I have a '98 Civic DX with the original D16Y7 engine. I have a few upgrades: short shifter, ram cold-air intake, aftermarket cam gear and a new manifold. I've been researching turbos and encountered some surprises. I know I can get a turbo kit from Edelbrock that fits the EX, but [it looks like] I'll have to do some hard-core modifications that I don't have time for. And I have recently come across a turbo that fits my car but doesn't come in a complete kit.
What else I will need to complete the task? I already have some Nology wires on the way with some new high-performance spark plugs. I'm not looking to have the fastest Civic, but I'd be greatly satisfied if the "Blue Demon" could show people it has a little something-something under the hood.
P.S. Nitrous is not an option.
Brando Special
Via the Internet
Most turbo kits for D-series applications are tailored to suit SOHC VTEC motors. While it may seem as if modifying an off-the-shelf turbo kit to fit your D16Y7 would be "hard-core," it's easier than it sounds.
The major difference in a turbo setup for a SOHC VTEC motor vs. one for a non-VTEC motor, such as your Y7, is the upper charge pipe. The D16Y8's intake manifold is a conventional design, with the throttle body entering from the number one port side of the plenum. Your Y7 intake manifold's throttle body flange is centered on the manifold and faces upward toward the hood.
There are two fixes for this problem. The first is to modify the charge pipe to accommodate your throttle body position. You could find a local welding shop to help you with this, or for an easier approach use the upper pipe from an aftermarket D16Y7 tubular intake.
The second approach, which I would prefer to do if it were my car, is to use an SOHC VTEC intake manifold. The intake manifold from a D16Y8 or a D16Z6 will bolt right on. The only major modification needed is the IACV wiring. Check out the March '05 issue of Honda Tuning for information on how to wire the IACV fix. May you and the "Blue Demon" have a lasting, boosted relationship. - DB
I've got a '99 Civic Si with a B16A2 that I've been working on for about five years. So far, I've invested close to $10,000 on aftermarket parts, mainly for show.
The last step is to boost my Civic. I'm not looking for crazy horsepower gains, just to add some more performance to my car. I've installed an AEM intake, DC Sports header, AEM pulleys, Weapon R adjustable cam gears and a B&M adjustable fuel pressure regulator.
I've been debating back and forth between using a supercharger or a turbo. My questions are: What are my best options for forced induction with my engine and my current modifications that aren't going to lead to problems with my engine? What other modifications will I need to make along with the forced induction to keep my car a daily driver?
Andrew, the turbo vs. supercharger debate is as old as time itself and one we would rather avoid. Essentially, it all comes down to personal preference. Each system has its ups and downs.
If you decide to go turbo, there are a host of great kits to choose from. With a bit of mechanical knowledge, you could even build yourself a custom kit. As for a supercharger, there is really no custom way to go about it within reason. There are, however, a few great roots- and centrifugal-style blowers offered for you to choose from.
When it comes to building a forced induction car for daily driving, the engine management needs to be addressed first and foremost. The key to a reliable car is good tuning. Find a shop near you that can dyno tune your car using a wideband O2 sensor.
If possible, you'll also want them to do some street tuning to better prepare the car for the loads and stresses put on your car while driving it on the street.
Another element to be addressed is the cooling system. Forced induction motors are far more prone to overheating than their normally aspirated counterparts. An upgraded radiator, lower temperature thermostat and fan switch, and reinforced hoses are something to think about. While the cooling modifications are not absolutely necessary, they are good insurance against engine damage caused by the stop-and-go nature of daily driving. - DB