B16a on BOOOOOST ===> Questions/Feedback/Comments
 

Ok so I'm thinking of boosting my B16a.. i've always been a N/A type of guy but as we all know it costs too much to build a B16a and get the same numbers as forced induction.

My Goals:

230-250 WHP
Safe and Reliable build, daily driven..
Stock internals, nothing crazy, low Boost = OK
Budget: $2000 - 3000 to play with...

Please advise on whether to boost a B16a, is it a good idea? I heard both sides but need more feedback. Anyone currently running a B16 turbo on this forum?

What Turbo should I use? T3/T4?
Ebay kits ok? I heard both (good/bad) feedbacks..
Which shops are REALLLLYY good at Tunning for boost in GTA?
All other questions comments and concerns are welcome.

Thank you all!


:manual:

i would research more on turbos before deciding. no offense but if i start talking about trim and ar. and all that you probably would be lost.

basics =
bigger turbo= longer time to spool
smaller turbo = less time to spool
piping must fit application of turbo size
cheap manifolds/donwpipes = cracking
too much boost = boom
too big intercooler = lag
fuel pump and injectors a must
ebay = ----
bad tuner = boom


pay to play. unless you know what your doing adn you can piece one together rather cheap.
if you want to put one together heres a link to help understand.
homemadeturbo.com

or u can go on honda tech and what not and read on write ups.

There is nothing wrong with sourcing parts from ebay, there are tonnes of quality parts sold on ebay from all the ebay stores. Its the no-name immitation "ebay" parts like xspower and ssautocrome stuff that needs to be avoided.

I daily drive my boosted b16 year round, so I'm a huge fan of boosted cars. Tuning is KEY on a boosted setup.

Just to add to what ^^^^ said.

bigger turbo = longer time to spool + more top end power
smaller turbo = less time to spool, less top end power, more response + midrange power
too much crankcase pressure (from an insufficient PCV system) = boom

You can have the best tuner in the world tune the setup, but if the engine isn't 100% healthy its not gunna last forever, or if you constantly beat the crap out of it, its not gunna last forever. Anytime you DOUBLE the original power output of an engine you're decreasing its lifespan and increasing the chances of catastrophic failure.

I'm not trying to scare you or anything, b/c i've had my boosted 11.5:1 CR b16 for over 2 years now. I made 250whp @ 8psi using a GT3255E with a crappy turbo manifold and 2.5" exhaust tuned by me using Neptune. I'm now running 12psi and have been for quite some time.

$3000 is a tight budget for boost if you want everything done properly. Be prepared to spend $500-800 on tuning related stuff alone (you might need an ecu conversion harness and chipped p28 in order to get tuned). If you buy used parts and do all the install/labour yourself $3000 isn't unrealistic, but if you've gotta pay for the install and everything, you'll prolly need more $$$$.

how many k on the engine?

i'd say there was at least 100,000kms on it when I swapped it in 5-6 years ago. I've put about another 100,000kms or so on it myself over the years.

Do a good compression test and leak down test on the engine to make sure she's in good health.

Do a lot of research and you can build a kit you will be happy with. I've almost finished piecing together my custom turbo kit and it's been pretty fun just learning about it, I can't wait to actually be driving it too.

I think you should increase your budget a bit though. I'll break out my parts so far:

Garrett T3/T4 60 trim - $550
Intercooler - $50 (ebay style, might be for sale)
Turbosmart Type 1 BOV - $220
Turbosmart 38mm wastegate - $220
XS Power Manifold - $150

I still need to buy a clutch, fuel injectors and pump, intercooler piping and oil/water lines. I'm already at close to $1000. Clutch will be another $500 at least, $400ish for fuel parts and then, as zman said, at least $600 for a dyno tune. I all need to have a down pipe and custom 3" exhaust made too. That ---- will all add up quickly.

Spend the money now or spend it later. Turbo is not something you want to use cheap parts on (ya, I know the manifold is crap).

[shameless plug]I'm selling a turbo that will work nice on a B16[/shameless plug]

You will also run across things you will have to fix on the car before even boosting it. Oil leaks, bad motors mounts, etc.
Or in my case, a transmission that is fucked.

Sikkkkktegra - No offense taken man, i'm here to learn :), thanks for your help

Umm about 100xxx-130xxx on motor..
I realize i'm not ready for it, and I know in the back of my head that it's not really worth boosting my motor... (leaks oil from pan, head gasket, needs mounts, etc............) but i would like the idea of boosting some ---- up! lmao.. Maby a few years from now when I'm more financially stable, finished another few years of school and start that baller career i'm workin on.. Untill then.. i'll keep it in the PEEWEE league with bolt-ons and the power of DREAMS.... lol

Thanks all, appreciate the comments!

A build takes time man. Slowly horde parts, fix your cars issues and one day you'll be set.

took me 5 years to build my car. Thats with going to school, working full time and being a father.

cars are definately a slow process. You'll change your mind a few times about what you want to do too. Just keep an eye out for deals on the parts ur looking for and collect them over time. In the mean time, do your research so you'll be well informed on what you're getting into.

Alot of good info here :thumbsup: