What I have:

1998 Integra LS 91k miles on it.
The only mods I have are GC coilovers and tokico Illuminas.

My power Goals: 240 HP at the Wheels.

Which would be better, Go turbo with my engine, or get an ITR engine and build it a lil? Reliability is a major factor. Which would be better? Remember all I want is 240 at the wheels HP.

 

For the money you will spend for the ITR Motor and installation you can get you a turbo kit and build your bottom end.

Turbo would get you to your HP goal and you can build your motor and it will still be safe.

 

building an ITR engine "a lil" will not you get 240 at at the wheels.

a big turbo kit, ripping and swapping parts inside your engine, and lots of tuning can get you the 240 at the wheels. its going to be expensive, but its doable.

 

Turbo is really the best choice for 240hp. If you want reliability though, I would have a professional install and tune a complete kit with intercooler and set it at a low psi around 6-10. You wont have to do any internal mods either running this low of psi.

 

Cool. Thanks guy's I've been wanting to go turbo for a while, but I just wanted to see what else is out there before I go for it. It'll probably be a while before I can afford it. ah well. thanks again. I still might toss a little bit of money into stuff like sleeving the block and beefing up the engine a little just for my piece of mind.

 

Having the block sleeved is neither a minor nor cheap procedure. In terms of not blowing up the motor, the stock block is fine as long as you make sure it's in good shape (i.e. pulls good numbers on a compression/leakdown test) and all of your maintenance has been taken care of.

To get a turboed LS motor to 240 at the wheel however, will require more than just bolting on a turbo kit. That will net you around 200 at the wheel. You'll need a boost controller, an electronic means of tuning your air/fuel mixture, higher flow rate fuel injectors, an upgraded fuel pump, a nice 3" Thermal R&D exhaust and some dyno time getting it all dialed in.

 

Thanks Fatbooty, I'm aware that it's going to take more than just bolting on a turbo. I said that sleeving the block was more for peace of mind than anything else. I do need to do stuff before I even think of going turbo(but that's my ultimate goal). Right now I gotta make sure my engine is running as strong as it should be. It **feels healthy** now but I'd like to make sure. Where's a good place to have a compression test done? Do dealers do it? I need to have my timing belt replaced(I'm at 91k miles) so I might as well have them do that too. I don't like having dealers mess with my car, but I don't know of any reputable shops in the area and most of the regular maintennace I do myself(Brakes, suspension, oil, etc.) which is as far as I want to delve into messing with my car. I don't mess with the engine much cuz I don't want to break expensive parts.

 

I have the article that SCC(I think it was SCC) did on this. I'll have to look at it again. They also did a series of articles on turbos that is supposed to explain alot. Anyone read them? Would it be worth my time to look them up?

Oh yeah, The ITR engine is out the window. Too expensive to build NA and would be rediculous to get an ITR motor and turbo it, again way to expensive for me.

 

before you do anything do a compression test to make sure all of the seals are still good. You don't want to blow your motor.

 

240 hp at the wheels is a lot, and I don't think any 240 whp car is daily driven. Streetable, yes, reliable, perhaps, but not without a fair share of extra maintenance.

Now I know of quite a few guys with 220 whp who drive their car to work daily with few issues; maybe you want to reconsider your hp goals?

Shingo