I'm thinking more and more about turbocharging my '03 civic ex (d17a2 vtech). But I'm pretty sure i won't be able to run it above 6 or 7 psi, if that. what do i need to do to my engine to properly run a small turbo?

 

tune the turbo set up after it in. if you dont tune you can say good bye to the motor in no time. dont push 8 psi on stock internals either.

 

Do some research into the fuel system aspects of the D17, it's a returnless fuel system, which can play hell with boost

 

Would you stop perpetuating that misnomer about turbo systems? I see posts all the time from noobs saying "I've heard not to boost over 8psi, is this true?" generalizing the statement to any motor and any turbo and any engine management/tune. 6 months ago (or w/e) when you were still first learning about turbos, it'd be ok. But I know you know better by now.

 

8 psi is safe/reasonable boost for stock (internal wise) civic engines. I wouldnt boost past 6 psi on stock internals with a d17.

 

I wouldnt boost it.

 

<-----D17A2 with I/H/E and i cant complain

 

Does anyone even know if it's possible to tune these things without buying a standalone?

 

The d17 can put out decent numbers. Its not cheap but they can handle up to 300 hp.

 

Basically, in the end i want to be able to push about 210-220 horsepower while maintaining the car's reliability. Any other ideas?