why is turbo on a LS so good

[2001type r]

I have been hearing a lot of talk about how an Integra LS is perfect for putting a turbo on. I was just wondering why specificalyl the LS was better than others...such as GSR or Type R...for a turbo...also..i was just wondering how much boost you could run on a LS with i/h/e/AEM pullies/and AEM cam gears...but with stock internals...also....any idea how much hp i would be able to gain from throwing a turbo on it..thanks

[blasian_man]

the reason ls turbo is recommended more often is b/c it has lower compression ratios than the other 2, and is more suitable for f/i

[eckoman_pdx]

Alright, first off, if you turbocharge a car, you are not going to have a "header" on it, the exhaust (turbo) manifold will replace it. Also, the intake will be replaced with the plumbing to from the turbo/intercooler. Secondly, pullies and cam gears will not allow to the amount of boost that you can run to increase, thats what building the internals (pistons, rods, vavles, valves springs, etc.) and closing the deck will do. Also, it is very important with turbo's to run the proper injector size and fuel pump, etc, in conjunction with the amount of boost you run to make sure it isn't straved of fuel.

Now for why the LS (B18B1) is so good for turbo's. First, lets start with the tranny. The longer gear ratios of the LS tranny are prefactly suited for F/I (turbo) apps. The longer gear ratios help the turbo spool better, amount other things. In general, longer gear ratios are better for forece induction apps, shorter ratios for naturally aspirated apps. The type-r has the shortest gear ratios on the 3 mentioned, and the gsr is not much behind. These tranny would not be the best suited for turbos' better suited for N/A. especially the type-r, which in itself was designed to be and n/a engine. It has an 11:1 comperesion ratio, and the GSR about 10:1. Both of these are too high for turbo apps. Turbocharging reuires a low comperssion ratio, something these engines don't have. You'll have to do extensive work to make these engines turbo ready. The LS, mind you, has a 9.2:1 comperesion ratio (c/r). This is well suited for turbo apps. Furthermore, the LS has a very well built block. The LS can handle 12psi on stock internals, more than almost any other honda engine. Most can only handle around 8psi. In general, with a turbo, any horsepower you make before turbo is multipled to a certian extent afterwards, so in that sense, cams and pulls will help. Of course, the cams will need to be re-adjusted after the turbo is down to make sure they are giving you optimum results for the new set-up. So, to sum it up, the LS is a better turbo engine due to A) a low c/r of 9.2:1, )vs 10:1 and 11:1 for the other 2 engines) B) a tranny with longer gear ratios, a perfact set-up for turbo apps. (shorter gear ratio's like the gsr and type-r are better suited for n/a engines). C) the LS can handle 12 psi on stock internals, vs 8 psi for most other honda engines. Basically, it's comperssion ratio is turbo friendly, with a perfactly suited tranny and the ability to handle 12 psi on the stock internals. The LS with 12 psi/boost should put you in the 250hp range.

[99integraboy]

already lowered compression

[whtteg]

Originally posted by eckoman_pdx
Alright, first off, if you turbocharge a car, you are not going to have a "header" on it, the exhaust (turbo) manifold will replace it. Also, the intake will be replaced with the plumbing to from the turbo/intercooler. Secondly, pullies and cam gears will not allow to the amount of boost that you can run to increase, thats what building the internals (pistons, rods, vavles, valves springs, etc.) and closing the deck will do. Also, it is very important with turbo's to run the proper injector size and fuel pump, etc, in conjunction with the amount of boost you run to make sure it isn't straved of fuel.

Now for why the LS (B18B1) is so good for turbo's. First, lets start with the tranny. The longer gear ratios of the LS tranny are prefactly suited for F/I (turbo) apps. The longer gear ratios help the turbo spool better, amount other things. In general, longer gear ratios are better for forece induction apps, shorter ratios for naturally aspirated apps. The type-r has the shortest gear ratios on the 3 mentioned, and the gsr is not much behind. These tranny would not be the best suited for turbos' better suited for N/A. especially the type-r, which in itself was designed to be and n/a engine. It has an 11:1 comperesion ratio, and the GSR about 10:1. Both of these are too high for turbo apps. Turbocharging reuires a low comperssion ratio, something these engines don't have. You'll have to do extensive work to make these engines turbo ready. The LS, mind you, has a 9.2:1 comperesion ratio (c/r). This is well suited for turbo apps. Furthermore, the LS has a very well built block. The LS can handle 12psi on stock internals, more than almost any other honda engine. Most can only handle around 8psi. In general, with a turbo, any horsepower you make before turbo is multipled to a certian extent afterwards, so in that sense, cams and pulls will help. Of course, the cams will need to be re-adjusted after the turbo is down to make sure they are giving you optimum results for the new set-up. So, to sum it up, the LS is a better turbo engine due to A) a low c/r of 9.2:1, )vs 10:1 and 11:1 for the other 2 engines) B) a tranny with longer gear ratios, a perfact set-up for turbo apps. (shorter gear ratio's like the gsr and type-r are better suited for n/a engines). C) the LS can handle 12 psi on stock internals, vs 8 psi for most other honda engines. Basically, it's comperssion ratio is turbo friendly, with a perfactly suited tranny and the ability to handle 12 psi on the stock internals. The LS with 12 psi/boost should put you in the 250hp range.

