Turboin' Hondas

[^status]

I currently own a Honda Prelude VTi-R with a B22A DOHC 147kw ( stock ) and I was wondering what would be the best engine(s) to turbocharge or do a complete swap on?

[Forg]

Are you planning on playing with aftermarket management?

I ask because that engine's VTEC, and I don't know what expense you have to go to to control VTEC, now what advantages there may be ina turbocharged engine. If you're planning on spending a fair bit of money on cams etc, I can see VTEC as being a brilliant thing in a turbo application (assuming you can fiddle overlap as boost rises), but I imagine you'd be either talking a lot of dollars in sorting it out (unless someone's already done the research & you can copy them :)).

So, if you're not planning on spending a lot, maybe you'd be better to sell that engine to someone who wants a screamer Civic, get a generally unwanted non-VTEC 2.2, and start from there?

[^status]

Ok thanks for that. But how would I go about turbochargin my engine?

[Forg]

It'll be a relatively expensive job ... I personally think you'd be better to buy a different car. I don't believe you'll get performance any better than a 200SX, yet it'll cost you much more than a 200SX; and I doubt your auto gearbox would handle turbo torque.

[joyride]

here are some sites u may want to visit. ask the yanks there, they turbocharge hondas daily
http://www.purehonda.org
http://www.honda-tech.com
http://www.superhonda.com or [http://www.superhonda.org[/url]
http://www.automotiveforums.com (honda forum)
those people know alot about turbocharing their hondas.. namely turbo b16a and turbo h23a (dohc non-vtec) were the most common.


edit: actually, there is a guy from melbourne that supercharged (??) his vtir 'lude. his name was mark or marcus... find him in purehonda or automotive forums but i suggest running a search first

[dave-o]

There is a twin turbo civic up in Brisbane, its hella fast. So it can be done, but your going to want to win lotto, its not cheap.

[Spunkymonkey]

I have a friend who has been working on his car for ages..turbocharged SI prelude..previous shape....

he's had problem after problem...

I seriously would leave the car as is, and buy a car that has factory turbo....easier to work with, and modify.

[ALLMTR]

I wholeheartedly agree with Spunky....as usual. :D

[skitz_supra]

last person i knew who turboed his honda (crx, done at ares speed...) had huge overheating problems, do it once do it right, gonna cost bucks, i also heard of a guy who supercharged his s2000 (done by the brock shop) and the results where fantastic...

[^status]

Thanks for the feedback fellas :)

Much appreciated

[Spunkymonkey]

Originally posted by ^status
Thanks for the feedback fellas :)

Much appreciated

and chickybabe :p

[itsnotagsr]

Status,

basically how big is your budget?
How much performance do you want?

Turboing well will be very expensive. You can do it cheap, but it will probably come back and bite you later on.

Try and speak to Mark and Adrian from HyperTune. They are the Honda turbo gurus. Theyve done civics, crxs, integras and an S2000.

I would not take it anywhere else. They arent cheap because they only use the best ingredients and they only do a really good quality job. But if you are after something cheap (ie less than $5k) I would say dont waste your money and just get a 200sx/wrx/etc which will offer better value for money.

Think about traction too, because once you get decent hp, wheelspin will be your friend!

Good Luck.

[ALLMTR]

Like itsnotagsr said, weight (which you have plenty) + torque (which the turbo will give you) = NO TRACTION!!!!!!!!

[Snoopy]

Drop a B18 engine, I saw one at Honda Wreckers in brisbane for $1,500 with everything, including trans. A guy with a Del Sol picked it up :(

Than buy a Greddy turbo kit from www.nopi.com which comes with FMIC to control your Vtec. I payed $3,600 for mine after shipping and GST, which I fitted to my D16a civic.

You'll than want to get yourself a BOV, Turbo timer, Maybe boost controller, fuel pump and Greddy Intercooler kit, (I payed $1,400 after shipping and tax for the intercooler)

I also had to upgrade the connecting rods and forged pistons, however the B18 with handle this fine.

I run about 7psi, The B18 should be good for about 10psi. If you intend running higher 12-15psi this will really cost you money. You will an entire rebuild of your bottom end.