New to k20's, looking to Turbo

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09-18-2012
cjtech1

New to k20's, looking to Turbo

Hopefully someone can shed some light on the subject, Ive heard a lot of different things about the k20 and what else is needed with the turbo set-up. I am a mechanic so i understand the setup and whatnot but im not entirely sure if any internals would need to be done to be able to withstand the turbo. I was told that the k20 can withstand up to 8psi of booost with the stock internals. I know ill need to upgrade my fuel system on top of what I already have done to the car and I know ill need hondata and a tune. Its a 2010 4 door SI so any help with letting me know of any internal changes I would need to make the the engine would be greatly appreciated, Thanks.
09-18-2012
2006ninjasi

I have a 06 fg2 on a pte6262. It was tuned on 12.6 psi and made 440 hp. The stock
Internals are good to go up to 500ish
09-19-2012
cjtech1

Ok, Any recommendations as to a turbo manifold? Im coming up with all different responses some saying stay away from cast iron and some saying stick to cast iron. Hard to get a straight answer on all of this lol
09-20-2012
VTECFRED

If you want to make over 350HP you will need to get away from the cast iron log style manifolds. Look for tubular manifolds like the ones offered by full race or AJP or SRT.

You will spend more up front if you just buy a kit from one of them but it will all fit no questions asked.

If you go the custom route like I did you will still spend over $5000 to get over 350HP.

What are your power goals?

Sent using my Galaxy S3
09-20-2012
cjtech1

I'm looking to get somewhere around 400 whp. Basically I would like to get as much as I can still keeping the stock internals. I eventually plan to build a motor block up but that is a project for a later date lol
09-21-2012
ksboi

Who ever told you 8psi is a lie. There are 600hp stock blocks and people beat on them but that goes down to tune! Which K20 do you have? z3,a2,a3?? I went with a BoostJunkyz turbo kit check them out at www.boostjunkyz.com also mywhitesi or whatever his username on here are running this kit! I build a block I build that should hold up find to 600+ easily but the K series transmission will start to fail at 400tq.
09-23-2012
Si Speed 317

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksboi

Who ever told you 8psi is a lie. There are 600hp stock blocks and people beat on them but that goes down to tune! Which K20 do you have? z3,a2,a3?? I went with a BoostJunkyz turbo kit check them out at www.boostjunkyz.com also mywhitesi or whatever his username on here are running this kit! I build a block I build that should hold up find to 600+ easily but the K series transmission will start to fail at 400tq.

ksboi, he has a K20Z3. It's a 2010 Si.

But :yeahthat: We'd love to help you out man, you're at the right place. This is where the myths end and the truth comes out. To answer your OP, you won't need to change any internals to get to 400whp (as opposed to 400hp at the crank, we don't measure crank hp here :thumb:) Post up your budget, what you use the car for, etc etc. We'll set you straight!
09-25-2012
aLmk

I'm running 15-16psi on stock internals. You will be perfectly fine. I've even gone to 20 on race gas, and I have a crappy log (cast iron) manifold.
09-26-2012
2006ninjasi

Ya get a good tune and you will be good. Hit up etunez. I have the srt v2. Quality is top notch. Slight boost creep issues above 8k even tho I am only at 9 psi
09-28-2012
vdubkilla

:rotfl::rotfl: @ 8psi as I ran 26.6 psi last season all year made 585 / 414 and had a tuner that struggled with getting rid of my boost cut issues. I hit boost cut many , many times at 30+ psi .That engine held up very well and was in decent condition when pulled apart with the exception of the valve guides were worn .I don't think I would run 26 psi on a dd but wouldn't hesitate to run 20 psi all day long these things will take a serious beating and 20 psi will make really good streetable power imho however I would recommend putting springs, retainers , and head studs in it .
09-28-2012
ksboi

Get a turbo kit. But do RESEARCH!! I spend my whole year in Iraq looking at turbo parts and I went with BoostJunkyz turbo kit for the quality and price. I almost went full race but that high in my opinion but here is a list to start looking at.
Turbo Kit with a PTE6262 or GT30r
Fuel pump
Injections ID1000s or FIC1000
Exhaust 3"
Clutch
Motor Mounts
Gauges Pod
Gauges AFR Boost at minimum
Flashpro!!!!
09-28-2012
aLmk

