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View Full Version : New to the forum, ep3 boosting and tuning in a week



andyman97
09-25-2011, 09:29 AM
Hey guys, my name's Andy and I've been working on Hondas for about 10 years now. I used to have a boosted d17 in an em2 that I was showing. In fall of 08, I got tired of it then parted it out and sold it. In August, I got the itch to mod again. I was looking for a nice, clean crx but couldn't find any. My goal was to find a comfortable, fun car to boost and retain ac/ps. The more I thought about it, the more I realized a crx probably wasn't the best choice, so I started looking at ep3's. After a couple of weeks looking around craigslist, I finally found one local that was an 04 and already had a k24a2 swapped in with kpro. The body was clean and it was ready to boost. So I picked it up, put some volks with neogens, and an hfp lip kit on and started to clean it up.

I quickly started to put together a turbo setup. I've picked up a precision 6262bb turbo, all new fuel system, clutch/flywheel, and all turbo parts and fittings. Everything will be going on over the next two weeks and getting tuned right after. I hope to make about 450-ish on pump gas. Maybe in the spring I'll think about doing an e85 tune to see if I can't hit 650+.

In the meantime, here are some pics of the old civic:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/DSC_0212.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/DSC_0213.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/DSC_0218.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/IMG_0804.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Mags/me1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Online%20Mags/carmodel2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/490whpd17civic.jpg

Here is the ep3 the day I brought it home:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/IMG_3531.jpg

And as it sits right now:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/9-20-11%20ephatch%20meet/IMG_3749.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/9-20-11%20ephatch%20meet/IMG_3769.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/9-20-11%20ephatch%20meet/IMG_3770.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/IMG_4258.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/IMG_20110919_190313.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/IMG_3969.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/Topmount5.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/IMG_3963.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/IMG_3658.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/DSC03956.jpg

PetefromtheStreets
09-25-2011, 11:13 AM
Car looks awesome man. And that's a great find for a swapped ep3. That a2 motor + boost will net some great gains. Looking forward to seeing it all set up.

Post pics of your parts I'd like to see it all.

And welcome to boostedk20! :thumbsup:

Spaz
09-25-2011, 11:39 AM
yeah that will be a killer mini van when you're done I can imagine!

andyman97
09-25-2011, 02:02 PM
Thanks guys, I'll get some pics of parts up later. Lol @ minivan, I've heard mini odyssey before but I love it, so sleeper, nobody expects it to be fast.

andyman97
09-25-2011, 05:50 PM
Added some pics off the turbo parts to the first post. Manifold, intercooler, intercooler piping, wastegate, downpipe, dumptube, and everything else gets here tomorrow. I'll be getting a few more pics of all that before it goes on.

monjarassi
09-25-2011, 06:39 PM
what manifold is that ??

andyman97
09-25-2011, 07:56 PM
It's made by ctd–fab.

monjarassi
09-25-2011, 08:01 PM
o yea the guy from ephatch i believe vince.. great choice check out my build

http://boostedk20.com/forums/showthread.php/202-Monjarassi-k24a1-vtec-killer-boost

andyman97
09-26-2011, 09:34 AM
Yep, that's him, really nice guy. All of the parts he fabbed come in today.
And I posted in your thread.

Spoolin_VTEC
09-28-2011, 11:14 AM
Beautiful manifold. Top-mount? 6262 is a good choice, will this be a DD or a track car? Nice to see another awesome ep3. I always wanted to boost an ep3 and have a plate that says 'SLEEP3R'

andyman97
09-29-2011, 05:32 AM
Yeah, it's a top mount. It's mainly going to be a fun weekend car that will occasionally see the track, definite not a daily driver lol.

Spoolin_VTEC
09-29-2011, 11:38 AM
Top mounts are awesome, and rare :thumb: I wish I was able to have a weekend/track car, I'm envious. Can't wait for that day!

Si Speed 317
09-29-2011, 11:55 AM
Top mount FTW! :thumb: I love the 430whp SOHC civic :drooling: Clean setup, sleeper! Any vids?

andyman97
09-30-2011, 04:31 AM
It actually hit 489 by the time it was all said and done. I have a few vids, I'll post them up. Thanks.

06_typeS
09-30-2011, 12:57 PM
Seeing your old EM2 makes me miss mine, lol. Post up vids.

Si Speed 317
10-04-2011, 10:32 AM
Wow, your SOHC made more than my Si. Jelly.

