WishinIwasBoostin

Hi guys,

I'm been cruising the site for awhile just gleaning as much info as I could. This coming summer, when time and cash permits I plan on turbo'ing my '86 Civic Si. Now, there is tons of info for '88 and later 'Vic's and CRX's but I haven't found anything for my car. Basically, I'm just looking for guidance on what stuff to pick up for my project and the best way to go about it. First, let me state that I can't afford to run an aftermarket engine management system. An SAFC is about at the top of my want for that. I want the car to be able to run mid-high 13's in the quarter. This equates to about 170-ish whp. Also, I want to be able to pull most of the hard parts from cars in a junkyard. I can't afford brand new stuff. So, what should I do? I was thinking about using a T25(?) from a 1st gen DSM. Any other junkyard turbos to be looking for? I know I'll need an intercooler and that will come up a little later. I can handle making a manifold or an adaptor to my mani, so that's not a real problem. I want it to be quick spooling and have a decent output, but total usable power under the curve is my ideal. The engine has 8:1 compression from the factory so I think 6-8 psi is safe for street use with an occasional blast to 10 psi. Am I wrong here? I know I'll need an ignition system "helper". Any recommendations? I know there's more questions, but I'll just sit back and listen some more. Thanks in advance,

--Danny

themadhatter

ok man a t25 is from a 2nd gen dsm not a 1st gen and for engine management i'd use a vortec fmu not sure about the engine specs on your car thow a lttle more info would be nice

d16forlife

An FMU is not engine management.Engine management is something like Honadta,AEM,DFI,e-manage.An fmu is a cheap fix for adding fuel.You can reprogran your ecu by burning your own chip.Check out the engine manegement forum for more info.

nonvtec

If you can afford a SAFC, why not just use that and DSM injectors, better than an FMU.

WishinIwasBoostin

That's what I was thinking of doing.. I know the SAFC is still a crutch, but I think it's a sturdier crutch than just the FMU. I'm unsure of how big to go on the injectors. I know 240cc is a decent step up from stock, but I'm unsure as to how large of a step up. Unfortunately, I'm about 99% positive that my ECU can not be reprogrammed. The onyl way to do that would be an engine swap followed by swapping in a later car's wiring harness. That's a little more involved than I care to get. LOL My biggest question right now though is the turbocharger and intercooler combination.. I'm just looking for recomendations on what some good candidates are to be plucked from the junkyard...

--Danny

JEDubz

For the money of half that stuff you could buy an 88 CRX or Civic.

Johnyquest

First off, on the reprogramming the ECU, you may be right. Secondly, your car is fuel injected? there's a chance, being an 86, it might be carburated, so you check and make sure its not. Secondly, if it's not, isn't it DPFI (dual point fuel injection)? Those are a bitch to work with and most would conver to MPFI.

Lastly, if your car isn't carburated and you do have 4 sepearte fuel injectors and the hack would work on your car then 240CC injectors are what comes with your car STOCK. 240cc is by no means a step up, and the AFC hack works with a set of DSM 450cc injectors out of a first/second gen mitsu.

WishinIwasBoostin

Yes, my 'Vic is FI.. yes, it's the PGM-FI.. four injectors in a nice little row. I was told that the stock injectors were smaller than 240cc, but I have not verified it. They may very well BE 240's.. and as for getting an '88+ CRX or something.. not a chance. Not only are solid examples hideously expensive around here, but I like my torsion bar front end. I like the styling more and I like to be different.. guess I'm gonna get to be a guinea pig.

89dxhunchback

More power to you for trying something that's not done eveyday, but its never cheap...

SleepinEH

Here's a little info that might help you out and help some of the other guys understand what you have on your quest for boost. your SI has the EW3 engine rated at 91 hp@5500, has a 8.7:1 CR and is mpfi. the injectors use resistors so u could pick up a set of dsm(eclipse injectors or the smaller late model prelude injectors-310cc) or u could stick with the stock injectors if u plan to stay under 8 psi. Also an upgraded fuel pump is a must. and the safc will help out a lot in tuning and is necessary with the larger injectors. as for a cheap manifold. the E series engines have a 12 valve head with a different design from the d series engine. but i have found what i think will work. the carbeurated exhaust manifold has the catalytic converter mounted closer to the head (similar to the cx/hf manifolds for the d series. this leaves you with just picking out a turbo and fabricating an adapter, piping etc. Also the fmu isnt completely useless. it raises pressure in the lines so the injectors have the fuel on hand. stay with a lower disc(8:1). i think that should help u out some if not sorry for waisting your time. any more questions let me know ill try to help u out.