I have 93 GS-R; approximately 189k miles; I have a brand new turbo kit that’s been sitting in boxes for the past 2 years (never got around to dropping it in my old DA). The Wastegate (TIAL 38mm) is set to 7PSI. My question - is it ok to have the turbo installed without fear of having the engine go boom? The turbo is a T3/T04. I also have a 12:1 FMU (should I switch over to a more reliable fuel management system?).
Info on the car - this might help you guys determine your replies: I bought the car about 3 months ago from a middle aged guy who usually only drove it to work and back. The car and engine were immaculate; the guy told me he kept it well maintained (oil changes and tune ups) and didn’t drive it hard. Since buying the car, the ONLY thing I’ve had to change were the VTEC Solenoid seals and I installed a brand new radiator last week. The car drives smooth and doesn’t make any weird noises; it was NEVER modified and is still sitting stock. I plan to do a full tune up (belts, fluids, valve adjustment, etc) before proceeding with the turbo install if you guys think it’s ok.
I won’t be overhauling the engine until next year sometime; probably around 200k miles, but I already wanted to have the turbo insatlled. I’m pretty mechanically inclined, but I’ve never dealt with a turbo install so I was planning on taking it to a local shop that I’ve heard is really good(Superior Racing Development in Tempe, AZ - I just moved to AZ). I’m pretty interested in meeting local DA owners. Maybe some of you are well versed in turbo installations and can give me some pointers on what to look out for. Or if you’re in the 602/480/623 area you can hit me up at phatsamury@hotmail.com. I’m curious to find out if the local DA scene congregates anywhere.
If oyu guys have any questions regarding the engine or turbo kit let me know. Thanks in advance!
You’ll get different replies based on peoples to push the limits.
If I were you I would at least put in some rods/pistons. Crower is the only company that makes rods that FIT, do not go with Eagle. As for pistons, well I’ll be using SRP 9.0:1 CR, they come with rings and I’ve found them for $425 if you’re interested in a link.
7psi is enough to mess up your motor untuned. I wouldn’t put that kit on until you can tune it. Get your ECU chipped and tune it right the first time.
IMO the best way to learn is to do the install yourself, theres not really much you can mess up, except maybe the injector install (if you have injectors).
Yes, stay away from the AFC, go with this option instead.
I also have a 12:1 FMU (should I switch over to a more reliable fuel management system?)
Don’t even consider this, please. Buy a hi-pressure walbro fuel pump, 450CC DSM injectors (buy mine! :)), then with your chipped ECU have someone, or yourself if you know how, adjust the fuel maps.
Infact it would probably be better to just list the entire content of the kit.
Sorry about the thread title - I just figured one of you would say, this is “One of those questions…” Alright, I’ll need to find my turbo kit list and post it. I was planning on upgrading the internals when I rebuilt it, and really that’s why I was wondering if I should just wait next year until I do the rebuild to add the kit; at that point I would probably be bumping up the boost anyways. In any case, thanks for the replies, I’ll get back to you guys with my kit specs.
T3/T04 Turbo 57 trim 63AR E, 50AR O
Front Mount Intercooler (Overall) 33” x 5 ¾” x 2 ½”W (Core = 2 ½” x 25”) 2 ½” Inlet Fittings
Tial Wastegate 38mm .50BAR (7 PSI Spring)
Oil Feed & Return Lines w/ Fittings
Stainless Steel Turbo Manifold w/ Gaskets & Bolts
12:1 Boost Dependent FMU
Uncut Piping – 4 Pieces Total (JC Whitney Catalog)
Item 180 & #176; Mandrel-bent Aluminized Tubing, (A/B)=24", (C)=5", ID=2-3/8",OD=2-1/2" (1 total)
Item 180 & #176; Mandrel-bent Aluminized Tubing, (A/B)=12", (C)=5", ID=2-3/8",OD=2-1/2" (2 total)
Item 90 & #176; Mandrel-bent Aluminized Tubing, (A/B)=10", (C)=5", ID=2-3/8",OD=2-1/2" (1 total)
HKS Super SQV w/ Flange (almost like new)
Downpipe with T3/T04 Flange
450cc DSM Injectors
I forgot to mention I was planning on having the car tuned after the turbo insatll; I din’t think I would have to mention it because it’s usually implied…but then again I also understand there are some people who don’t do it and blow their engines to sh*t. Anyhow, the 2 things I’m going to replace are the manifold because I read too late (here on G2IC) that SS Autochrome Manifolds SUCKS!!! The only things I never go to purchase to complete the kit were the boost gauge and fuel pump (Walboro). I’m going to have to buy a new turbo manifold and probably a half radiator since I wanna keep my AC.
I forgot to mention, this would be my daily driver. I just like that extra oomph…
So from your replies, it looks like I should definitely get at least the rod/pistons, & chipped ecu. I take it, the ecu gets chipped based on your application so when I get th Walboro fuel pump there won’t be any need to get a fuel regulator, correct?
getter better injectors, walboro intank(chuck the fmu), hondata or some kind of standalone, tune time/dyno, you should be good 7 to 8 pounds with a good tuner. Install boost gauge, oil pressur/water temp gauge. Post some pics of the turbo kit you have so I can see what else should be good.
dsm injectors are awsome injectors. definately pickup a 255lph pump too. i would buy either a hondata ecu or aem ems. don’t even bother building your current motor. also you may want to look into buying an aftermarket intake manifold, the b17 one isnt the best.
I know there’s some minor stuff I’m missing like the silicone conectors for the pipe and the filter that gets put on the turbo. As you can see, the fuel pump isn’t pictured because I never got around to buying it; same goes for the turbo timer which I didn’t want the kit installed without.
I’ve also got close up shots of the individual pieces that make up the turbo kit if you want to see them.
I may just do a “simple” N/A buildup (cams & gears/i/h/e/pulleys/flywheel) in the meantime until I’m ready to rip the engine apart and fully build the internals for the turbo kit (probably in the next few months). I just want a little extra “umph” in the car in the meanwhile. Suggestions welcome.
