Do you guys think if I kept the boost under 6 pounds, I could run a turbo on a D17a2 without modification?

 

Under 6 pounds is good for long term engine life, the higher the boost without proper mods could mean shorter engine life

 

PSI means nothing. If you are boosting with a plastic straw from MCD's, you can build 6 psi just by blowing through the straw.

Find a turbo that falls within your power goals and go from there. This is the research part... find other people who have boosted this motor and read up on what they did.

No matter what, you need tuning/fuel upgrades when adding a turbo.