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Learn me on turboing a civic

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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,100
So, I am buying a 97 civic ex for $400 as a project. Runs perfectly but the alarm is stuck on and they dont know how to turn it off. I do. Yes, red flags go up with this, but they have title in hand and an id to match the title so I am assured its not stolen.

Anyway, I am going to be working on it but do not want to try to put a turbo on myself (very easy to screw up). What should I do before selecting a turbo kit (as in compression test the motor etc) or should I drop in a new motor? The stock ex motor can handle about 4-7 pounds of boost right?
Im not looking to break any speed records, I just want a nice quick project car for my first import project.
What else should I do or look for before pulling the trigger on a turbo install?
Feb 20 2013 8:58AM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
I understand what your saying but why not put the majority of your money into the initial investment (the car) instead of parts so that you have a sturdy, reliable, platform that you can abuse and drive hard for a long time and do occasional upgrades on. There are lots of options for say $4-8000 (i know its ALOT more than $400) but you will have more fun for longer and you will end up enjoying the car more because you LIKE driving it and your not spending all your time wrenching on the thing replacing old parts that break from the turbo upgrade. Not to mention if you spend 4-8k your going to be shitting on that $400 civic before you even upgrade anything. Any import/tuner car is going to have a huge aftermarket and an abundance of parts available for CHEAP. And you can start out with a solid drive train that isn't FWD and an engine that has infinitely more potential than the one you have. you will be way better off if you invest more money in the actual car to start out and not try to turn a crappy econobox into something its not.

Feb 20 2013 2:36PM
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Willgum
Posts: 3254 - Karma: 3,066
Its fun to work on a car and not have the risks of fucking up an expensive car.
Feb 20 2013 2:37PM
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onLINE
Posts: 1013 - Karma: 423

you may not be taking the negative comments well but some us do have the best intentions for you...plus some humor...

i see you have a BMW, why not stick in that direction and get an E30...suspension and interior parts are around...how many times can you possibly fuck up those parts...there is turbo kits for the old e30 325's if you really want to build a forced induction engine. Or better yet swap out the old BMW engine and get some rice in there 1JZ or 2JZ would be a nice engine for an e30...your "learning curve" would be more fun, the end result would be WAY more fun as it RWD...and it will still be worth something when your done.

Just my last 2cents you sound hopeless though.

Feb 20 2013 2:38PM
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Wall_Nut
Posts: 629 - Karma: 113
I karma raped everybody in this thread who is bashing OP......You guys don't understand the concept of a "Project Car." OP is not going to sink money into something while he's learning, because he knows there's a good chance of fucking it up. Most of you are privileged kids, and can't possibly understand why someone wouldn't want to go 'all out' on their FIRST project. Idiots.

OP, You should probably check out some Honda forums, I'm sure they can point you toward some properly inexpensive turbo kits.
Feb 20 2013 3:02PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
no need to go "all out" just need to be sensible, Op is putting himself at a disadvantage by investing his money into a shitty product when he could start with a better product without having to invest as much money.
Feb 20 2013 3:10PM
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Wall_Nut
Posts: 629 - Karma: 113
I think you're still missing the point.....He wants a learning experience, not a fast car.
Feb 20 2013 3:14PM
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WikiWiki
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 426
alright Im going to start by saying I know absolutely no honda engine or chassis codes so ill just do a basic rundown of a fun cheap turbo setup.

find a reputable manifold, something preferably cast and with equal length runners, and with mounting points for a t3/4 frame size.

Find a used or new depending on budget t3/4 frame turbo, nothing monster, in general the smaller the housing and compressor sizing the easier it is to spool, which means much more responsive and power across the range.

Youll need fueling, usually consists of injectors, pump, possibly fpr I know nothing about hondas as stated.

Go to a local shop and have them fabricate an exhaust for you, nothing huge, if your not pushing over 300 wheel anything bigger than 3' is a waste of money.

Buy a wideband and whatever honda guys use to tune, probably megasquirt for the price point Go to local reputable shop and get her tuned for some fun mild boost, or pull crazy timing blow the motor and then build a monster. I have no clue what motor you have and what kind of power you can safely put down, and this is where honda forums are for.

There are a bunch of other small things as well

Now everything I just said can be purchased in a kit ready to go, just make sure youre getting a good company, whos shit has been run before.

