Here's a copy of my post in the other forum, just figured I'd put it in both places to get maximum exposure and input!
I just bought a 1999 base with the 4speed SportShift. Any expensive modifications are a ways off, but I'm a dreamer and a planner, and the longer I know exactly what I want to do, the more time I have to wait for the good deals. (I'm also a complete novice, but have been lurking these forums for several days, learning what I want to do.)
Eventually, I want to supercharge my 'lude to somewhere around 250-300(maybe more?)whp, and I want the drive train to last with minimal maintenance for as long as possible, we're talking hundreds of thousands of miles, or, you know, the legendary Honda durability. I know this is a tall order, but it seems that if I do it right, it shouldn't be impossible. There are a couple of people I'm looking for some good advice from, most specifically Geramy, because our goals seem similar and you clearly have a ton of experience and quite a bit of success. Externally, I want the car to be plain, but good-looking; something that indicates it's well taken care of but lies about how much power it actually has. Here's what I'm thinking so far:
1. The Block: send my block in to Darton for installation of their
M.I.D. (I've read that open-deck solutions like Darton's (which seems more like a hybrid between open and closed) are good up to the mid 20's, I shouldn't need more than 12psi or so, but will it be as durable as I want?)
2. The Internals: CP pistons with
Carrillo rods (since they're working together now). I want to have everything 'coated' but I don't really know what this means or who does it, any suggestions? (edit: Forgot the injectors! RC 1000cc)
3. The Crank: Haven't learned very much about this one, what do I need to do here? Micro-polish, knife edge,
remove balancing thingy, etc...
4. The Cams/Valves: Do I need to make any changes here? Will stock last just fine or should I try
something by
Skunk2?
5. The Supercharger: Jackson Racing is almost the only option, they're now about $3,400 new. Endyn's website says they're making
custom blowers for Hondas, which--given their respective reputations--seems like the much better option. They say I'll need to provide an M62 Counter-Clockwise Rotating Supercharger and a Magnesun bypass valve, which makes me think that the cost will be higher than just the regular JSRC kit. Endyn says they do supercharger modification for more boost and longer life, which sounds good to me. They also say their blower is so efficient as to not need an intercooler. Would it be worth it? Do I need special cooling? Will the
G-Force Hood be enough on it's own?
6. The Intake: BPI Flow Stack 3.5". I hear it's just as good as AEM V2 and way cheaper. Looks like I might have to supply my own tubing though.
7. The Exhaust Header: So many options here. Looks like the best value (price:quality) would be the
Lovefab, but I'm open to suggestions. Goal is to put it into a 3" collector, run it through a high-flow cat (any suggestions?) and then make it as quiet as possible without losing too much flow (any more suggestions?).
8. The Tuner: AEM PEMS. I hear it's the best and the most important part to any boost set up. I'll probably put it in the hands of Honda Bob, if he's willing. He's relatively nearby.
9. The Transmission: I'm planning on just using the manumatic until it dies then switching to something that will handle torque better. By that time, I'll be willing to give up the convenience of the manumatic for a manual that can take the punishment; any suggestions for a reliable, durable, but easy swap?
10. The Extras: H23 Manual Timing Belt Tensioner; Denso Iridium Plugs (I hear IK22 is good for hotter applications); Denso OEM Wires; OEM Flywheel (better drivability).
11. The Questionables: G-Force Hood; Oil Cooler; Custom Engine Cooling; Anything I Missed?
12. The Externals: OEM JDM Lip Kit; Stock Wheels; No Spoiler; Maybe Lowered; Performance Tires of Some Kind.
What did I forget? What else will I need to do? Will the car do what I want? What should I expect to pay for installation of something like this? Who can I trust to do an excellent job?
Any input is helpful, but please don't turn the thread into a supercharger vs. turbocharger debate. I want immediate response, low-end torque, durability, and driveability and don't care at all about top speed beyond 150 or so.
Linear Mode
