Turbo Question

[JohnB_SPY8808053]

Hi all!

This question is really for my honda as I've decided to stick with high-CR & crarbs on the Stratos but I figure it's general enough not to offend... and we all know how easily offended this bunch is. :D

Anyway - I've got an 88 Honda CRX HF with a B16 engine and an Integra Type R head (1600cc, 81mm x 77.4mm, 10:1 CR, 8K redline). It's my new daily driver & weekend racer. I'm planning to turbocharge it mildly (7psi boost on stock bottom end). After looking around, I decided that a Garret T3 with the 60/63 AR would be the best match for the engine. I've found a used one in good shape (no shaft play) but there are some very fine (hairline) cracks on the exhaust side. I can't tell that they go all the way through so it seems like they wouldn't hurt anything. Can anybody tell me if this is normal for a used turbo or should I stay away from it? Also, would anybody care to second my choice of turbo and AR? This is my first turbo so I'm a little unsure of my decisions.

Thanks,

John B.

[chris.richard]

I don't know nuffink about turbos, but cracks can only get bigger....

[Swamprat33]

i'd avoid it at all costs. these things rotate at 200,000rpm. cracks of any sort are bad on a turbo.
Keep lookin or get a refurb unit.

Cheers
Tim

[JohnB_SPY8808053]

Ok - found another one I can use. Thanks for the input! With a little luck I'll be working on the Stratos again by summer.

John B.

[Sando]

Integra Type R head (1600cc, 81mm x 77.4mm, 10:1 CR, 8K redline).

Hi John
Great engines these. Hope you are going to lower the CR though?? You'd need high octane fuel and loads of charge cooling to run at 10:1 without melting pistons..

I can recommend 'Forced induction performance tuning' by A. Graham Bell as a good source of info.
cheers
Rob

[JohnB_SPY8808053]

Sorry for the delayed reply - been busy with Christmas stuff you know.

Yeah - I'm a big fan of the honda B series engines. I'm actually going to leave this one at 10:1 with about 6psi for a while. Everyone I've talked to says this is safe on the stock bottom end. Eventually I'll go to 9:1 on forged pistons with a little more boost. I've been getting the turbo bits together while I finished prepping the shell. The turbo I'm planning to use is a Garret T3 with .42/.48 AR and 45 trim. This is considered too small for the B16 by most of the guys that build Hondas - then again they're all going for peak HP. I just want no lag and lots of torque at lower rpms. The little T3 should spool by about 3K and with an external VTEC controller I'll be able to move the VTEC engagement point down to someplace just after that at the flip of a switch. Normally VTEC is useless below 4K but I think it will work lower than that with the boost. For _normal_ driving, I'll leave the engagement point at 5K to minimize engine wear around town. I had considered stroking the engine to 2 liters because it's not much more expensive than just getting pistons and rods but if I do that then I need to also get at least new cams and half-shafts and probably some other bits as well. I'm thinking that's overkill for a daily driver and it's also more money than I really want to spend. I've already gone overbudget (as usual) and the wife isn't happy about that. I do want it to be a fun car but at this point I'd rather just finish it up cheap and get back to the Stratos.

John B.