I have to add one of the important things taht you left out. VTEC Cams are not well suited for turbo, the VTEC lobes are more suited for N/A. You would need to change the cams and that is going to be around $500- 800. But with the LS you can run the stock cams and get great results or put some crower 62402T cams in and see a 20hp- 30hp increase with the same amount of boost as with the stock LS cams. I fyou want ot go boost then non-vetc is the easiest and cheapest. But you can make the VTEC engines just as good but with alot more money and time

[2001type r]

i was just wondering what kind of turbo you guys reccomend getting...i am just trying to figure out if you reccomend getting a complete kit that comes with turbo, intercooler, blow off valve...etc...or if you reccomend getting each component separately...i know that there are a lot of turbo's out there which i could get...but i am just trying to figure out which type would be the best for my integra LS....thanks again

[eckoman_pdx]

Originally posted by 2001type r
i was just wondering what kind of turbo you guys reccomend getting...i am just trying to figure out if you reccomend getting a complete kit that comes with turbo, intercooler, blow off valve...etc...or if you reccomend getting each component separately...i know that there are a lot of turbo's out there which i could get...but i am just trying to figure out which type would be the best for my integra LS....thanks again

If you don't mind doing some research and learning how turbo' work (if you don't know already) peicing toghter your own kit very well may cost less than buying a pre-made kit, plus it will be put toghter to the specs you chose for it then, not what a company thinks you should get. Also, this allows you to much much more selection when looking for the turbo for you. As for what turbo, it really depends on some things. Which I do not know. How much max HP do you is your intended goal, that will help determine the amount of boost required, how much air flow, in lbs/min, is needed. After that, for example, you can start looking for the turbo that gives you the best combo for what you are looking for. Look at the compressor maps, and it will help you determine the it the turbo fits your needs. If you are not familer with all this, do some research first and learn, so you know what you are looking for and looking at while you peice a kit.
1)High Performance Honda Builder's Handbook, Vol. 1, By Joe Pettitt. pgs 86-105 are on turbo's.
2)Hot Imports & Compacts (HCI) May 2003. "How to Build a Turbo Kit." 37-96.
3)Sport Compact Car June 2003 Vol. 15, No. 6. pgs 153-162, 169-192, 199-224, 229-243.

If you arn't familer with turbo's these reads will help you understand what is what much better. There's not going to explain it in rocket science, but it gives a basic understanding, if you don't know some info already, it should help. I hope this helps you out a bit. If you are weary of doing all this your self. Pre-made kits may cost a little more, but usually come with everything you need ( usually, some kits you need to buy extra things). This simplifies the buying process. Also, when buying a pre-mde kit, see how upgradable it is? can the turbo handle more boost later on? what else will be required to upgrade? this should help you pick out a well suited kit. In all truth, however, it is impossible for me to tell you weather a pre-made kit or one you put toghter is best for your LS. What turbo is best, and what types of things are best in the kit, really depend on what your specific goals are for the engine. This makes a big difference. For example, a turbo you use to get 220 hp likely won't work if your goal is 350 hp. You would most likely need a different turbo for this. Pages 153-162 for Sport Compact Car June 2003 explain this pretty well.

[2001type r]

hey thanks for your explantation of what i should get...your post was really informative...i am going to try and read those articles so i can get a better understanding of the ins and outs....thanks

[91Intergra]

I have a 91 intergra LS, lol is that the same engine we are talking aobut here

Tim

[whtteg]

Yes and it is kinda uncool to put your name at the bottom of your posts

[eckoman_pdx]

Originally posted by 2001type r
hey thanks for your explantation of what i should get...your post was really informative...i am going to try and read those articles so i can get a better understanding of the ins and outs....thanks

Your welcome. I am always glad to help.

[eckoman_pdx]

Originally posted by 91Intergra
I have a 91 intergra LS, lol is that the same engine we are talking aobut here

Tim

Well, if you have a 91 LS you have a B18A1. The 90-91 B18A1 (yours) had 130 HP @6000 rpm and 121 ft/lbs of torque at 5000rpm.
The 92-93 B18A1 had 140HP@6300 rpm and 126 ft/lbs of torque@5200 rpm.

For the 94 + Integra LS, they have a B18B1. It has 142 HP @ 6300rpm and 127 ft/lbs of torque @5200rpm.

All had the same displacement, 1834.47cc, the same C/R, 9.2:1, and the same connecting rod ratio, 1.54.

[91Intergra]

So my engine would be good to drop a turbo on?
The b18a1

Tim

[eckoman_pdx]

Originally Posted by 91Intergra

So my engine would be good to drop a turbo on?
The b18a1

Tim

Yea, your motor will be fine for a turbo. Follow the reccomdations we were talking about for the LS and you should be fine. Remember, lots of people do dumb things with their motors, so follow the reccomdations and you'll be fine. One thing I know plenty of ppl do with the LS in run 8psi daily driving and 12 at the track. Since they don't need the extra psi going to work, even though the motor can take it, they pull off a bit until it's track time. You don't have to do that, running 12psi on a LS in fine, but I figured I'd throw it out there anyways.

[2001type r]

i was just wondering if you guys think that putting a turbo on a 95 ls...with 88,000 miles on it is a good or bad idea....i know putting a turbo on a ls is a good...i am just not sure if slapping a turbo on a car with 88,000 miles is very smart...what do you guys think