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March, 2024

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Learn me on turboing a civic

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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
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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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
Haha well yeah I know that much.
Feb 20 2013 9:00AM
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CandyNipples.
Posts: 340 - Karma: 51
This sounds fuckin ill
Feb 20 2013 9:03AM
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Ski_the_east01
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 2,304
The first thing you should do is not ask the opinions of a forum populated with people under the legal driving age
Feb 20 2013 9:05AM
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Mr.Sloth
Posts: 5091 - Karma: 13,469
Make it a NS themed car, post pictures with your progress. Has potential
Feb 20 2013 9:06AM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
Its a $400 perfect running condition car for my first import turbo project. If I fuck it up, its only a $400 civic...
I will be doing all of the body/interior work and non-turbo work
Feb 20 2013 9:10AM
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*simba*
Posts: 9125 - Karma: 511
Shut the fuck up.

I'd just start with a whole new engine/trans first. If you're going to boost it, at least throw Vtec in there.
Depending on your budget, there's a few options you can go with a swap. For you, I think just a B16 with a B16 trans, and a turbo would be perfect for what you want.

As for the turbo kit, start looking around on some forums...build your own kit from different parts that you've heard good things about. I'm about to go bigger turbo on my car, which mean front mount intercooler, and what everyone says is that the only Ebay turbo product they feel comfortable putting on their car is the intercooler and piping, so you should be all good there...but definitely keep it quality with the manifold/turbo/etc...

But like I said, just get started on some Honda forums...their super helpful when building a car.
Feb 20 2013 9:22AM
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SkiBum.
Posts: 3597 - Karma: 3,897
This thread makes my head hurt.
Feb 20 2013 9:23AM
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Ski_the_east01
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 2,304
This is exactly why I told you not to continue with this thread....

you wouldnt take a running car for $400?? Strip it, boost it, track it...OP can have a fast little car for not much $$ invested if he does his own work
Feb 20 2013 9:25AM
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Ski_the_east01
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 2,304
are you retarded? You just made the same point I did...NS is not the place for in depth car building knowledge, it's much easier to go to car specific forums where the knowledge base is proven
Feb 20 2013 9:27AM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
thanks for the real advise.
Wont a turbo basically render the Vtec useless? Isnt the Vtec when the cams open up a little at higher rpms where the turbo will be spooling?

I didnt want to ask a question like this on a Honda forum where I would have 1 post. That is asking for hate. I will linger and creep some forums though.
Feb 20 2013 9:27AM
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onLINE
Posts: 1013 - Karma: 423
you should save another $100, go to the subaru dealership with your mom, put $500 down on a wrx get mom to co sign. Put NS sticker on the back of the WRX, create a new thread on how to lower/stance your new wrx.
Feb 20 2013 9:29AM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
I already have monthly payments on 2 other cars my friend. $500 down on a WRX would be about $300-$400 a month.
Like I said, this is a simple project car.
And shut the fuck up and get out of this thread. I have good enough credit to have two auto loans without a cosigner.
Feb 20 2013 9:34AM
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*simba*
Posts: 9125 - Karma: 511
Except do you notie how in my post I actually helped OP instead of coming in to post something that gave no substance to the actual thread? There are actually a lot of members on here that are knowledgable with cars, so if he wants to ask a simple question like this, let him. If this is 'in-depth car building knowledge' to you, go back to playing with your trucks. It's not like he's asking what to build his internals with.
Feb 20 2013 9:36AM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
Thank you.
I am not asking for fine details, I want a rough idea of what to look for so when I do ask people the finer details, I have an idea of what to ask about and whats going on.
If I go into a honda forum with my knowledge of turbos now, I will be hated on. I know how they work and the mechanics, but I dont know anything about what to look for or do to prep.
Feb 20 2013 9:39AM
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*simba*
Posts: 9125 - Karma: 511
I'm going to be completely honest, I don't quite know. I know what Vtec is, and you've pretty much got it. Both my previous Accords had it. And all my friends who have turbo'd civics now all have Vtec heads. They do similar things...to a point, but I'm sure one doesn't render the other useless. When I see my buddy today I'll talk to him about it and report back.

