Too Late to Turbo?
 

Really looking at turbocharging my 2013 FRS which has been my daily for almost 3 years. Don't want to do anything too crazy, just around 300whp and I'll be happy. I'm looking into the SBD 500x turbo kit paired with OFT tuning (I already have the tablet) I've already done alot of research on the kit so I doubt you guys can sway my opinion on which manufacturer to go with :). The only worrisome factor is the mileage my current engine has, it has over 105k, mainly just highway at 70mph with some spirited runs here and there. I certainly don't want to boost an engine that's on it's way out. What are some things to look for before boosting the car? Compression test? I've already had the timing chain and guides checked at 60k and they were perfect. I've only had to put a couple coils in it, and I change the oil every 3k. What do you think? Too late to boost this thing?

Nah go for it

"not too crazy"

+85% increase in power from factory block

:bellyroll:

Edit: serious advice, budget to buy a replacement motor, if it holds then good, minor repairs fall within budget, if not oh well toss replacement motor in and decide if you go back to NA or keep doing a turbo in the process. I say this regardless of your engine mileage and maintenance although replacing coil packs to me means you beat on it pretty hard there's literally no data to say whether these things are solid up to 100k, 150k, 200k, or 300k of abuse.

If you can't afford to slap a turbo on AND replace a motor, then you can't afford to slap a turbo on imho

There was a thread on here where one guy said he had like 180K miles on the car, 80 of them boosted, or 110 of them boosted, I can't remember. It was done pretty late and he was running well still

Maybe you could look into buying a built motor. There's some companies (like map or full blown) selling fresh built motors with lower cr pistons for 3k if you trade in your core. Just some peace of mind...

Another thing to look into would be a stronger clutch for the power levels you're looking to achieve.

I'm of the opinion that a problem free motor at higher mileage has proven itself in a way that brand new motors haven't; it's probably not a lemon if it made it that far. But in general, a car may have carbon buildup impeding good flow and fuel delivery, or clogging of a fuel filter, or perhaps wearing down of some surfaces and changes in tolerances. At 100k, I wouldn't really consider that high mileage these days. With basic maintenance, most motors these days will outlast the rest of the car.

I went ahead and ordered the Speed by Design 500x turbo kit, it should be here next week. Haven't decided on the clutch yet, I'm looking at the stage 3 Competition Clutch and I'll be sending my flywheel off to be machined. You guys like the comp clutch? I've been seeing some mixed opinions on here. Also, I messaged Shiv and I'm going to be using his custom tuning service, I know he's worked with SBD before so he should already have the base map ready. Kinda worried about it though, I won't be getting consistent logs since it's not on a dyno, have you guys had experience with this? Really feeling over my head a little, I understand mechanics very well but never dealt with tuning a turbo for a NA engine.

Think you should have done more research.

Before you do anything, have a conversation with a tuner. For example, I messaged James at HRI tuning and he always replied right away. I asked him all kinds of questions. Pick a tuner that's a good communicator and knows their stuff

I won't install the kit until I fully understand how the tuning aspect of it operates, otherwise my lack of knowledge will leave me with a bricked FA20 and $4500 worth of car parts that I can't use. I just want to know what to do after Shiv tunes my car, what should I look for to make sure its running safe and healthy. Is there a general knowledge thread you guys can send me to??

Really Cole, I sometimes wonder if you give negative comments like just for the fun of it.

Its perfectly normal to be nervous of new stuff. He could read every article on the planet, go to car tuning classes hit up every member who has done a self install and still be nervous about putting a turbo in his baby/car.

Was your comment really that helpful or necessary? I know your going to come back with some retort and try to defend your unhelpful response. But I suppose that's just par for the course.

It actually was helpful. If you need to ask questions like this, you certainly aren't prepared to deal with something when it goes wrong.

But hey, lets just tell the guy to go ahead, and throw his money down before he fully understands what he's getting into. Sounds like a great idea.

Plus, I only see you coming in here to talk to me about a comment I made, where's your support for the guy?

Run 45psi for science

I am always a bit disappointed when that 300hp number gets thrown out there. It is the most commonly stated goal but I am not convinced that people realize jut how high it actually is. What is wrong with looking for 220 - 250 WHP? Hell, even 200WHP is a big bump from stock. To people that don't really understand the 300 looks like the right number since that is around many of the performance sedans but this car is not a performance sedan and that is a huge bump from stock. The STi is rated at 305HP but actually only puts out about 250WHP so do people really think that 50WHP over a STi is a great idea for a daily driver? Targeting a number vs a performance gain is easy grasp but people need to truly understand the impact that number is going to result in.