Everything except tuning and welding a downpipe can be done in your driveway on older hondas easily


fullrace.com makes some great manifolds, not cheap by any means but theyre well known
Feb 20 2013 3:24PM
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bfulmer
Posts: 3053 - Karma: 1,975
this this this this.

I don't know why people are under the illusion that if their car becomes louder that will make it cooler and/or faster...
Feb 20 2013 3:32PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
THIS THIS THIS

for me, the point of a project car is to buy something that has potential to be badass and that you can grow into as you upgrade parts and become better at working on things. I will tell you right now a turbo civic is NEITHER OF THOSE things. It is honestly a waste of your time, your going to attempt to turbo your civic (with your 0 knowledge of cars), and then what? are you really going to enjoy that turbo'ed civic? will it get you pumped every time you go for a drive? are you going to be proud of all that time you put into your slow POS to make it a slightly less slow POS? fuck no its a turbo'ed civic and they aren't fun to drive without a fuckton of suspension mods and a damn good driver. anyone who says otherwise is a ricer fanboy or has never driven a decent car. Have you ever driven even a relatively low hp fwd car? torque steer sucks cock


DOWNSIDES TO YOUR PLAN

1. Turbo civic is slow as fuck
2. you look like a ricer jackass
3. It WILL break. 100%
4. handles like SHIT
5. Front wheel drive
6. terrible resell value: once you realize how bad of an idea this was and decide to start over on a decent platform you WILL lose 75% of the $ you invested into it, BEST CASE.
7. You won't learn any actual driving skills from this car. (can't drift, can't powerslide, no burnouts, trackdays with fwd=fuck that, drag strip with fwd...gtfo)

UPSIDES TO YOUR PLAN:

1. IT'S CHEAP


see what Im saying? Unless you have a major hard on for civics and you can't live without one, then get a different car. I PROMISE YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT
Feb 20 2013 4:01PM
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WikiWiki
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 426


ask any pistonhead, a good reliable fast fwd car is great fun, and with a copious amount of horsepower can be a great learning car

A lsd and some decent tires and torque steer will be non-existent under 300hp, which Im assuming this guy is shooting for mid 200s. It will be a great sleeper, fun to drive around, fast enough to dust most cars on the road, and a great learning experience.


the car cost 400 bucks, all in with tuning id be surprised if he spends more than 5 grand, and has a car that is great fun and fast.


Lightwieght, cheap, easy as hell to work on, great learning car, lots of potential, and a ton of fun. Is it a high horsepower rwd car no, but 95% of people with sports cars dont even know how to drive their cars correctly


guys like most f1 drivers, all the hosts of top gear, every auto-journalist Ive ever read and Chris Harris all love fast fun fwd cars, and Im assuming they know what they're talking about
Feb 20 2013 4:33PM
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onLINE
Posts: 1013 - Karma: 423

Put that crack pipe down and re-read what you just wrote.

These auto journalist you speak of get paid to like certain cars...cars that sell to be specific...guess what kind of cars sell these days?

Feb 20 2013 4:51PM
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WikiWiki
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 426
What magazine are you reading where journalists are paid to like certain cars. Any real enthusiast knows what kind of cheap fun you can have. Every magazine ive read has strict bias policies ie you cant get paid to like certain cars.

The guy already has the car, so i dont understand why everyone is trying to sway him otherwise
Feb 20 2013 5:14PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
After reading through this thread...big lol at Brink and Eugene whatever-the-fuck-his-name-is thinking they know anything about anything.
Feb 20 2013 5:24PM
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*simba*
Posts: 9125 - Karma: 512
Just give up...it's pointless to argue with these kids. It's obvious that they've never driven modified cars and therefore shouldn't even be posting in this thread.
Feb 20 2013 5:24PM
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SkiTheYeast
Posts: 2310 - Karma: 391
Opinions cant be wrong. They're opinions its what one thinks, not an actual fact.
Feb 20 2013 5:26PM
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*simba*
Posts: 9125 - Karma: 512
HAHAHAHAHAHA Hold on! How old are you, kid?
Feb 20 2013 5:28PM
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El_Barto.
Posts: 11661 - Karma: 24,351
No. Youre wrong. It is a fact. Not just a regular fact but an actual fact
Feb 20 2013 5:46PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
21 and I drive a better car than you so how bout you shut the fuck up and take a seat over there, kid.

