F-Max Turbo Kits

This questions was raised in the "Turbo on Civic" thread, and it's also within the Civic forum, but someone suggested I'd probably get more response if I posted it here too, so:

Has anyone had direct experience with an F-Max turbo kit? Their website really makes it look like a better product than a Greddy or a Drag kit, but I wouldn't want to buy something based on the company's own opinion, of course. I've received some responses that said the F-Max kit has an extra injector and betterfuel management, since it doesn't just increase fuel according to boost, but instead uses a type of 3d mapping system. That being said, is an F-Max kit going to cost a lot more and if so, is it worth it because of quality? Would I get the same results by buying another kit, like a Drag or GReddy turbo, and just placing a good FMU in the system? Also, what kind of performance should I expect (based on comparable systems from other companies), and is it really as easy as their website says it is? Thanks guys.

About a year ago, I was told by the turbo enthusiast crowd that your best bet for turbocharging an F series engine (which your Civic does not have) is the F-Max turbo. For B and D series engines (unless you've swapped your engine, you have a D series), the best system around is the Rev Hard. I know the Drag Turbo system boasts huge power gains, but this is why it is also a risky proposition. You need careful tuning to get it running correctly so that you aren't harming your engine. I know of more than one person who destroyed their engine with a Drag Turbo.

GReddy is a nice system, good for beginners without aspirations of being drag racing kings. It utilizes a smaller turbine and offers easy upgrades for power, as your budget and experience permit. Another option to look for in the future is a CARB-approved system from HKS based off a Garrett T-25 turbocharger. They are still testing the system (I believe) on the 2000 year models Civic Si and Integra GS-R. Keep your eye on this one.

Originally posted by JD@af
About a year ago, I was told by the turbo enthusiast crowd that your best bet for turbocharging an F series engine (which your Civic does not have) is the F-Max turbo. For B and D series engines (unless you've swapped your engine, you have a D series), the best system around is the Rev Hard. I know the Drag Turbo system boasts huge power gains, but this is why it is also a risky proposition. You need careful tuning to get it running correctly so that you aren't harming your engine. I know of more than one person who destroyed their engine with a Drag Turbo.

GReddy is a nice system, good for beginners without aspirations of being drag racing kings. It utilizes a smaller turbine and offers easy upgrades for power, as your budget and experience permit. Another option to look for in the future is a CARB-approved system from HKS based off a Garrett T-25 turbocharger. They are still testing the system (I believe) on the 2000 year models Civic Si and Integra GS-R. Keep your eye on this one.

I agree, you have to be very careful with a T3/T4 (RevHard, Drag, Fmax all use T3/T4s capable of putting out 550 HP) Becuase its a very big turbo for a little D16, Im not saying you cant do it or you shouldnt you just have to becareful, and have it tuned very well. How much boost are you wanting to run? What are you going to be using the Kit for? And whats you ultimate goal for you car?

These are all questions you need to ask when deciding on a Turbo kit. This way you will have a kit that best suits you and your driving needs.