Don't forget a fuel pump. And depending on what kit you go with, quality oil feed/return and quality water hoses for the turbo.
09-29-2012
ksboi

Yes do not skimp on those lines! My return line gas that crappy gasket I need to replace and rtv the bolts on flange.
09-29-2012
aLmk

Yeah I recommend fast-turbo for your oil lines.
03-01-2013
Lilwhit14

I have an 8th gen fa5. Custom turbo kit on 7.5 psi. Had an srt4 guy tune me (first mistake) and only made 210 whp due to boost falling off at top end by half. Fixing some stuff this weekend and getting retuned next week by DK Goodrich. I was also unsure of internals because I had heard our internals are only good for 310whp but DK assured me they are good for much more. Said he has tuned plenty of k20s making 400-500whp on stock internals pushing 12-15 psi. I'm pumped to see the outcome of this retune.
03-01-2013
VTECFRED

Re: New to k20's, looking to Turbo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilwhit14

I have an 8th gen fa5. Custom turbo kit on 7.5 psi. Had an srt4 guy tune me (first mistake) and only made 210 whp

He must have done that on purpose so you couldn't beat him lol

Sent using my Galaxy S3
03-01-2013
Lilwhit14

What power are you making?
03-01-2013
Lilwhit14

Yea kinda what I'm starting to think. So I'm going to the Honda king around my parts. Lol. Excited to see what my baby can really do. I'm scared though bc my clutch is only rated to 257ft/lbs torque
03-01-2013
Lilwhit14

My entire block is stock. I'm more afraid of throwing a rod or lifting the head
03-01-2013
Si Speed 317

Re: New to k20's, looking to Turbo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilwhit14

My entire block is stock. I'm more afraid of throwing a rod or lifting the head

You won't if you're tuned properly and treat the car right
09-05-2013
chrisfjr83

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilwhit14

I have an 8th gen fa5. Custom turbo kit on 7.5 psi. Had an srt4 guy tune me (first mistake) and only made 210 whp due to boost falling off at top end by half. Fixing some stuff this weekend and getting retuned next week by DK Goodrich. I was also unsure of internals because I had heard our internals are only good for 310whp but DK assured me they are good for much more. Said he has tuned plenty of k20s making 400-500whp on stock internals pushing 12-15 psi. I'm pumped to see the outcome of this retune.

Plan on getting tuned again if you are going to use DK to tune your car. Good guy but you could get so much more if you used someone else. He is a great guy though.
09-05-2013
Frostydc5

Quote:

Originally Posted by vdubkilla

:rotfl::rotfl: @ 8psi as I ran 26.6 psi last season all year made 585 / 414 and had a tuner that struggled with getting rid of my boost cut issues. I hit boost cut many , many times at 30+ psi .That engine held up very well and was in decent condition when pulled apart with the exception of the valve guides were worn .I don't think I would run 26 psi on a dd but wouldn't hesitate to run 20 psi all day long these things will take a serious beating and 20 psi will make really good streetable power imho however I would recommend putting springs, retainers , and head studs in it .

completely agree leave the internals stock no issues but if you can i would deff, like stated above, do valve train and head studs and if you can rod bolts as well and your safe. 8 psi is complete bull shit so dont let that even dwell in your brain.
09-05-2013
PetefromtheStreets

Re: New to k20's, looking to Turbo

@8psi youll crack maybe 350whp. And depending on the size turbo you use it won't even begine to shine until boost beyond 10-12psi. K series are straight up beasts. :thumb:

s4 IG-petefromthestreets
09-05-2013
Lilwhit14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adm_rsx

@8psi youll crack maybe 350whp. And depending on the size turbo you use it won't even begine to shine until boost beyond 10-12psi. K series are straight up beasts. :thumb:

s4 IG-petefromthestreets

I'm on 13psi now making 375. Turbo just can't make the numbers it should. About to get meth injection and leave it at 13 psi. Should put me at 400whp+.
09-05-2013
PetefromtheStreets

Re: New to k20's, looking to Turbo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilwhit14

I'm on 13psi now making 375. Turbo just can't make the numbers it should. About to get meth injection and leave it at 13 psi. Should put me at 400whp+.