Definitely post those vids man, I'd love to see em

andyman97
10-08-2011, 11:17 AM
OK, here are some pics :

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/IMG_4390.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/IMG_4391.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/IMG_4392.jpg

Good news and bad news. The engine made ridiculous power and torque. The bad news is that a ringland cracked off from the top of the piston. Now it's time to do pistons and rods. Unfortunately, it's going to take a couple of weeks, but it will be back on the road soon. Enjoy the dyno and vid in the meantime.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/AndyK24_14psi.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/th_MVI_4398.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/?action=view&current=MVI_4398.mp4)

PetefromtheStreets
10-08-2011, 12:28 PM
Damn. Another guy on here blew up on they dyno also. Just an FYI. If you plan to up the boost look into sleeves. My k24 sleeves got murdered an warped out of round on a few pulls.

monjarassi
10-08-2011, 08:29 PM
damn dude sucks im in the same position now!!!

Si Speed 317
10-09-2011, 12:15 PM
Is this all happening because these are K24 motors? Because it's beginning to make me worry, I have 53k on my stock K20Z3 motor and have been boosted for 11k miles so far. All is good, but this motor blowing business worries me.

PetefromtheStreets
10-09-2011, 01:40 PM
I believe the k24 sleeves aren't up to par. But so many ppl have been making great power on stock sleeves. I have on the other hand heard that the locking the motor in vtec has some severe effects on the motor.

Si Speed 317
10-09-2011, 01:58 PM
^ That's definitely a good point, vtec killer is absolutely much more added stress. Even on a built motor - but a SICK idea!

andyman97
10-13-2011, 06:13 AM
Is this all happening because these are K24 motors? Because it's beginning to make me worry, I have 53k on my stock K20Z3 motor and have been boosted for 11k miles so far. All is good, but this motor blowing business worries me.

It was a ringland. I bought the car already swapped with kpro. The map it was running on before boost looked like it was never even tuned. I'm honestly not worried about the sleeves.

andyman97
10-17-2011, 12:40 PM
Quick update, pistons and rods are getting ordered today. While it's apart, it's getting some 50 degree type s cam gears and a hondata img. Also going to be getting manifold, turbine housing, dumptube, and downpipe ceramic coated. Ptp turbo blanket will also be going on. Should be up and running again next week sometime.

Si Speed 317
10-17-2011, 02:28 PM
Quick update, pistons and rods are getting ordered today. While it's apart, it's getting some 50 degree type s cam gears and a hondata img. Also going to be getting manifold, turbine housing, dumptube, and downpipe ceramic coated. Ptp turbo blanket will also be going on. Should be up and running again next week sometime.
Great update, ceramic coatings are worth the dough. Turbo blanket is smart too, I would have got one but they're serious dough. Can't wait for the up-and-running vids!

andyman97
10-19-2011, 01:35 PM
The PTP blankets are top notch and they're only $100.

The engine is out and the block is apart. The block is being overbored to 87.5mm just because the #3 cylinder is a little marred from the ringland. All exhaust parts will go in for coating today and hopefully be done Friday or Monday.

I ended up going with CP pistons in 9.0:1 compression for an 87.5mm bore and Brian Crower turbo H-beam rods. I also ordered ARP head studs, ACL race bearings, and an OEM headgasket. Fortunately, the timing chain, tensioner, and oil pump are all in good shape. The crank was also unscathed. I'm hoping to have it back on the dyno a week from Friday.

After inspection, nothing was damaged from the oil fire.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/IMG_4390.jpg

Si Speed 317
10-20-2011, 01:11 PM
Nice plan man, can the OEM headgasket still work with 87.5 bore? Glad you'll have it back together so quickly. And why are PTP blankets so high quality compared to the more expensive ones?

andyman97
10-20-2011, 07:53 PM
It's only a. 5 mm difference, my d17 was overbored that much with an OEM gasket and didn't give me any problems.

I can't tell you why exactly the ptp blanket is better but from reading reviews about it, I couldn't find anything negative, and people who used it consistently preferred it to other heat shields that fall apart within a few months, like the dei titanium shield.

andyman97
10-28-2011, 07:06 AM
Yeah it's nice to have an engine with some low end.

Well, the high hopes to have it done for Halloween are shattered. Machine shop isn't done with the block and the exhaust parts still haven't come back from the coater yet. Should definitely be done by the end of next week. It's driving me crazy to have invested so much and wait wait wait.

The speedo had been acting up since I've had the car and kpro wasn't reading the speed sensor signal at all. A continuity check showed a short in the signal wire so the oem wire is getting bypassed for clean wiring. This is a relief because I wouldn't have been able to use boost by gear without a solid vss signal.

I also had Dan from DCA ship me a black microsuede shift boot with red stitching to match the seats, I'm excited to see how it looks.

PetefromtheStreets
10-28-2011, 10:53 AM
Good stuff man. I'm glad to see its pretty much on a roll now. My build has got to be the longest in history. Blown up in February. Built an running by July. Blown up in August and still not rebuilt yet. Machine shop is taking their sweet ass time for me. Lol

andyman97
10-28-2011, 04:13 PM
Good stuff man. I'm glad to see its pretty much on a roll now. My build has got to be the longest in history. Blown up in February. Built an running by July. Blown up in August and still not rebuilt yet. Machine shop is taking their sweet ass time for me. Lol

You are a patient man. Why does it keep blowing?

