Should I build an FA20?
 

Do you have a built motor? or maybe lots of knowledge on the subject...

Before I boost (God willing), I'd like to have different boost maps with a variety of

Boost Levels:

6-8 psi

12-14 psi

15-20 psi


Gonna go with an Avo Kit but before I do, I'm going to build my motor.

What pistons, rods, cr ratio, etc.

Thanks for the help

Also, should I break in the motor while n/a or boosted?

You need to speak with an engine builder. You need a power goal and a budget in mind beforehand. A forum isn't a great place to get engine building advice especially from start to finish. Short answer, you will not hold 20psi on a non built engine so yes you'd need a built motor.

you build an engine to hold HP not psi. 20 psi on a mitsu td04 is not equal to 20 psi on a precision 6262.

My personal opinion is that you can certainly build your block to reach your goals, as there are a variety of options at the moment, however, the biggest bottleneck on this platform is the transmission. most people are going thru them regularly at 400+whp.

PSi is nothing as stated by @1stGenBRZ86
the CFM of the compressor wheel is completely different from different turbos.
You need to talk HP goal not PSi
People have successfully gone 300 400 500 HP on a stock engine for extended periods of time. Keep in mind a turbo only produces that power in boost. If you tune it for 700 HP but baby it around you can claim 50k miles on 700 HP stock engine.

But if you want to actually use said power at minimum I recommend Rods, lower compression pistons and valve springs.

As for Compression ratio availability of fuel octane in you region should help determine that

I am running the 10-12psi range (on a 20g) so it's roughly 250-280whp and that's not bad on the stock motor. Keep in mind like others have said PSI isnt the measurement you use. Too much low end torque is what bends rods

The funny thing is the td04 will likely destroy the motor first because of the low end torque it provides.

I doubt the AVO turbo will reach your PSI goals either.
I'm tuned to 18 PSI on stock internals and baby the shit out of my car. Full boost occurs at 4500 RPM, builds nice and slowly to that point. I like my stock engine for now ;D

My build recipe is as follows:
Pauter or Manly Turbo Tuff rods
CP or JE Pistons, stock CR or 13.5:1
If I lower the CR to 10:1 etc, I'll be using a DI delete kit and running port injection only so I can run an aftermarket ECU
Probably Beehive springs or something similar, they are all about the same price and I haven't read up on pro's and con's on both.
ARP stud hardware
King bearings

I currently made 250kW on a Dyno Dynamics (similar to Mustang, lower than a DynoJet) on a 35 degree Celsius day after driving two hours and had traction issues so ran at 16 PSI.
Next year I plan to build, tune to 20 PSI and add some Nitrous for kicks ;D

Sorry guys for never responding!? But yo, how reliable would a built fa20 be for handing 8psi every day?

Did you even read the replies? :bonk:
Your handle probably answers that.

I blew my engine at less than 400 hp. A rod snapped. The bearing was not spun on the offending rod. I'd say anything over 300whp you are at risk.

Just build the engine to 500 whp specs and then never go over 300 whp. It's fool proof!

Stock bottom end?

The question was poorly and lazily asked, not even gonna lie. I just want to hear some stories from the guys who have built or boosted their motors. Or both!

Of course! Rod gave up with no knocking or noises or any kind of warning. From great running to spectacular noise, smoke, and little metal pieces passing me along the pavement. I wasn't on it hard, it was raining, and I had just stabilized my speed at 40mph.

Mine is being built now. Should have the car back running in June or July.

You think k series motors are more reliable vs a fa20? Reliability wise.

Nice bro! hope everything goes well with the build are you planning to up the boost?

What internals did you end up going with?

No...

lol I don't know bro...

Gonna upgrade to a C38 compressor on my Jackson racing supercharger on a high boost pulley. Gonna do 8000-8400RPM (still trying to hash that out with the tuner, but engine builder says the engine will take it no problems with their machining, an oil pressure accumulator and gauges to make sure. tuner wants to go conservative 8000, but the supercharger can go 8400RPM safely so that is what I am hoping for) supposedly 16-24psi of boost is possible, I read that somewhere and not sure what it will really do. Forged manly turbo tough rods, wiseco forged pistons, big valve heads with piper cams(probably their stage 1 or two cams so as not to demolish bottom mid range power), Darton sleeved which also gives a closed deck(if you have seen these sleeves, they cannot walk or drop, not possible when block is machined to match), stepped deck, GSC valves and springs, I think that is all. I can't wait!!

Bro.

I don't know bro. Perhaps the answer is already provided for you?

Bro...

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnfITOnrV48&spfreload=10"]Subaru brz turbo 3rd to 4th gear pull. - YouTube[/ame]

8 psi daily, you won't have to build your engine and it'd still be reliable. I've heard of a few people around my area with 50k miles boosted at around 8 psi. Personally I daily 9.5 psi stock engine. You'd only have to build your engine above like 12 psi.

Did somebody say 'Bro'?

We all bros here!

Lmaoooo bro... cmon. On the real, thank you all for the knowledge (and jokes), ive gained some much needed insight on this topic.

I have my tax refund just chilling and I was just thinking... why throw on a turbo kit to limited to "x whp" and still have a decent chance to bend a rod? Is it worth the hassle?

Isn't there a saying that goes, if it ain't broke don't fix it? Does that apply here? Lol

Also I came from the K-series motor and we all know those can handle 400whp with a built motor for plenty of years with no issues.

You guys think our motor is as reliable?

Anyone here have a high mileage built motor?

Bro that's sick... :drool:

Bro