What turbo are you using? Sorry if its been said in earlier posts.

s4 IG-petefromthestreets
09-05-2013
Lilwhit14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adm_rsx

What turbo are you using? Sorry if its been said in earlier posts.

s4 IG-petefromthestreets

Company called DNA motor sports. It's an eBay brand turbo. Given me no problems just can't handle the flow my motor puts out bc it's a .63 a/r housing. Spools quick but can't give me the big numbers I should be getting on 13psi. I'm really only getting meth to prevent knock. Been getting some lately. That should put me over 400 and keep my motor safe from preventing knocking
09-05-2013
PetefromtheStreets

Re: New to k20's, looking to Turbo

Yea not to be a name brand freak or shit on ebay parts because I personally like some ebay stuff but its no wonder your not making 400 on 13 lbs with that turbo. Perhaps just the bigger a/r woukd help but for a Daily driver id slap a percision or Garrett 30r on it. Good boost, good power and good reliability.

s4 IG-petefromthestreets
09-05-2013
ksboi

I'm on xx psi and its eye opening.
09-06-2013
Si Speed 317

Re: New to k20's, looking to Turbo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilwhit14

I'm on 13psi now making 375. Turbo just can't make the numbers it should. About to get meth injection and leave it at 13 psi. Should put me at 400whp+.

Take this as straight advice and please don't take it as negativity: That's the completely wrong thing to do. You're running 13psi and not hitting 400whp, ok neither does the small 16g GReddy turbo. But to get to 400whp you're willing to add more complications and unnecessary modifications to your car (not to mention something that can run out without you knowing, force you to run lean and kaboom, bye bye motor) rather than simply swap out to a larger hot side and be done with it? [Which is something you know you need to do already.] Run a .82AR hot side, you'll be a happy camper. That's definitely what's limiting you. Easy swap, great results that are much safer and RELIABLE!

Also, please don't take it as my condoning your use of an eBay turbo. Good or not, it's not a Garrett, Precision, BorgWarner, Comp, or anything on that level - and that's a big thing. God forbid something goes wrong and pieces of your turbo chip off into your motor. Let me paint a picture: 8,500rpm and 13psi, making xxxwhp. Think of the amount that turbo is spinning, how hot it's getting, and the overall stress. Think of the life of the turbo, the heat cycles (heating up and cooling down, typically extreme opposites) and the like. Now, think of Precision, BW, Garrett, Comp. All amazing companies that have gone through very, very extensive R&D and have products with proven results; companies that have grown their reputations based on their products. Now think of an eBay company. See my point? You may be lucky with this turbo, it happens sometimes. But understand where I, and we all, come from when I say get a name brand.

Keep us updated Pat!
09-06-2013
Lilwhit14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Si Speed 317

Take this as straight advice and please don't take it as negativity: That's the completely wrong thing to do. You're running 13psi and not hitting 400whp, ok neither does the small 16g GReddy turbo. But to get to 400whp you're willing to add more complications and unnecessary modifications to your car (not to mention something that can run out without you knowing, force you to run lean and kaboom, bye bye motor) rather than simply swap out to a larger hot side and be done with it? [Which is something you know you need to do already.] Run a .82AR hot side, you'll be a happy camper. That's definitely what's limiting you. Easy swap, great results that are much safer and RELIABLE!

Also, please don't take it as my condoning your use of an eBay turbo. Good or not, it's not a Garrett, Precision, BorgWarner, Comp, or anything on that level - and that's a big thing. God forbid something goes wrong and pieces of your turbo chip off into your motor. Let me paint a picture: 8,500rpm and 13psi, making xxxwhp. Think of the amount that turbo is spinning, how hot it's getting, and the overall stress. Think of the life of the turbo, the heat cycles (heating up and cooling down, typically extreme opposites) and the like. Now, think of Precision, BW, Garrett, Comp. All amazing companies that have gone through very, very extensive R&D and have products with proven results; companies that have grown their reputations based on their products. Now think of an eBay company. See my point? You may be lucky with this turbo, it happens sometimes. But understand where I, and we all, come from when I say get a name brand.

Keep us updated Pat!

