D15 turbo project
 

Hi guys,
after alot of false starts my project is finally underway. I have some questions for more experienced members of the board so here it goes. I am starting with a 93 Civic DX coupe, gutted. I have installed pretty much nothing, just the SAFC and HKS turbo timer. I have a rbh5 turbo, HF manifold, adapter plate, and downpipe being shipped to me. I have been told that pretty much the first thing to go on a boosted D15 is the head gasket so i'd like to replace that before I run boost to prevent (some) problems. This project will have to be done in stages because i'm not made of money. I have a ghetto intercooler (ford I think) that i'll probably use to start with.

With stock injectors, and careful tuning with the SAFC, how much boost can I make (ballpark guess--I don't have an egt guage or air/fuel meter yet to monitor the situation)? ???

Next upgrade I guess will be dsm 450cc injectors with a resistor pack. How much boost will be okay with that upgrade?

I've heard of guys using colder spark plugs. What does that do? (sorry if i'm a retard.)

I have a timing light--how much (if any) should I retard the ignition?

I know i'll have alot more questions and i'll post as I think of them. I appreciate the help guys. HMT messageboard members kick all sorts of ass compared to the other boards out there.

Re:D15 turbo project
 

first, the AFC is not going to work with stock injectors, meaning you need an FMU with stock injectors or AFC and 450cc injectors
the 450's will be great for 10-12 psi maybe more but it will take more than an AFC to hit that
colder spark plugs will reduce the chance of detonation which is detrimental to your motor, same with intercooling the air or running higher octane gas or retarding the timing... it is all to prevent detonation
I would start with stock timing and the highest octane fuel you have available (93 here) and see if it pings at all
Keep checking the FAQ and research and you should do fine

Re:D15 turbo project
 

Dude, thanks for the reply, but I sort of don't understand. I thought the entire function of the SAFC was to adjust the map sensor input to the ecu, allowing you to lean out or richen your fuel mixture. therefore, up to a certain extent, you can richen up your fuel mixture (even with stock injectors in theory right?) to compensate for boost, even if it's only good for a couple psi, maybe 3. am I way off here?

Re:D15 turbo project
 

yes in theory youre right, but your stock injectors are 240cc...they cant provide much more fuel than they already do, and 3psi is really useless. go spend 50 bucks oninjectors imo

Re:D15 turbo project
 

Everything is relative.
I am running the came motor you are d15b7.
Here is the deal. How much boost are you going to run.
I am running 4-6 depending on my right foot. I have no
fuel managment in place at this time. The map sensor is tricked with a valve arangment I invented.
Not fish tank valves. Stock timing
I have no detonation and 30+ mpg on 87 octane.
My intercooler is probably what is saving me. It all depends on how much boost you are running. my set up is at the limit. If I could tune it better there would be a lot more power to be had. But I am a poor ass also.
Did I mention that I have less than $200 into it so far. ;)

Re:D15 turbo project
 

dude read his post,
he just installed the safc so he wouldnt have to worry about installing it later.

i'm sure he has it set to stock settings.

and he IS GETTING BIGGER INJECTORS
he already said that. so hes on the right track with that(just make sure you put those injectors in at the same time the turbo goes on :) )

Re:D15 turbo project
 

Update:
Now all I need is a BOV. I bought dsm 450 injectors and a resistor pack. Here is my setup so far (not installed yet):

93 civic dx (d15)
stock internals
hf manifold with adapter plate
rbh5 turbo
ghetto Ford IC
dsm 450cc injectors with resistor pack
SAFC

Can anyone recommend SAFC settings, considering all the above-mentioned stuff, for a first run? I have no experience at all with the settings on that thing, especially with bigger injectors. The SAFC is installed right now but i've left it at 0% correction.

this is my first turbo project and it is alot of fun ;D My first taste of turbo goodness was helping my friend with his 2001 Impreza 2.5 rs, and i've seen him spend enough money on broken parts to buy a new car. His most recent replacement "part" that he bought was a 2004 WRX STI shortblock. :P

Re:D15 turbo project
 

Dude?

I was only giving him an idea of what you can get away with. As I have seen on this board before its better to give a goal of how much power or boost you are shooting for than how much boost can I get away with. Thats why I gave the post I did. He stated no goal.

All info is important. It helps people figure out what is relavant and what is not.

Nobody has really answered the question responsibly yet any way. Maybe the question is where is the limit of the bottom end with respect to his fuel managment?
Just a thought
???