Feb 20 2013 9:39AM
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Dirty.Harry.
Posts: 1779 - Karma: 351
Civic for 400 that runs good? If it's in good shape, it might be worth just making it mechanically sound and clean. If there's not too many miles you could flip it for a nice profit.
Feb 20 2013 9:41AM
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Joebin
Posts: 1664 - Karma: 867
Ew. No. Vtec hates boost with a firey passion. The best honda engines to take boost are actually the single cams because they have lower compression. High compression engines+boost=blown head gaskets all day er day. First youre going to need a turbo manifold, I suggest a T3/T4 one (this is the bolt pattern that hooks up to the turbo) simply because they are easy to come by and you have a plethora of options when it comes to buying your snail. Youll need all the necessary intercooler piping and what not and a boost control unit. You can either get a bleed valve for this (mechanical) or an electronic boost control solenoid. Supporting mods, like new injectors, fuel rails, and an intake will be a necessity. Top it off with a new engine management system and a good $400 dyno tune and you should have a car that will last you a couple hundred miles before shit goes to hell. Hondas suck.
Feb 20 2013 9:45AM
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onLINE
Posts: 1013 - Karma: 423

dam you balling bru financing two cars!! well done sir. What i would recommend now is you pay off existing 2 cars before creating the 4million'th piece of shit civic with an ebay turbo kit. Once paid off you will be ultimate baller status and you should then finance 3 STI's. Why 3? cause you ballin hard bru. With 3 cars maybe then you will find your way to an automotive forum where you will get actual advice on turboing a piece of shit.   

I may be partial trolling but forealz after you spend 400$ on this pos, all the money on the turbo kit, your still gonna need brakes, suspension, exhaust, your gonna want some pos wheels for your pos. You would be smart to put the money on your existing car loans. But hey you a BOSS with two car loans dig that debt grave even deeper bru!

Feb 20 2013 9:45AM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
Haha thanks for the advise and this part made me laugh really loud at my desk.
We will see what I can do to blow this thing up.
Feb 20 2013 9:48AM
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Joebin
Posts: 1664 - Karma: 867
Its ok, If its not your primary driver you should be fine. Its fun as hell to have a quick little beater car, I just sold a 1992 toyota cressida drift missle that I beat the piss out of. Try http://www.civicforums.com/forums/ for advice. I cant vouch for this forum cause Ive never used it before, but theres a lot of members and it popped up like second or third on google, so it must be legit. People hate on civics all the time, but theyre great cars to learn how to do a build on cause of their huge after market and the abundance of parts.
Feb 20 2013 9:55AM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
.http://honda-tech.com/forumdisplay.php?f=1
Feb 20 2013 9:58AM
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Stainr
Posts: 1186 - Karma: -1,150

^ this guy knows

Feb 20 2013 10:00AM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
Like I said, leave the thread. I make enough money to pay off my cars plus have money for PROJECTS like this. I have already fully paid off one car and sold it. I know what I am doing. I shouldnt have as much money in ski gear as I do especially since I havent moved west yet, but I do. Know what you are talking about before posting. I enjoy working on things and this will be fun. I am not doing this to race it or have a show car. Its a fun build to learn on and Civic are so common that it is easy to find parts for.
Shut the fuck up you piece of shit and get out of this thread. Dont talk finances to someone when you dont know what their finance situation is.
Feb 20 2013 10:02AM
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Stainr
Posts: 1186 - Karma: -1,150

So what your saying is, you can pay off both cars, but instead you would rather pay interest on them both for 5 years??

Click for larger image

Feb 20 2013 10:12AM
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*simba*
Posts: 9125 - Karma: 511
It is so ridiculously arrogant and rude to talk about someone's financial situation. It's his money. If he wants to buy and build this car, let him. He doesn't need some 16 year old advising him.
Feb 20 2013 10:17AM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
What I am saying is, I can make the min payments + $200 on top each on each car and still have money for side projects.
So with the logic of not buying anything until your car is paid off, should I not buy ski gear or anything but food and water until they are paid off? It is something I will be doing for fun, like skiing or mountain biking.
Lets not talk about me spending MY money. Lets talk about the OP questions.
I know all you little high school shits think you have life figured out already but I know what I am doing so leave this thread unless you have some technical information to add.
Feb 20 2013 10:19AM
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onLINE
Posts: 1013 - Karma: 423

you so funny bru.

If you know what your doing you would not make a thread on NS about turboing a 400$ pos civic.

Cool you like to build things but have to ask ns how to do it?? i dont think you know what your doing.

I never got into not buying ski gear or bike gear or food....all i said was youd be smarter to put the money on your existing car debt then start another car project. This is very smart advice. Take it as you will. You sound like the 12 year old trying to justify a pos civic build. Pay of your car loans and being the tru baller boss you are just go out buy a nicer car straight cash bru you balling screw financing all together. Dont get mad bru you a boss in the $400 civs.

Feb 20 2013 10:32AM
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brokebutitsworthit
Posts: 2279 - Karma: 27
Okay, well a couple of questions for you then.  What this is going to come down to is budget and experience really.  If you have the time and budget to dink around, and don't mind doing some work then sure go and turbo your little 1.6.  There will be issues with it as that motor is not designed for boost but most hondas do handle it well provided a little forethought is put in with correct turbo and tuning setups. For instance, you're intending on dramatically increasing the power and torque to that motor, unless you like torque steer and spinning one wheel but going nowhere (and one tire fires are not badass burnouts) you need to think about LSD etc.  That starts adding up.  Anytime you add a turbo to a car there are lots of issues and expenses. 

