FI in cali
 

I want to turbo my Fa20 and my power goals are around, 300-320whp. Since I'm in CA so Im getting a carb legal turbo. Works stage 2 turbo kit. Im just trying to compile the list of supporting mods. It seems like i would need an oil cooler, clutch, injectors,fuel pump...uhh Anything else im missing? Best gas is sucky 91 we got. and ill most likely go e85.


Question about forged internals and built motors. When you swap those OEM engine parts for forged internals, im assuming it doesnt pass smog right? even if the compression is the same as stock?

i wish i just knew a guy for smog so i wouldnt have to do all this for a legal setup.


thanks!

Can you even get 300whp from a CARB set up?

Negative.

Good.

The bolded are mutually exclusive.

I have a question for you California folks. How would inspections know if your tune is CARB legal or not? I know they look for stickers for equipment but how are you going to get a sticker for something software related?

They check for specific criteria based on the kit. Many smog stations simply will turn modified cars away because they don't want to accidentally pass a car that shouldn't. Fines start at 5 figures and can include jail time for a first offense.

basically, it's almost cheaper to rent an apartment in utah, register the car there, and then install the turbo of your dreams.

If you want to have a CARB legal turbo kit then get the Works kit. The base kit will allow you to pass smog. If you built the motor and turned up the boost then no one will know. If you add an aftermarket fuel pump then no one will know. If you add different injectors then perhaps they could be seen if the technician snoops around the injector cover, so you could consider swapping the stock injectors back in on smog day and switching to a CARB tune. If you have an aftermarket tune then they won't know. If you add flex fuel then they will see the lines, so you would have to pull that and put 91 back in on smog day. In theory, you could add a FMIC (if you didn't want the air to water setup) or closed-loop catch cans, and those are CARB exempt.

They will know :)

Intercooler swaps are always legal.

thanks guy, someone actually trying to just give me info, instead of some bitchy snarky comments.

yea thats the plan, it was just to just run the kit but the tune would be alot more aggresive. the e85 flex fuel i could always take off before i go smog it.

this is something i was always wondering, if i took the time and money to build the motor and it doesnt pass smog would be awful now i know. thanks!:D

A smog tech will be able to tell someone has a built motor, or something else I said?

That's my plan (remove the flex fuel) if Harrop ever gets a CARB EO sticker. If not then I will either convert to stock or I will sell my kit. I will have to figure it out when the time comes.

To me, engine reliability has the first priority before passing the smog test. What I am saying is that, if you are going to reach beyond 300whp, I would build the engine regardless of the smog regulations. There are people running their stock engines above 300whp but I wouldn't do that. If I spend the money to build the engine, I would rather aim 400 whp.

I have been running JRSC CARB kit since several years close to 30K miles now. It is perfect for engine reliability and makes a huge difference in performance. That incremental upgrade to reach 300whp will not make so much difference. I decided to just stay with the CARB kit until I aim 400+ whp.