My ultimate engine build has always included a small turbo like GT2860RS, with a well built and responsive bottom end. But I have always been fond of an approach that is backwards to what most people go for: building the bottom end etc first and only then FI.

Engine Build Example (outline not including ECU & Support mods)
Stage 1: I/H/E, maybe intake manifold/throttle body + tune (breathing)
Stage 2: injectors, fuel rail/lines/pump/filter etc +tune (fuel)
Stage 3: light flywheel, cams, valve springs, piston heads/rods, maybe crank etc + tune (internals)
Stage 4: FI

So my question is: can you do these mods FIRST, with enough provision for the extra power, strain etc that FI will bring, meanwhile running them efficiently on an NA engine (ignore the $ of this build for now)

***I thought of doing it this way, because I like the idea of keeping the engine as responsive as possible and keeping things smooth etc, rather than just dropping in a turbo for some cheap power***

 

Stage 2 really just needs to be combined with stage 4, since you can do all of stage 1 and most of stage 3 with the stock fuel system. Basically, the stock fuel system is totally adequate until you go FI or increase displacement.

 

I'd would do just intake, exhaust and clutch/flywheels. Also if you have extra $ think about brakes/some rubbers too.
And rest of all, I will think about when you go FI. Oh not bad to buy a ems and learn before go fi (if you plan to use one)

 

^I meant by intake manifold*

 

FWIW, my stock injectors are just at 83% duty cycle at 8400 RPMs with 13.1:1 AFR. This is with a pretty high barometric pressure too. I would be surprised if adding cams to my setup pushed me over 90%.

 

Assuming this is for a street car...
why brakes?

I ask cause, a car with 500hp stops the same as a car with 200hp

tires definitely make sense though

 

listen, none of this stage stuff is needed.

you want FI?
prepare to do a clutch
then do stand alone + fuel + FI after.

stock brakes work fine. stock everything else is fine. though tires may be screachin depending on how much power you wanna make.

 

Base on my experience...when my car ran faster than before, i had to stop better than before. When 200whp car hit 60mph...500whp car will hit close to 100mph.
Btw i'm not talking about upgrade BBK, just get a better pads than stock for sure.

 

yeah the brakes/suspension/body work/weight reduction is on the list as well!

but I think of them separately from the engine build... this post was just about the engine build

 

Yeah, you are right . I just realized it.

Sorry op, i fail.