Anyway, the advice above about dropping in a B16 is fair, I helped swap a few into cars including a B16b which actually had the appropriate tranny etc out of a type R which made a huge difference but that is a rare and expensive motor.  If you just want a nippy fun project car, my advice is to swap a LS block out of an integra into the civic as it is a super easy, reasonably priced swap and with the proper tranny matching it (I think the code is YS1) it is almost as fast as a vtec engine with less headaches and more around town drivablility.  Plus it's cheaper. 

Oh and turbo and vtec is a pain in the ass to tune, it works but needs a practiced hand to do it. 
Feb 20 2013 10:43AM
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Ski_the_east01
Posts: 5203 - Karma: 2,304
The only advice you gave him was wrong you fuck

" If you're going to boost it, at least throw Vtec in there"...WRONG

OP this thread is a shit hole just like I said it would be...please just google honda civic forum + 97 ex turbo and I guarantee you there will be a number of quality build threads.

OP - sounds like you have a kickass little project car that could be a lot of fun, my advice would be to lurk civic forums for a while and get some quality info...best of luck
Feb 20 2013 10:43AM
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Stainr
Posts: 1186 - Karma: -1,150
LOL how was that arrogant?? it was a queation bud. im 26 fyi.
Feb 20 2013 10:46AM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
Buying a $400 car = buying $400 in ski gear. You just use them in different places.
Yes I know what I am doing with finances. That post only pertained to my financial situation. Learn how to read context my friend.
I am paying down my cars plus principle on them. You get an auto loan knowing you're going to pay interest. You do this so you don't drop $40k all at once and can use it for things like a project.
As for building things but asking NS, I am am electrical engineer so my knowledge is not cast with mechanical intricacies.
Managed debt is not a bad thing. Paying everything in cash will get you no credit, therefore you will find it hard to open a business or get a mortgage worth anything etc. Paying off all at once has the same effect. Credit is a good thing to have if it is good.
Feb 20 2013 10:50AM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
The point is to learn the build process, not to have a boosted civic really. If I want fast I could just super charge my 335ix
Feb 20 2013 11:04AM
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*simba*
Posts: 9125 - Karma: 511
Really? I'm wrong? Why am I wrong?

None of my advice was wrong, seeing as what turbo setup/engine you want to run is all personal preference, and sure, running a turbo on a vtec head is more dangerous because of the higher compression, but that's why I told him to look at the forums as well. If he puts some internals into a B16, uses quality parts, and goes to a reputable tuner, he shouldn't have any problems.
I just recommended that he should start with Vtec, because it'll be able to hold more boost, make more power, and be an all around more enjoyable car.

Not once was my advice wrong.
Feb 20 2013 11:06AM
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Stainr
Posts: 1186 - Karma: -1,150
You are dumb as fuq, stop typing.
Feb 20 2013 11:08AM
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El_Barto.
Posts: 11630 - Karma: 24,465
Im smarter than all of you. All of the opinions in this thread are wrong. OP makes no money and is poor and stupid. Hondas suck and Subarus are the greatest thing to ever exist.

am i doing it right?
Feb 20 2013 11:12AM
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Stainr
Posts: 1186 - Karma: -1,150
Win
Feb 20 2013 11:20AM
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onLINE
Posts: 1013 - Karma: 423

Click for larger image

Still mad bru?

Feb 20 2013 11:38AM
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Twinjibber77
Posts: 6239 - Karma: 2,356
B16 all day
I question making a thread on NS out of a car forum too however i know a dude who bought a POS i mean complete POS 90 something civic hatch, put a B16 he had around in it and for just a few grand that car is a good fucking time.
Tis still a Honda but fuck the haters i see where you're going with this.
Feb 20 2013 11:45AM
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Jewschoolers
Posts: 1785 - Karma: 1,142
i dont get it? why would you buy a car that isnt a wrx?any NS member should know that a wrx is the only car worth buying
Feb 20 2013 12:25PM
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Cudder.
Posts: 2248 - Karma: 307
I didn't read any of the posts but, i would say build up the engine to handle running more boost like 15-20 psi. But i fucking hate civics so i dont really care
Feb 20 2013 12:59PM
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Cudder.
Posts: 2248 - Karma: 307
I'm doing the same thing i have a personal loan out for a winter car i bought. I took the loan out over a 2 year span. Once i sell the car in the Spring i'm putting the money straight into my summer car and continuing to pay the loan. Cars will make you do some crazy things..
Feb 20 2013 1:07PM
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GEORGEzimmerman
Posts: 1473 - Karma: 439
Click for larger image

rice rockets are the gayest cars. they are lower then hummers
Feb 20 2013 1:13PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
OP please listen to some of the friendly advice in this thread and either flip the car for a small profit or just drive it until it dies. You are starting down a road that YOU DO NOT WANT TO GO DOWN. here are the facts:

