cruddybaton

i've got a 97 civic si, d16y8. love the car, it's running great, but i want to start doing upgrades. i'm hoping to one day run about 180-200 whp as a daily driver. are those realistic figures to run on d16 and if so, what should i be thinking about doing to my engine/transmission ?
thanks !

MPR

First things first, make sure your engine is in good enough condition to handle producing more power. Do a compression test and leak-down test. Mileage is irrelevant. For the compression test you want to see consistent compression across all 4 cylinders. The numbers them selves do not matter so much as long as it's above 150-160. Anything below that means your rings and or valves are worn and you should rebuild or buy a new engine. But make sure the numbers are within 10psi across the board. For example, if you measure 150-160-155-160. That is ok. If you measure 140-160-160-160, that is bad, do not modify the engine. Rebuild or buy another with consistent compression.

Google search how to do a leak-down test. if one or more cylinders experience quick leak-down (they don't hold the pressure for very long), then rebuild or buy another engine.

Best way to get more power out of any engine (hp per dollar) is turbocharging. Your goal is not outrageous, so I commend you on that...lol. Most people come on here and say "I want to make 350-400whp, what do I need to do?" which is very un-realistic and unnecessary in such a light-weight fwd car like a civic. 180-200whp can easily be made reliably on a stock d-series with the right sized turbo and supporting equipment. You will also want to establish a budget. If you don't have the money, don't bother attempting this.

There are lots of threads on this site and on the net about what all is involved with turbocharging. I suggest you start reading and keep reading even when you're sick of reading it...lol. Research research research. It's not overly difficult, so long as you do your research.

cruddybaton

thanks for your help , that certainly is a great start. but with that said, if i do end up having to rebuild my motor, would it be cheaper to simply swap in a b16a, if so, would i have to swap tranny as well? i know a guy who said he put a b16 in on the original d16 tranny, i didnt think that would work ...

MPR

No problem.

Well if you just swap in a b16 you'll have 160hp instead of 180-200 if you turbo your d16...

If you go b-series, you must swap the transmission and axles. b and d-series engine/transmissions are incompatible. That guy who said he put a b16 on a d-series transmission was lying or didn't know what he was talking about.

Were you planning on doing the work your self or having a shop do most of the work?

MPR

Forgot to mention, if you're going to make your car faster, you will also need to make it turn and stop better as well. You may want to look into upgrading your tires, suspension/bushings, and brakes (better rotors, pads, steel-braided flex lines, fluid flush) etc.

Buddah

WTF has this got to do with anything?

MPR, you hit the nail on the head. Great advice.

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