AWD/RWD is better than FWD 95% of the time and is more fun any day of the week. LOL at people saying car reviewer's opinions matter AT ALL. Car mags are paid just the same way freeskier is paid to give good reviews so that point is null and void. and who has EVER given a fucking '97 civic EX a good review? No one thats who. FUCKING LOL

Is there such thing as a good FWD car? Yes and no. can you MAKE one good with lots of money? YES. will you have more fun and become a faster and better driver in an equivalent car that is AWD or RWD? ABSOLUTELY.


Feb 20 2013 5:58PM
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midwestpowhunter
Posts: 2198 - Karma: 189
get the alarm to quit. put a pair of rocketboxes on the roof, get a sweet light bar on the roof(front and back), get a trailer hitch and winch, winter tires, an oil change, and a tune up. Then go to a wrap guy and get a ns wrap with all kinds of nser ski related shit, Create thread for ideas. BEST CAR EVER
Feb 20 2013 6:06PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
if your going to keep this car OP this is what you should do. dont put any $ into performance mods just beat the shit out of the thing and learn to fix it until it dies you'll just regret spending $ on it down the road. Thats all i got to say.
Feb 20 2013 6:10PM
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*simba*
Posts: 9125 - Karma: 512
lol, tough guy.
Feb 20 2013 6:12PM
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WikiWiki
Posts: 5584 - Karma: 426
What magazines im curious. Evo just fired on of their writers for accepting a jacket from fiat and he rated the car dead last in the conparison. Just name some magazines that havr done it im really curious.

No one is saying fwd is better, op asked how to turbo his car, retards come in saying buy a different car.

Also claiming awd makes you a better driver shows your stupidty, as well as claiming you drive a better car.

Pretentious douchebag? Sounds like it to me
Feb 20 2013 6:16PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Hahahahahahaha hoolllllyyyyyy shhiiittttttt

Hahahahaha

Ha

Good lord, you are fucking retarded.
Feb 20 2013 6:25PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Oh, and since we're playing this game...I'm older than you and have multiple cars that are better/faster than yours, so "how 'bout you shut the fuck up and take a seat over there," KID.
Feb 20 2013 6:27PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
LOL okay buddy... go race OP in his shitty rice rocket then, maybe you can DP his fartpipe exhaust together after.
Feb 20 2013 6:28PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Aww, what's wrong? Can't handle the same "insult" you tried to use 10 minutes ago? Does it make you feel stupid that you tried to call someone out then got called out yourself? If not, you certainly must feel stupid about the fact that you know nothing about cars and are talking out of your ass, no?
Feb 20 2013 6:31PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
hahahaha no I just think your an even bigger dipshit now



Feb 20 2013 6:38PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Click for larger image


Well...you almost got me. Almost. Better luck next time, KID.
Feb 20 2013 6:40PM
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eheath
Posts: 61604 - Karma: 123,113
Read this whole thread and I have learned one thing:

.brink. is fucking idiot
Feb 20 2013 6:41PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
LOL THIS

we're voicing opinions.

Btw I love how butthurt everyone who disagrees with me is


THANKS FOR THE -K hahahahaha
Feb 20 2013 6:45PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
This is why.

He doesn't want some shitty Saab turbo that was beat on for years. He wants a fun project for ultra-cheap that he can dump a turbo in and fuck around with for basically no loss if things go wrong. Have you ever even driven a built FWD Honda, or any tuned car for that matter? Calling FWD "fail wheel drive" just shows how ignorant you are. Come back after you've driven cars like the Civic SI, SRT-4, VW GTI, Focus ST, Mazdaspeed3, and tell me that you'd choose some shitty, used, base model Quattro Audi or similar shitbox over those cars just so you could have AWD.
Feb 20 2013 6:54PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
I thought I would address this point quickly before I dip out on this thread:

Yes OP was asking about turboing his car, my opinion along with a few other people in the thread is that it will be alot of money for something that won't give him that much enjoyment and that he would be better off taking the money he plans to invest into the turbo build to purchase a better car with a better base engine, chassis, drivetrain etc. and then slowly build from there and ultimately have more satisfaction and a car that he can grow into.

I did not say AWD MAKES you a better driver I meant if you put the same driver in two equivalent cars, one FWD and one RWD/AWD depending on the track the RWD/AWD is going to win almost every time because it is simply easier to drive fast and does not have as many shortcoming as FWD. Idk how you can argue that? I have hated every fwd car I have driven. Im not saying that you can't make a fwd car perform really well for cheap because you can and Im also not saying that there aren't good FWD car reviews out there because there are.


IM SAYING YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE MORE FUN AND ENJOY A CHEAP RWD/AWD CAR MUCH MORE THAN A CHEAP FWD TURBO BUILD

That is my opinion, take it or leave it, peace.

Feb 20 2013 6:58PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
I'm quite curious to hear what you drive. Also, it's a little late to try and back down and say "aww man it's all just opinioonnnssss, mannn." You made your case, made yourself look like a complete fool, and lost all credibility (not that you had any to begin with). You tried to call someone out, so I called you out, then you got upset. I'm the one who's "butthurt?" Right. At least you tried...

For what it's worth, I didn't touch your precious e-karma. I'm not a child. I don't feel the need to judge someone by their imaginary number on the internet. If you're an idiot, I'm sure I'll remember after reading a post or two in a thread. I don't need a rating to remind me.
Feb 20 2013 7:02PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
audi A4 quattro and I like it WAY more than ANY fwd car i've driven
Feb 20 2013 7:05PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Every FWD car .Brink.$ has driven:

Mommy's 1998 Camry
Daddy's 2003 Prius

Despite what he wants you to believe, he doesn't even own a car, but thinks he knows a lot about the cars he sees out the bus window.
Feb 20 2013 7:07PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Hahahaha wait, wait...you were trying to claim your (likely used, early 2000s) Audi A4 quattro as a "super nice car?" Yeaaahhh, broooo. I bet you push that sub 200 WHP engine to its limits and AWD is reeaalllly useful in those hairpin corners. I'm sure you really can appreciate the difference that your superior AWD drivetrain offers on your daily commute when you never go over 50 MPH.
Feb 20 2013 7:11PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
its actually an 09
Feb 20 2013 7:14PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
and yes awd is very useful not to mention much more predictable when your driving fast than the FWD version, which I drove before I bought this one.
Feb 20 2013 7:15PM
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,507
i have a feeling your car will brake down very quickly.
Feb 20 2013 7:17PM
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jbalz
Posts: 36 - Karma: 14
you win this thread. brink you have failed harder than ive ever seen anyone fail in a car thread. you bought a used audi. that alone disqualifies your knowledge here.

ps my 06 si would take a dump on your a4 on dry pavement

ps ar6 i think mazdaspeed is AWD
Feb 20 2013 7:18PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Hahaha yeah, because I'm sure you're taking corners where it's noticeable on the regz, yo.
Feb 20 2013 7:19PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
CPO with a warranty 'til 2014....I have no problems buying a used audi they are excellent cars.
Feb 20 2013 7:22PM
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,507
that's debatable
Feb 20 2013 7:24PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Oh, and a quick Google search tells me that a 2009 Audi A4 only holds 0.85-0.87g on the skid pad depending on the review. Multiple new FWD cars not only have more power than your car, but also have skid pad ratings over 0.9g (Focus ST - 0.93. Mazdaspeed3 - 0.91 GTI - 0.90). Nice.
Feb 20 2013 7:27PM
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Deluge
Posts: 4401 - Karma: 805
Dont really know why this turned into such a shitstorm, OP go for it thats sounds awesome and its cool to have something cheap to fuck around with and no spend too much
Feb 20 2013 7:51PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
I know what the stats are on my car, I bought it. Just for the record you are comparing my car to two 2013 (thats 4 model years newer) FWD hatchbacks with SPORT upgrades from the factory which isn't relevant because my car is an awd sedan with no performance package and I bought it for less than what both of those cars retail for.

Since we are so far off topic tho, what car do you drive?
Feb 20 2013 8:03PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
then how are you going to talk shit about having a faster car than anyone...?...?
Feb 20 2013 8:11PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
Where did I talk shit and say my car was faster? Im the only person in this thread who actually said what car they drive besides OP lol

I said AWD/RWD>FWD


THATS IT PEOPLE
Feb 20 2013 8:15PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
page 2..."21 and i drive a better car....blah blah blah". ok, i guess you didn't specifically say faster...
Feb 20 2013 8:21PM
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jbalz
Posts: 36 - Karma: 14
youre comparing your new audi to a 97 honda.... get the fuck outta here
Feb 20 2013 8:22PM
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