1. You already have TWO car payments
2. You now have a $400 POS MONEYPIT (the civic)
3. You want to turbo said money pit
4. Turbo and all supporting parts cost MONEY OP
5. Turbo/additional power of any kind will cause things to break
6. Parts breaking costs MONEY

you bought a shitty car, want to put shitty parts into it and don't want to pay down your debt? you say you don't want advice from 12 year olds yet you sound like the most nieve immature person in this thread. You are going to end up dumping a whole lot of money into a car that you really wont enjoy much and will not really teach u anything about cars except how to build a shitty mexican rice rocket that only half works and gets smoked by 80% of cars on the road. LOL please pay your debt off and possibly invest a little money into one of your better, more reliable cars where you will actually be able to enjoy it and it wont just drain the shit out of your bank account and leave u with a situation where the parts on the car are worth more than the car itself.
Feb 20 2013 1:29PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
i don't know, dude. hondas that are built right are pretty fucking fun to drive around town. sure, no one likes the guy with the $100 autozone fart can and flames stickers though....but that's not "built right".
Feb 20 2013 1:44PM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
Jesus christ people it is not hard. MONEY IS NOT AN ISSUE! If I want to take a loss doing this for the learning experience, fucking let me! Dont tell me how to spend my money. I am not going to buy shitty ebay parts or have some crack head install it. I will be putting the right amount of money into this with the knowledge of probably not getting it back out. I AM FINE WITH THAT!

As for my other cars. They are loans for a reason. I could have paid for one in cash, but that wont build up my credit for when I open my own company. I dont care to pay down the loans because I am well ahead of my payments and will continue to do so. I dont care if this cost me a little interest money, because in the end, I will be more happy with having great credit and all the stuff I have bought since I didnt throw out so much money up front.
Like I already said, credit is a great thing to have, and you have to build it to get it.
Also, I may be paying interest, but I make each car payment with a credit card and then pay the card off. Earning my yet more credit boost and flyer miles and rewards. Im 25 and have 200k reward points, my student loans paid off and not mortgage. Talk to me when youre 25 and tell me you did that already. I am very good with how I handle money and dont need you little shits telling me how I could do it better.
Feb 20 2013 1:46PM
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Stainr
Posts: 1186 - Karma: -1,150
i already did that.
Feb 20 2013 1:59PM
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.Brink.
Posts: 1622 - Karma: 188
why not take all that money you seem to have such a good hold on and buy a car that is BETTER THAN A $400 CIVIC???????????????????? why are you so set on this civic? if $400 is nothing to you then get rid of the piece of shit and buy a real tuner car that you will actually learn something on and maybe one day after you invest enough money you will be proud to drive it instead of some beat to shit, front wheel drive (LOL), civic with a fart can and few thousand $ in turbo bullshit. There are plenty of cars that can be had CHEAP that you won't have to invest as much initial money and will handle better, go faster and last longer than a half-assed turbo civic build. THINK LONG TERM. also 95% of people on the road (myself included) are going to laugh their ass off at your super sweet riced out turbo civic as they pass u in a stock minivan.


and if you want real car advice go to a car forum and post in the new members section and then do some searches. You'd be surprised how many willing people are to help.
Feb 20 2013 2:02PM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
It was supposed to say "no mortgage"
If you have done this already, you know it is not the norm and you are very well set for the future. IE able to have to auto loans and still buy stuff on the side...
Feb 20 2013 2:02PM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
Can this thread now be about people making exhaust noises with their mouth? I stumbled upon this...interesting talent when looking for videos of turbo'd Civics on Youtube hahaha.









Yup.
Feb 20 2013 2:05PM
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kingsskier
Posts: 6212 - Karma: 2,101
And then I will pass them in my twin turboed inline 6 BMW. Im not looking for the most amount of speed. I am not looking for the highest quality car. I am looking for a cheap ($400 is extremely cheap) car to work on things like the body, suspension, interior etc. So if I fuck something up, there is a large supply of cheap parts available to fix it and if it is a total loss, Im out $400, take off invested parts and sell them for a little loss and junk the car for $300. All in all worth my investment to learn and not screw up say a G35 which is what I want to work on.
The original intent was to gauge how much work it would be for me to get the thing boosted. I dont really care if it is or isnt. It is a learning car since  I have no performance tuning mechanical experience.
Feb 20 2013 2:11PM
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