My friend owns a 2007 Honda Civic DX if i remember correctly. He wants to install the turbocharger himself with the help of me. The only problem is that I have no experience in installing turbos and need all the information I can get(as detailed as possible). Is this a cost effective way of increasing horsepower? Can his engine handle the extra compression? What are some of the added/unexpected costs of installing one? What new parts are required? Where can I buy a turbo charger suited to his car? What brands to look for and others to stay away from?
Im very sorry for the long list of questions and I perfectly understand if you are not willing to answer the question with all the time it will take however I thank those who do and greatly appreciate it.
I wouldn’t install it if you don’t know A LOT about engines. It’s wayyyy too easy to destroy your engine. turbos are a great way to get a lot more performance out of your engine, and there are several companies to look at. For your application, I would suggest looking at Comptech or Greddy. Also, I would only run at about 8-10 psi, unless you upgrade the internals of the engine, so that you don’t blow the engine. Civics are commonly turboed, so it shouldn’t be anything unheard of for whatever mechanic you do bring it to (assuming that you do, which I do strongly suggest). Also, buy the kit, not just a turbo, so you should get all the parts you will need, and will not need to make anything from scratch.
Hope I answered all your questions.
It wont handle the extra compression. You have to put in performance pistons, connecting rods and crank shaft and you have to upgrade the fuel and ignition system.
Buy the book “Maximum Boost” by Corky Bell, and read it cover to cover, and then do it again.
Ok these people know nothing about Honda’s. Installing a turbo is difficult work and i suggest Professional installation. Honda motors are built great and can run 10 pounds of boost all day with no problems. I have a stock d16y8 with a turbo setup running 10 pounds for about 50,000 miles and have had zero problems. The only thing you need to make sure of is you get a good tune or you will have problems. And another thing is i got an ebay set up! People who complain about ebay setups do not know how to tune or install turbos cause they work great. I hit full boost at about 4500 rpms and and have no boost creep or leak or anything. And it will not cost you 3000$, i got mine professionally done for 2 grand which includes the turbo kit with everything( intercooler wastgate blow off valve) and he custom welded the inter coolerping to fit perfectly, and put in 450cc injectors, boost controller and gauge for 2 grand! Depending on where you live i would get it done Professionaly
A turbo kit by itself will run about $3000. Here is the link to one…http://www.procivic.com/pages-product_ca…
If you have never installed a turbo kit before then starting on your friends car is not a good idea. Beyond installing just the kit itself, he will need to replace the pistons and connecting rods and lower the compression ratio of the motor if he plans on making it reliable. The stock internals can handle this turbo kit for a while, but they will give out quickly. You will need bigger fuel injectors and a custom tune to make everything work properly. You will also need to replace the transmission as it was not designed to handle the added power. At the end of the day (if you do all the labor yourself) you will probably end up spending a minimum of $5000 if you go the cheap route and $6500 if you buy decent parts.
This particular kit will bump the power from 140hp to 220hp, but it will also make it much less reliable.