Is upgrading my engine now useless?
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: New Smyrna Beach, FL
Is upgrading my engine now useless?
Hi, I own a 2000 Civic EX and I plan on eventually buying a turbo kit, probably the Edelbrock open track kit. Anyways, I was looking at this picture,
So am I right in figuring that its useless for me to buy things like a CAI and exhaust manifold b/c its just gonna have to be tossed when I get this kit? If so, what should I concentrate on upgrading in the meantime, exhaust system? Engine internals? I'll probably start at around 7-8 lbs of boost but eventually i'd like to turn it up and end up at around 250whp. Thanks guys, I hope I don't sound like an idiot i've been lurking on this forum and turbod16 for a while and i'm trying to learn as much as I can.
So am I right in figuring that its useless for me to buy things like a CAI and exhaust manifold b/c its just gonna have to be tossed when I get this kit? If so, what should I concentrate on upgrading in the meantime, exhaust system? Engine internals? I'll probably start at around 7-8 lbs of boost but eventually i'd like to turn it up and end up at around 250whp. Thanks guys, I hope I don't sound like an idiot i've been lurking on this forum and turbod16 for a while and i'm trying to learn as much as I can.
Still here... sorta...
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,177
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From: CO
You're exactly right. A header/intake will be useless. Save the $500 to put toward the turbo kit. I installed that kit on swaggs21's car a few months ago. Very good kit and relatively easy to install. Very 'all-inclusive' kit. 
:edit: https://www.honda-acura.net/forums/s...d.php?t=142884
https://www.honda-acura.net/forums/s...d.php?t=140375
:edit: https://www.honda-acura.net/forums/s...d.php?t=142884
https://www.honda-acura.net/forums/s...d.php?t=140375
Last edited by lord_wcs; Nov 10, 2004 at 06:43 AM.
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From: Utah
buying internals and an exhaust right now would be a great idea. I would try to find a 3" mandrel bent exahaust for your setup, something like from kteller.com
as for internals, if your goal is 250whp, you could pull that on stock internals but you'd be pushing the very edge of their limits. I would try to get some eagle rods, some CP pistons, and arp headstuds. WIth that setup you could easily push 250whp, and over 350whp with the right turbo and TUNING. Tuning is the most important part. exospeed racing is selling d series shortblocks, for 1500-2400 depending on how much work you want done. For 2400 you get a full race shortblock sleeved with forged internals. THats a hell of a deal if you ask me, I think there is a core charge also
as for internals, if your goal is 250whp, you could pull that on stock internals but you'd be pushing the very edge of their limits. I would try to get some eagle rods, some CP pistons, and arp headstuds. WIth that setup you could easily push 250whp, and over 350whp with the right turbo and TUNING. Tuning is the most important part. exospeed racing is selling d series shortblocks, for 1500-2400 depending on how much work you want done. For 2400 you get a full race shortblock sleeved with forged internals. THats a hell of a deal if you ask me, I think there is a core charge also
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Lumberport, WV
Well, if you are only going to run say 15 psi, then you will not need the open track kit.
The street kit will easily do that. And your block will handle 7-8 psi daily with that setup for a long time.
You would be suprised how much power you will gain on 8 psi over stock. I would say for 250whp you will have to run in the 14psi range for that turbo.
The setup I am working on getting money for right now is Pauter Rods, CP Pistons, Sleeves, headgasket, and ARP Studs.
Let me know if you have any questions, I have become pretty knowledgable about this stuff in the last couple of months, and you also may want to check out turbod16.com
The street kit will easily do that. And your block will handle 7-8 psi daily with that setup for a long time.
You would be suprised how much power you will gain on 8 psi over stock. I would say for 250whp you will have to run in the 14psi range for that turbo.
The setup I am working on getting money for right now is Pauter Rods, CP Pistons, Sleeves, headgasket, and ARP Studs.
Let me know if you have any questions, I have become pretty knowledgable about this stuff in the last couple of months, and you also may want to check out turbod16.com
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Lumberport, WV
Originally Posted by SurfNSB
Swaggs, I saw the pic of your engine. . . and got wood. How much boost are you running now?
I have new pics I will post up in a couple minutes.
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From: New Smyrna Beach, FL
What engine management are you using? Is the piggyback that comes with the kit good when you start pushing the boost and upgrading the engine? What I figured was that since I intend to push the boost anyways that I could get the open track kit, which is cheaper, and put the money I saved to a better engine management system and upgraded internals.
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Lumberport, WV
I am still using the Link Box right now that comes with the kit, but when I get my built internals I will be moving to Hondata and capping the secondary injectors.
The engine management is probably going to run you anywhere between 500-1500 depending on what you go with.
The link box can be tuned pretty good as long as you stay within its parameters.
The street legal kit comes with the EMS and the same turbo as used on the open track kit. And you will probably see better than 250hp at 18psi, more like 265 whp.
The engine management is probably going to run you anywhere between 500-1500 depending on what you go with.
The link box can be tuned pretty good as long as you stay within its parameters.
The street legal kit comes with the EMS and the same turbo as used on the open track kit. And you will probably see better than 250hp at 18psi, more like 265 whp.