5S-FE Turbo project, Would like comments/critique Options

[Syaoran]

Hello, this would be my first elaborate post on here and I thought I'd get some feedback from you, the more experienced people.

I would like to know what your opinion on my idea for a boost build would be.

First off, I'm not going to use a CT-26. I would really like to, but the reason is that the ones I've found, that are NOT supra CT-26, are either in need of a rebuild or way too expensive for a small, old turbocharger, that isn't even a ball bearing to justify the price. That is my take on the CT-26. The CT-20b is way too rare, and expensive to rebuild in case I were to find one.


That leaves me with brand new eBay turbochargers. I have first-hand experience eBay turbochargers and I can say that some sellers do sell decent stuff. Ilovetacotaco sells some good turbo chargers.

My main question in relation to this topic is whether I should get a .50/.63 or .60/.63 turbo, considering I'll be using MegaSquirt-II or MS-III, undecided yet (have a friend that's been using them for more than 10 years now, he knows these EMS)

I plan on getting a cast T3 manifold with external wastegate. I'm looking to obtain above 250whp. I believe I should run relatively large injectors, right? Something like 460cc or more? Should I look into forged pistons and rods or should I just keep stock internals until I decide to go more boost?

My budget is about $2700, and this is what I've broken it down to.


1. Cast iron manifold $200 (add $50 for inside-out ceramic coating from a friend who does that)
2. Turbocharger ($150-$300)
3. Wastegate + BOV ($100)
4. Lines, flanges and welding work ($300)
5. TMIC or FMIC (~$300)
6. Pipes/t-clamps/silicone joints ($100)
7. MS-II ($400) / MS-III ($600)
8. 460cc RX-7 Injectors ($100)
9. Fuel Pump + Regulator ($200 if needed in the first place)
10. Gauges (Wideband, Boost, Oil Press. / $350-400)

Total: $2600

I know it'll be more expensive. I'm just wondering if I'd be able to get some things cheaper. I KNOW cheap/fast/reliable, but there's a fine line between what's considered "cheap" and just shelling out money for overpriced stuff.

I know I can rely on some eBay stuff. Most of the time cheap knockoffs are just as good as the originals, as most companies sell you something cheap for a lot of money because their brand name is on it.


Should I do TMIC or go for FMIC? I've already got the All-Trac hood, so I can fit a nice, small FMIC as a TMIC. I'd rather have a more simple setup, boosting 10-12psi. The less lines/pipes/etc, the better.

[Syaoran]

So as far as an update. Before doing anything forced induction-related, I took the path where I get to put my car in tip-top shape before doing anything to it. The deeper I dig into it, the more I am glad I have taken this decision. The previous owner clearly didn't know **** about cars and rigged all kinds of **** to make the car work with the least amount of money put into it.

Things I've done as of recently:

1. Fixed my high-idle issue. Car is still idling high, but I like it like this, because it makes #2 below much more bearable during daily driving.
2. Didn't replace my broken engine mounts. Patched them up with Kirkosaurus inserts front and rear. Car feels a little better when shifting.
3. Fixed my A/C. Compressor was leaking. Evaporator is working fine. Had the compressor rebuilt and all seals in the lines replaced to change the system to use r134a. All the line seals were replaced because the seals for r134a are bigger than freon-12 due to it working at higher pressures than freon-12. Also had the dryer replaced. Total was $275 out the door, parts and labor.
4. Put an OEM thermostat in the car. It had none.
5. Fixed the powersteering presure send hose.
6. Got new shock absorbers (monroe sensacraps with lifetime warranty) for the front only. Still bottoms out in the front. Mechanic and I figured it was the springs. Previous owner cut the springs and heated them. Protip: DON'T HEAT NOR CUT EIBACH PRO-KIT. Bought some new Sprint Lowering Springs on eBay for $185.. hope they're good.
7. New strut mounts. Need new top hats.
8. New front drivetrain. Rack and Pinion inner and outer ends, swaybar links, balljoints.. etc..
9. Fuel Pump went bad. Replaced it with a Nippon Denso universal fit and spliced the new harness.

That is all for now I think... Up next will be the springs, and a Megasquirt-II. Then will come the turbo, if nothing else pops up.