intercooler or not
 

ok i decided to build my own turbo setup?im only going to be running about 7lbs since i have a almost completely stock motor on my civic vtec.i was wondering to make thing cheaper and since im going to start off slow do i need a intercooler? if not what do i do instead or in place of it? pictures would be a great? and if i dont run a intercooler can i still put a bov on it if so where would i put it? i just learned alot about turbos from the www.coolazz/tripod or whatever but it doesnt say anything about not runnig a intercooler and stuff
thanx all imputs would be great

Re:intercooler or not
 

You definitely need to run an intercooler. The air coming out of the turbo is hot as hell and you don't want hot air going into your engine.

Re:intercooler or not
 

yes it's better to have an I/C. It's better for the engine :)

Re:intercooler or not
 

Where do you live? You dont necessarily 'need' it, but as mentioned the air does get extremely hot thats passing through the turbo. I've wrapped my piping with flue tape and managed to keep the air down in temperature (according to the IAT sensor) at 10.5 lbs of boost, but I also live in Colorado and its usually 50 degrees or less outside as well; and the turbo is forced to feel ram air constantly (its still touchable after driving for an hour, not going to singe me :))
So it really all depends, if you're running without a cooler stick to something like 4.5-5 lbs just to be safe. The other thing to do is start really small boost, and watch your engine temperatures.

Re:intercooler or not
 

I always recommend an IC.. but you dont have to use one, especially depending on where you live and what type of fuel management you will be using.

Instead of a FMIC, you can use a large chunk of pipe.

https://www.homemadeturbo.com/turbo_...flange_3_P.jpg

really tough to see, but its just a big pipe..

Jeff

Re:intercooler or not
 

I have been driving my car for 4 months before I put on the intercooler 2 days ago. I was running a max 9psi nonintercooled, but keep in mind it has been around 10-30 degrees F by me.
There is no question that you can get by without one, but any intercooler is better than no intercooler.
If you want your engine to last listen very carefully for detonation.