Yea ik. This was meant to be a starter kit at 300hp. I wanted more. I plan on going with a comp turbo eventually and would probably be smarter than just adding a meth kit to this one but I haven't had one problem from this turbo. And even the name brands have known to shit out quickly. When a turbo goes it goes regardless of it being eBay or big name. But I also believe meth is smart bc it's proven to make more power and keeps things safer when running pump gas. I take no offense to your comments and advice. What you have said is true but I'm a believer in, "if it ain't broke don't fix it" just so many options. A meth kit will run me close to $500. Comp turbo will be slightly more. I know people with good turbos make 400+ on 12 lbs so ik my turbo is limiting me. It would probably be smarter to just upgrade the turbo but requires more work.
09-06-2013
aLmk

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilwhit14

Company called DNA motor sports. It's an eBay brand turbo. Given me no problems just can't handle the flow my motor puts out bc it's a .63 a/r housing. Spools quick but can't give me the big numbers I should be getting on 13psi. I'm really only getting meth to prevent knock. Been getting some lately. That should put me over 400 and keep my motor safe from preventing knocking

What kind of manifold you are using? I assume its a cast iron log manifold? If that is the case, regardless of what turbo you use, you will likely not make anymore power. The log manifolds just do not flow as they should. Also I wouldn't use a meth on street car to increase power as it could be dangerous.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilwhit14

Yea ik. This was meant to be a starter kit at 300hp. I wanted more. I plan on going with a comp turbo eventually and would probably be smarter than just adding a meth kit to this one but I haven't had one problem from this turbo. And even the name brands have known to shit out quickly. When a turbo goes it goes regardless of it being eBay or big name. But I also believe meth is smart bc it's proven to make more power and keeps things safer when running pump gas. I take no offense to your comments and advice. What you have said is true but I'm a believer in, "if it ain't broke don't fix it" just so many options. A meth kit will run me close to $500. Comp turbo will be slightly more. I know people with good turbos make 400+ on 12 lbs so ik my turbo is limiting me. It would probably be smarter to just upgrade the turbo but requires more work.

Excuse me, but Garrett GT turbos can last 300k miles.... Please don't compare a $1400-$1500 turbo to an eBay turbo that probably cost less than $500. The issue with mean. Is if you tune for it to increase power and run out of it without realizing, your motor will blow.
09-06-2013
Lilwhit14

Quote:

Originally Posted by aLmk

What kind of manifold you are using? I assume its a cast iron log manifold? If that is the case, regardless of what turbo you use, you will likely not make anymore power. The log manifolds just do not flow as they should. Also I wouldn't use a meth on street car to increase power as it could be dangerous.

Excuse me, but Garrett GT turbos can last 300k miles.... Please don't compare a $1400-$1500 turbo to an eBay turbo that probably cost less than $500. The issue with mean. Is if you tune for it to increase power and run out of it without realizing, your motor will blow.

No need to get upset. I was just saying I've seen precisions go out after 30-40k miles. Just stating that you can get a bad big name just like you can rarely get a good eBay.
09-06-2013
aLmk

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilwhit14

No need to get upset. I was just saying I've seen precisions go out after 30-40k miles. Just stating that you can get a bad big name just like you can rarely get a good eBay.

A Precision is not a Garrett. Precision is a knock off brand IMO. Borg Warner and Garrett turbos are found in OEM applications. You will never find a Precision turbo in such an application.
09-06-2013
Lilwhit14

Quote:

Originally Posted by aLmk

A Precision is not a Garrett. Precision is a knock off brand IMO. Borg Warner and Garrett turbos are found in OEM applications. You will never find a Precision turbo in such an application.

A lot of people dick ride precision, so I use to think they were top of the line. Ill probably go with a compturbo to be honest
09-06-2013
1SLOWFG2

New to k20's, looking to Turbo

Of course there will always be horror stories if you look hard enough, but several issues with big names compared to hundreds or thousands of horror stories or issues with eBay turbos......well the numbers will speak for themselves.

Anyhow I agree with everyone else, get a tubular manifold and a good turbo and you will meet your power goals. Stay off meth it's all bad!
09-07-2013
Si Speed 317

Re: New to k20's, looking to Turbo

Quote:

Originally Posted by aLmk

What kind of manifold you are using?

