatch, and tossing a turbo on it, so i have been researching this for awhile.

Im going with just the pistons and rods right now, and will probably run around 15-17 psi...then add down the road as money enables.

good luck.

did the shop suggest any certain rods or pistons? im having a hard time finding low compression pistons and rods. if anyone knows a brand or a good site please post and help me out. thanks!

did the shop suggest any certain rods or pistons? im having a hard time finding low compression pistons and rods. if anyone knows a brand or a good site please post and help me out. thanks!

If you want to run 12 psi, don't bother with pistons or rods. Spend that money you would have put on internals and use it on a good EMS like hondata, AEM, haltech, FAST, Acce dfi, etc. You'll have a lot better running car by doing that than you would running an FMU or SMC+ or the AFC hack, and it would make a lot more power.

did the shop suggest any certain rods or pistons? im having a hard time finding low compression pistons and rods. if anyone knows a brand or a good site please post and help me out. thanks!
The stock compression is 9.2:1, that is low. JE pistons make ones that are 9:1 CR, that should be good. But if you only want to run 12 PSI, then don't bother replacing internals. Even if you change pistons and rods, you are limited to 15 PSI SAFELY on the stock sleeves. If you sleeved it than you can run whatever you want, but it is expensive. Get Eagle rods, or Crower is good too but more expensive.
DO NOT GET SRP PISTONS! They are not meant for FI applications. After 12 PSI they will melt.

Thanks. That sounds great. i think 12 psi boost will def. make my integra a fun car to drive. especially with the boost giving me about 120hp. and if i want to later boost it to 15 psi ill upgrade the pistons and rods.

I just have a few other questions.

1)Would you suggest a custom set up or a kit? Either way im going to have it professionally installed

2)What can i expect this to do to my gas milege?

3)How will i pass inspection with a turbo setup??

4)How important is a new clutch and new brakes if im pushing something like 12 psi?

5)Test pipe or Catback?

1)Would you suggest a custom set up or a kit? Either way im going to have it professionally installed

2)What can i expect this to do to my gas milege?

3)How will i pass inspection with a turbo setup??

4)How important is a new clutch and new brakes if im pushing something like 12 psi?

5)Test pipe or Catback?
1.Probably custom, it's a lot cheaper
2.better mileage on the highway(if you don't floor it all the time)and slightly worse(maybe 2 MPG) city driving. That is of course if you drive normally. With agressive driving it will probably be a good bit worse, but I can't see it being more than 5 MPG less than normal.
3.Do you mean inspection or smog test? Inspection-no problem smog-depends
4.Clutch is VERY important, your stock one will be eaten up in a week with agressive driving. Brakes no big deal, integra's have great brakes from the factory.
5.Testpipe with custom bent 3'' exhaust. Also no muffler, just pipe. Turbo cars do NOT need ANY backpressure whatever. The more free flowing the better.

4.Clutch is VERY important, your stock one will be eaten up in a week with agressive driving. Brakes no big deal, integra's have great brakes from the factory.
5.Testpipe with custom bent 3'' exhaust. Also no muffler, just pipe. Turbo cars do NOT need ANY backpressure whatever. The more free flowing the better.

I just want to ask, if i plan on running the track say 6 runs, twice a month, so lets say run 10 quarter mile runs a month, how will my transmission and clutch hold. BTW, i'm driving a automatic RSX with a stage I turbo at 10psi.????

I just want to ask, if i plan on running the track say 6 runs, twice a month, so lets say run 10 quarter mile runs a month, how will my transmission and clutch hold. BTW, i'm driving a automatic RSX with a stage I turbo at 10psi.????
OK first off, if you have an auto you don't have a clutch. You have a torque converter.
Secondly, you tranny will probably blow up as it was not meant to have 250 HP pumping through it.

OK first off, if you have an auto you don't have a clutch. You have a torque converter.
Secondly, you tranny will probably blow up as it was not meant to have 250 HP pumping through it.

hahahahaha....i'm sorry....i just had to laugh

hahahahaha....i'm sorry....i just had to laugh
:wtf: :feedback:

Wait a minute.. I read the entire thread, and still isn't so clear about whether it is "safe" to run 12psi on a stock LS motor.... Is a good EMS required??? And how much HP at the crank will 12# equate to?