I have a 98 prelude that is bone stock and i want to have around 250whp. I have done some research, but i dont feel very comfortable with all the technical shit. I would some appreciate some ideas and opinions.

 

You can definately get the power you want from a both. A sc will prolly get you close or just a little under 250. You can bolt a sc on without changing the internals, but you will not be able to run as much boost as you will need to. There are many ways to upgrade sc to get more power but it is better to lower your compression and stengthen other internals. With a turbo you will have the same problem but it will cost you alot more. It really just depends on how much you want to spend and how much you are willing to do. If you are planning on spending alot go with a turbo. You can always upgrade parts in a turbo sys to gain more power if you are not satisfied. Most companies that make cams also make turbo cams which will help out alot.

 

If you ask me, I think you should opt for a supercharger. Jackson Racing dynoed a 5th gen with just the supercharger at around 240 whp, so that's right up there near your desired power level. Not only that, it'll be a helluva lot easier job to install (might even be able to do it yourself), and this may be slightly subjective, but the JRSC would be a more reliable option compared to a turbo, there's just less that could go wrong. You won't have to worry about turbo lag with a JRSC, and their belt is supposed to last like 100k miles or something. Lastly, I believe you can get a JRSC for a lot cheaper than any turbo system. Of course one of the downsides is that yes, there's more tuning options with a Turbo, but didn't you say you're not into the technical stuff as much? The JRSC would be perfect for you if that's the case.

 

Most of the time, that "technical shit" is what makes more power.

Any idiot can hand over $3k and have a turbo on his car, but it takes more than just $3k to have a car that won't blow up within 2 days of your new toy.

Just make sure you get it done right, if you don't... you'll probably be looking at a new car... or at least a new engine.

 

right, which is why I said if he wants to avoid having to deal too much with the "Technical shit", or pay a lot to have someone else do that, the supercharger is his best bet. Besides, he didn't say he wanted a 300hp prelude, just one with around 250

 

To get 250 from a sc, you are gonna have to dish out money for headers, catback and intake atleast. Those things with a supercharger will net you just over 230whp... check around for dynoplots. Also the belts on the sc have to be changed about every 10k miles. You could upgrade the sc pulley to get 9psi which would get you to roughly 260whp (with the above mentioned items you have to buy). To do that you will have to get another fuel management to handle the extra boost. Also sc doesn't have anything to cool the air so running that much psi would increase your chances of detonation...aka engine go kaboom. This is the reason I went turbo instead of sc, plus there is more room for improvement incase I get bored of the power and want more. Either way, both have it's ups and downs and cost lots of money.

Don

 

lol...once again, to minimize on the "technical shit", the sc would be the more favorable option. And I hope that he figured he'd be replacing the exhaust system anyway.

 

Just letting him know what he is getting into to get 250whp


Don

 

I could've sword JR's dyno on the 5th gen was just with the supercharger dropped, and they produced around 240 whp. on the other hand, I'm quite senile for my age.

 

They did quote that for advertising but people on PO did their own dyno and came in nowhere near that number. There should be lots of dyno plots out there showing what you should get with what mods. I just prefer turbo because of an intercooler and room to expand.

Don