Spoolin_VTEC
10-28-2011, 04:20 PM
:yeahthat:

andyman97
10-30-2011, 09:49 AM
Rebuild is complete. Hopefully everything will come back from the coater's early this week. Either way, it should be running and on the dyno by Friday at the latest.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/28Oct11RebuiltMotor.jpg

Spaz
10-30-2011, 03:14 PM
Rebuild is complete. Hopefully everything will come back from the coater's early this week. Either way, it should be running and on the dyno by Friday at the latest.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/28Oct11RebuiltMotor.jpg

Definitely an exciting time! Can't wait to see what it does

andyman97
11-02-2011, 10:45 AM
Me too!

Exhaust parts are back from the coater finally. Engine and trans are back in the car. Just some more final prep and it will be back on the dyno Friday. Shooting for 550 on pump.

PetefromtheStreets
11-03-2011, 10:35 PM
You are a patient man. Why does it keep blowing?

Fuel injector failed on me and leaned out. Then cracked a ring and wire the sleeve out of round. Car made great power on that hurt motor tho. 420/250 and that's at 0* cam advance and 14* ign advance.

andyman97
11-04-2011, 04:00 AM
Man that sucks.

Today is the big day. Everything is ready for the dyno. Expect to see some vids and graphs. 550 on pump is the goal. I'm excited to see how the intake temps look after the heat treatment.

Si Speed 317
11-07-2011, 01:11 AM
How'd it come out? I'm eager to see results!!

andyman97
11-07-2011, 08:41 PM
Yeah, it didn't end up happening Friday. The coater dropped the turbine housing after it was coated so the mating surface wasn't true. Had to bring it to the machinist Friday afternoon to plane it and the downpipe to make sure it doesn't leak.

Si Speed 317
11-08-2011, 01:06 AM
Shit, did you have to pay for that yourself? Or did the coater do the right thing?

andyman97
11-08-2011, 06:02 AM
No, I'm not paying any extra but this wait is killing me. I still have yet to drive the car boosted...

PetefromtheStreets
11-08-2011, 11:11 PM
Damn dude I'm sorry to hear about the set back. Hope everything pans out ok for you and quickly.

andyman97
11-09-2011, 09:09 AM
Thanks a lot man. I do too. Hoping to have it done by the weekend but with the way things are going, it seems unlikely.

Si Speed 317
11-09-2011, 12:01 PM
No, I'm not paying any extra but this wait is killing me. I still have yet to drive the car boosted...
I know your pain, but it's all worth it in the end. Seems like you have my kind of luck :FUU: but it all works out.


Thanks a lot man. I do too. Hoping to have it done by the weekend but with the way things are going, it seems unlikely.

What's left?

andyman97
11-11-2011, 03:36 AM
Eh, the coater dropped the turbine housing and dented the mating surface so it had to be planed. Just reinstall the clamp and hope the leak is gone at this point.

andyman97
11-11-2011, 01:25 PM
And it's done. 541 whp/430 tq at just under 18 psi.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y255/andyman97/Cars/EP3/2011-11-11_11-19-30_932.jpg

PetefromtheStreets
11-11-2011, 01:38 PM
Damn dude that's ****ing awesome!!!! Congrats man. Videos please!

Spoolin_VTEC
11-13-2011, 06:39 PM
Sick!!! Awesome gains man, congrats! Definitely post some videos, there's still time to get in the BoostedK20 promo video!

andyman97
11-14-2011, 03:03 PM
What kind of vids they looking for?

PetefromtheStreets
11-14-2011, 08:51 PM
What kind of vids they looking for?

Probably street pulls, races, dyno pulls...that's all I can think of.

andyman97
11-15-2011, 09:23 AM
Yeah, I hear you man, waiting on other people always drives me nuts when I know I could do it sooo much faster myself. The only reason I didn't do this engine build myself was because I don't have a garage anymore. It sucks because, while this isn't my first boosted honda engine build, it's my first k series and I really would have liked to get more familiar with the engine. Anyway, good luck with your setup, hope the machine shop gets off their ass and gets your motor done.

Si Speed 317
11-16-2011, 05:39 PM
^ What was this in response to?

PetefromtheStreets
11-16-2011, 09:57 PM
^ What was this in response to?

I think me. When I said the machine shops takin forever. Lol

andyman97
11-17-2011, 09:11 AM
Lol, I looked for your post but couldn't find it, but yeah, that ^

Spoolin_VTEC
12-08-2011, 12:25 PM
Hows everything looking?