Engine Build....

[MonzdaCon]

Hey guys, so i was hoping to put a turbo in my MP3 this summer but after a ton of reading and talks with multiple people i decided that i should build my motor a bit then put a turbo in.

My Questions are what are the main thinigs that i should do to my engine in order for it to handle what i throw at it. Please help, thanks

 

[KrayzieFox]

The rods are the weakest link, but while you're in there you might as well upgrade the pistons and rings as well. I would go with 9.1:1 compression so you have a smoother powerband, 8.5:1 would allow you to push more boost but it'll be really sluggish in the lower RPM range before you start boosting.

ARP head studs and a Cometic head gasket would be a good idea too. Oh and a new water pump, thermostat, idler & tensioner wouldn't hurt either. Since you're most likely gonna pull the engine, replace everything you can while the engine is out. AWR motor mounts would be good too.. I'd go with 70 durometer if it's a daily driver, 88 and 90 are too damn stiff for the street.

 

[MonzdaCon]

wow man thanks alot, i am going to start to piece together this stuff, but you do think that this would be a better idea rather than just putting the turbo in. i am not to sure of most of this stuff but if you had to estimate how much do you think i am looking at spending. so im guessing that the Rods, pistons, and rings are the most important things i should get done?

 

[justanothermp5]

rods, pistons, rings are the most important yes
make sure u take the block to a machine shop and have them bore/hone the cylinders based on the amount of wear

how many miles does ur car have?
i would order a complete rebuild kit from protege garage while u have the engine out, if u do not HAVE to reuse it, i wouldnt
i would also have the head worked on, 3 or 5 angle valve job, port and polish (at least gasket match) so u could get better flow and make a little more power
also make sure to have the crank blueprinted and balanced with the new rod/piston setup for reliability

oh and make sure u have the head and top of the block checked for squareness
if its warped they may have to deck the block and machine the head to ensure a perfect fit

 

[Alamo1]

I have a question about engine building to add.... Wouldn't having 8.5:1 pistons and longer rods equal 8.7ish:1??? I don't know much about the engine part of a build for turbo.... Is this classified as a stroker with longer rods?

Also with 9:1.... what would the max boost be that a guy could run???