I need help installing a turbo on an LS

[Ricochet]

Has anybody installed a turbo on an LS? My friend is buying a Garret turbo only, no kit with a manifold or anything, for his '99 GS (LS engine..) and we need help getting all the basics together to boost his car. I've only been through one turbo install on my friend's Civic EX, so having to buy all the parts on our own could get rough.

I know we'll need larger injectors, a fuel pump, turbo manifold, blow off valve, and some hose connected to his oil pan that connects somewhere.. Do we need something on the tps to "hide" boost from the computer so it doesn't make the engine run funny (missing link)? He's not going to buy internals or anything, we just need the basics to get it running for now. Let me know if I missed anything, and hook me up with some tips, thanks.

[teglsturbo]

You're missing your fuel management system. Hondata is a great system if you have money to spend, so is an afc hack with larger injectors, maybe dsm 450s. If you're on a budget you should go with with an FMU, and you would definitely need a missing link or check valves with that set up. You need both of the oil lines, the oil supply line wich connects from the oil sending unit on the back of the block to the turbo and the oil return hose which connects from the turbo to the oil pan. Make sure the oil return hose can withstand hi-temperatures since it's right next to the downpipe.
A boost guage and a A/F guage would be essential. An air filter and all the necessary piping including a downpipe. Vacuum hoses to connect all your vacuum sources. If the turbo didn't come with an internal wastegate, then you would definitely need one, wether its internal or external. Depending on how much boost you're going to run I would suggest that you get a better clutch and resurface your flywheel. Thats all I can think of right now,if I come up with anything else Ill let you know.

[Ricochet]

Yeah the gauges too, forgot that. He'll probably have to take it to a shop for the oil pan tapping. He'll also probably go with the FMU, he'll be buying these parts a few at a time with the money so yeah he's on a budget. About the piping, I don't know if they sell intercoolers pre-piped or what, but we are getting one.

[teglsturbo]

Yeah greddy, rev hard, and drag sell intercoolers with all the piping but they're somewhat expensive. If he's on a budget he should go with custom piping.

[ericnoss]

where is the oil sending unit on the back of the block? i just bouhgt a rev hard kit. pretty rad by the way, but can't figure out where the oil feed line goes. if you can help me out, i'd really appreciate it. thanks...eric

[GScivic7]

there is a little sensor next to the filter on the back of the block, you wanna use a brass T and use that as your oil feed

[99civic03]

Originally Posted by Ricochet

He'll also probably go with the FMU

I hope he's not planning on running more than 8-9 psi of boost, because anything more on an FMU will put some crazy fuel pressures on the fuel rail and other components. He could always use the AFC hack, not to expensive.

For the manifold check out lovefab.com, they make EXCELLENT manifolds. Their shorty manifold is only like $300. As for a downpipe, youll need to get one custom fabricated. You can make your own charge piping, just go to jcwhitney.com and buy the pipes. Here are the part numbers youll need:

http://www.cse.uconn.edu/~yelevich/turbo/turbo.html

This is a VERY helpful home made turbo guide, it should have everything you need to know.

[99civic03]

Oh yeah and for the intercooler, even though you previously doubted the johnnyracecar.com intercooler, it sounds perfect for this guys application, so I think you really ought to consider one, even though it may seem like youre going the cheap crappy way. There are plenty of people on honda-tech.com using them with great results if you need a vouch for their quality.