This

Quote:

Originally Posted by aLmk

Also I wouldn't use a meth on street car to increase power as it could be dangerous.

This.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aLmk

Excuse me, but Garrett GT turbos can last 300k miles.... Please don't compare a $1400-$1500 turbo to an eBay turbo that probably cost less than $500. The issue with meth is if you tune for it to increase power and run out of it without realizing, your motor will blow.

Exactly on point.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilwhit14

No need to get upset. I was just saying I've seen precisions go out after 30-40k miles. Just stating that you can get a bad big name just like you can rarely get a good eBay.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aLmk

A Precision is not a Garrett. Precision is a knock off brand IMO. Borg Warner and Garrett turbos are found in OEM applications. You will never find a Precision turbo in such an application.

Very true, however precision is a great company as well. Newer, yes. But they have some serious products. They've had to endure some learning experiences the hard way, just like many other companies. As long as they do right by their customers, they're good in my book.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilwhit14

A lot of people dick ride precision, so I use to think they were top of the line. Ill probably go with a compturbo to be honest

Comp is greay too, people used to bash comp a few years back as well. But if you're going to spend the money on a new turbo, DIRDIO. Do It Right, Do It Once. Get a ball bearing, and never look back. Prone to far less issues, and much longer lasting. It will outlast your car without a doubt, if you treat it right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1SLOWFG2

Of course there will always be horror stories if you look hard enough, but several issues with big names compared to hundreds or thousands of horror stories or issues with eBay turbos......well the numbers will speak for themselves.

Anyhow I agree with everyone else, get a tubular manifold and a good turbo and you will meet your power goals. Stay off meth it's all bad!

With you 100%!
09-07-2013
aLmk

To add a little more to this, the reason why a lot of people recommend/think precisions are awesome turbos is because a lot of race teams use them. They use them because they are cheaper and the journal bearing ones are easily rebuildable. These are 2 nice things for some, especially doing drag racing, that doesn't care so much about transient response of the turbo or things like water cooling since they are only beating on it for 10 seconds or so at a time. Most of us on here DD our cars and are not professional racers, so the ball bearing turbos, especially the water cooled ball bearing turbos, add some really nice benefits to street cars. You don't need to use a turbo timer, the turbo will be generally cooler, you get better response from ball bearing turbos so you can have fun on the street more easily without having to worry *as much* about being in the appropriate rev range or waiting for your turbo to spool for very much time. A couple weeks ago, I rode in my buddies car, he has a built motor with turbo cams and a journal bearing 6262, for the first time in like a year+ and since at this point I had now had a GT30 on my car for over a year, I really noticed how laggy his 6262 really was. When I rode in it the first time a couple years ago, I didn't notice it at all because I knew no better, but there was a truly noticeable lag even if he went full throttle immediately. My GT30 spools very quickly I never feel as though I'm 'waiting' for it to build boost, even with just a bit of throttle input the vac gauge will instantly go to 0 and start building boost in less than a second.
09-07-2013
Lilwhit14

Log mani. And I'm probably going with the compturbo 6465 billet ball bearing still comparing though. 3 weeks ago when tuned on 13 psi I made 373 and yesterday on a Dynojet (for shits and giggles) I made 268. I was tuned on a mustang Dyno. I'm still mind fucked by this
09-07-2013
aLmk

Maybe you have a really bad boost leak? If you're keeping your log manifold, you're not going to fit a 6465. And why would you want a turbo that large anyway? Isn't that like a 1000hp turbo?!!
09-07-2013
1SLOWFG2

New to k20's, looking to Turbo

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilwhit14

Log mani. And I'm probably going with the compturbo 6465 billet ball bearing still comparing though. 3 weeks ago when tuned on 13 psi I made 373 and yesterday on a Dynojet (for shits and giggles) I made 268. I was tuned on a mustang Dyno. I'm still mind fucked by this

That's a huge turbo, I'm running a comp ct4-6062 triplex ceramic ball bearing billet turbo and I will make over 600 easy, but I am a little concerned about lag, as I was so used to my 30r spooling as soon as I even thought about touching the gas it seemed. That turbo is large and you should reconsider the size turbo your looking at.

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