So which is the better route? Building the bottom end and turbo or just use a thicker head gasket and turbo?

I decided I wanted a turbo and will get a kit. My power goals at first is 450 but then get to 550 or 600 ultimately.

*But most likely I'll be happy with the 450 and not go higher so I shouldn't need to build the bottom. I know if I want higher than 450 I have to build the bottom.

I guess what I'm asking is that those of you with 450 are you happy?? Or no? do you want more?

 

Start small and work your way up, your going to kill yourself if you go from 198rwhp to 550rwhp.

Get a headgasket, no real reason to build the head unless you want retarded power.

 

I went with the IP 3mm headgasket.
2 weeks later it warped, so now I am doing it the right way.

 

^^Probably a bad install.

May I ask if ARP studs were used?

 

Would a turbo kit with a GT35 suffice until I'm able to upgrade gradually or would it be not worth it because there would such a lag since it's a bigger turbo than a GT30?

 

Probably not....

Brand new OEM headstuds were used, along with a factory manual, a 10 year Honda mechanic, a 10 year Honda enthusiast, and verbal help from Ya and another big name in the Honda world.

 

I'd also agree with starting small. It's easier to trouble shoot small projects taking in phases instead of a *new* built motor, turbo setup, engine management setup alltogether. You'll learn A LOT along the way too. By the time it's all said and done, you'll be swapping parts and goals. Good luck.

 

if you consider lag of under 1 second "big" then no don't get a GT35R but if your wanting 600+ eventually, a GT30 is not going to hit that so you will have to upgrade eventually.


As for the headgasket, sounds like the torque was off on the headbolts. Just because your a mechanic for 10 years working on oil changes and other typical honda stuff, doesnt mean you can install aftermarket parts. Granted its not that hard but this stuff happens all the time.

 

So from what it says it seems that in steps is the best. I guess I'll need to clean up the engine and see if I can find someone local that will help me with making sure my valves aren't out of wack.

 

Im not going to get into a heated argument, Ive turboed/supercharged/nitroused and swapped just about any Honda out there.

Ive been doing it for 10 years.
My best friend has been a Honda mechanic for 10 years.
Ya helped me with a few things on the phone.

Someone from the biggest aftermarket Honda company in the US helped.