I have an 94 civic ex stock d16 single cam engine. I was wondering if I should stick with that car or get another one? I also want to put in a turbo kit, so is my civic a good candidate for the turbo upgrade or should I go with like a integra ls becasue it has low compression. Or maybe the integra GSR? I want a car where I do not have to change out the stock internal parts such as cams, fuel inj, and pistons.
You can turbo any engine, but chances are you are going to ATLEAST have to change out the injectors for higher flowing ones. Honda engines have notoriously weak conrods for boost applications, so if you want to turn up the boost you will probably have to replace them. The D16 has low potential for boost without upgrading many parts. The GSR is the same with its higher 10.6:1 or 11.0:1 compression you will most likely need lower compression pistons… 9.0:1~ 8.5:1
Either way if you are looking to hover around 6-9lbs of boost either of those motors will easily handle it stock, with the fuel injectors/pump upgraded. The GSR being DOHC will feel more gains from the small boost than the single cam D16, and is also a better handling car. With a MUCH more solid transmission.