I'm just getting started on my turbo for my CRX. My buddy Martin put a turbo on his 97 Eclipse RS, and I just couldn't resist doing it myself. I have done the turbo kit thing before, but last time I did it, it was with my 83 Rabbit GTI that I had a Callaway turbo kit for. I also did the whole nitrous bit with that car, and that faded out like it was a fad. The power was nice, but whenever my bottle was empty, my car felt like a bucket. So after the turbo/nitrous/built motor modifications, I sold that car. I guess I just got bored and needed a new toy.

This time, I'm creating the kit from nothing, and I'll be most of the fabrication myself. With the aid of my new MIG welder, fabrication should be a blast..

For the harder to fabricate parts, such as the turbo flange adapter, and the wastegate acutator bracket, Bob from TurboRex helped me out. TurboRex sells a quality bolt-on turbo kit for the 1st generation CRX Si. I would have used the kit on my car, but I installed an Integra power unit, so many of the parts wouldn't change over. None the less, Bob from TurboRex was a great help and is an excellent source for advice.

A big difference from the stock SOHC motor from the current motor I have is the compression ratio. The SOHC 1.5l (D15) has a compression ratio of 8.7:1. This is great for turbocharging. The DOHC 1.6l (D16A1) has a compression ratio of 9.5:1. This is good for naturally aspirated performance, but not that good for turbocharging. The good news about the Integra motor is that it has pretty beefy rods compared to the stock Civic motor. In fact, a lot of people who turbocharge the 2nd generation SOHC 1.6 motors run shot-peened Integra rods with forged pistons.. What it boils down to is that I can't run as much boost as the TurboRex kit does. I plan on runnng 5-6 PSI, and if I get brave, I probably run 8 PSI..

Parts List & Prices

So far, here are the parts I have collected:

Garrett T3 turbo, exhaust A/R:48 compressor A/R:42

Front mount Intercooler from a Mitsubishi Starion

Bosch blow off valve

This is a 88-91 CRX HF manifold with a Garrett T3 mounted to it. I plan to mount my turbo in this fashion. (This picture was taken from the TurboRex website)

Turbo Project Page 2

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this page updated 01/04/2000