Engine Mods for a Turbo or Supercharger?

[hiphopsk8er27]

I have a 1997 Honda Civic EX. Im looking into buying a turbo or supercharger. What would be my best choice? What engine modifications should i perform so my engine can hadle the power? What are the prices i'll be looking at?..Help me please!

[kidrocket]

depending on how you go about it youll be spending upwards of 3 grand

[Si2000 Vtec]

Many aftermarket turbochargers and superchargers are designed to work on your stock engine internals. However, swapping out pistons, valvetrain, etc. allows for more boost which means way more power for you! One of the most crutial aspects of forced induction is unimpeded airflow... the more restrictive your airflow, the less power. So, cat-backs make much more difference on a FI engine rather than a NA. Same with air filters. Where as you'd get like 2hp from a nice filter with an NA engine, you'd get 10 with a FI.

In a nutshell, it's way easier to make power when your working with forced induction. Cost efficiency goes through the roof... the hard part is saving the money for the turbo/sc.

[hiphopsk8er27]

Thanks for the price range....but i still need to know what modifications i must make so i can handle the power for that amount of money. Not just for the super/turbo charger but onther mods to the engine as well.

[hiphopsk8er27]

How much is it gonna cost for new pistons and drivetrains, etc with installation?

[Si2000 Vtec]

Are you rich or something? Hehe.

It's usually done in steps. Your first step would obviously be to purchase a forced induction system.

Second, your going to want to get it installed =) Like my simple steps?

You can run 5-6psi safely on your stock motor, so you'll be fine with an extra 35hp for a while. Then when you can afford more stuff (low compression pistons, fuel system, etc), start purchasing those items. I'm sure you can pick up a set of pistons for around $300 with rings, but you'll end up paying upwards of $300 for install also.

The best thing you can do is set a plan for yourself. Pace yourself and do things in steps. Talk to some local speedshops and pick their brains about forced induction, and what steps you should take to eventually raise your boost.

[hiphopsk8er27]

What do you suggest for a forced induction system?

[Si2000 Vtec]

Depends on what you want. For Honda's, my thoughts are for course/autox get a supercharger, for drag get a turbo. I'm building my car mostly for drag, but since its a daily driver, I might opt for the supercharger. But for now, I'm building the car all-motor (easier to build as you get money).

[hiphopsk8er27]

When I buy a turbocharger kit, am i going to need to mount the intercooler on the front or will i have room under the hood?

[Si2000 Vtec]

Depends on the kit you buy. MOST aftermarket kits (Greddy, Drag, etc.) have front-mount kits, which are much more efficient at cooling air. Unless you are planning on doing a WRX hood-conversion , mount your intercooler in your front.

[TriCkCiViC97]

Isn't the front mounted intercooler likely to get all dinged up and ruined by reflected stones, etc.?

[TriCkCiViC97]

Can somebody please answer hiphop's question?!?!?!...I really need to know as well...Thanks :smoker2: