Finally sold the civic Now its time to work on the 5.0 with eight grand to start off. I'll finish the paint and body by the end of the month. What do you guys think? I'm thinking HP turbo, five lug conversion (have the bullits), eibach drag springs and new control arms. Let me know?:SNSign:
When I say bone stock I mean it. It has the "rebuilt 30,000 miles ago" motor. What car for sale doesnt. Its clean and has solid compression across all eight. Runs well, but do not truly know the mileage on the motor. The big thing is that the eight grand is play money. When its gone its gone. The positive point is that anything that breaks on the car is considered maintenance by the wife. I figure the clutch will go first, maybe first gear. Then the rear end....see where I'm getting at
I'm going to do everything myself. Between my dad and I, weve got experience in everything minus the turbo. Dad still has all the equipment from his old chasis shop. When I get around to it will jig up a nine inch for the rearend. I have the housing, but will wait untill I can afford discs for it. The biggest problem currently is that his place is in Illinois and I'm in NC. The fronts will be handled through the five lug swap. Looking at 94-95 spindles and calipers. Suspension should be good with the eibachs and some shocks. The motor is in debate, so I'll just detune the turbo kit. Hp seems to have the most complete system out there. It even includes the electric fans.
Well the big guys going to bed. Still dont know why I put the PC in his room. Look forward to hearing everyones approach when I check back in the morning. Take it easy
If you have the bullits and plan on a 5-lug swap and 9 inch rear and suspension mods, you should get them out of the way first. Your chassis and suspension is your foundation. When you have that taken care of I dont see why you cant throw the turbo on that stock block, it sounds like its strong and running good. Just my opinion, do what ya want. Sounds like some fun though
waste of money the 8.8 will do....i wouldnt buy a turbo kit either i would piece it together.....you'll still have more than half your cash left. id go afr heads custom cam holley system max intake and a t3/t4 hybrid....your talking 450+ on low boost 10-12psi.
This is the "basic" list of things that should be looked at before tearing into the motor. You'll get more enjoyment out of the car if you build it properly
First mods should be as follows (my take):
In order of Priority
1) Subframe connectors (SFC's) full length ones are prefered for a stiff chasis
2) Gears: 3.73:1 or 4.10:1 seem to be the popular choices
3) For AOD people: Get a higher stall converter and a shift kit! (don't forget the Tranny cooler)
4) Full Exhuast (headers, hi-flo cats, catback w/ mufflers)
5) Buy a K&N panel filter (no CAI kit required) and put it in the stock box
6) Bumped timing to 12 - 14 degrees (free mod) 10 Degrees is stock.
7) Larger MAF, TB (MAF cars from 1988 california only, 1989-1993)
8) Better Intake Manifold or a Ported one
9) 3G alternator upgrade / electric fan
10) Fix the stock brakes.
Optional MODs:
11) Strut tower brace (necessary on Convertibles IMO)
12) Underdrive pullies (they can't be used on S/C motors and cause charging problems)
13) Weight reduction out of the nose of the car
14) Shocks/Struts and lowering springs
15) C/C plates if you lower the car
16) Short throw shifter (if you have a manual transmission)
17) Cleaning or replacing all of the sensors (TPS, IAC, etc. - not a mod but it helps)
After those basic mods it will be pretty much up to you to pick a final direction for your car. There are plenty of Super Chargers or H/C/I [Heads, Cam and Intake] packages to choose from to really wake up the car.
Also, don't forget about the basic tune up
1) Changing all of the fluids (oil, coolant, trans, rear end, brake and some of the power steering)
2) Plugs: (non-platnum type) Autolite or Motorcraft are prefered
3) Oil filter: Motorcraft or equivalent (not FRAM)
4) Air filter: see first mods item #4
5) Plug wires: Ford Motorsport (FRPP) 9mm units are great
6) Cap / Rotor
7) Oxygen sensors