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Hey gang. I have a 2005 Civic ex special edition and my only question is... are the sohc 1.7L engines they come with reliable to put a turbo charger in? I know I have to check compression and some other things but what do you think?

Thanks in advance!

 
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Moved thread to correct section of the forums.
Read around to your heart content, lots of info in the section!

 
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one of the most recent ones:
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/3...turbo-kit.html

Note:
To modify engines, you need to:
- Be willing to search for information - the fact you could not find the turbo section does show you need some work on this
- be resourceful - requires a lot of own thinking when you find some problem that is not readly reported

If you are not willing to the above, recommend having professionals to do the job - we have seen plenty over the years that want but do not will to do what is needed.

most important for turbo is engine management - expect to pay big bucks or engine will blow every week.

 
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For the money it would take to reliably boost a D17, you'd be better off starting with something like an Integra or RSX. It'll cost slightly more but you'll have an infinitely better platform. I'm not saying don't, but there are a lot of limiting factors with the D17.

 
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I'll play devil's advocate having driven a boosted D17..

Yes, you can reliably, provided you get a quality tune. The tune will make or break the setup. D17 Kpro has pretty much been the go-to tuning unit. Piggybacks, while they'll do alright for a bit, are not the ideal tuning solution.

Engine reinforcement isn't necessary, but recommended. Stock block can handle up to 8psi, but there have been some members that boosted up to 10psi on a stock block. I'd recommend upgrading to at least RSX-S injectors if you go boost. It's just shy of 100cc/min increase in fuel delivery rate (like.. 80 or 90cc/min increase). If you feel the need to upgrade the fuel pump, the Walbro 255LPH is the go-to pump. For more efficient fuel delivery, conversion to a return-style fuel system is recommended.
The compression ratio in the D17A2 isn't quite ideal at 9.9:1, so many people opted for DX/LX (D17A1) block (or at least pistons) with the D17A2 head for that 9.5:1 compression ratio. Either that, or go with some Wiseco 8.8:1's if you're feeling frisky

Luckily, Honda switched to a wideband O2 sensor in.. 2004, so if you tap an AFR gauge to it, it won't just be a fancy light show. I'd recommend getting a standalone sensor/gauge (AEM UEGO is a good one) for AFR monitoring though.

If you're rocking an auto tranny, I'd think twice.

 
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all of that is already in the link I posted, Josh

 
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lol, by me, mostly

 
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From experience, building the D17 was fun. If you’re really up for it, get ready to spend and search for parts. I’m talking about a full build from top to bottom. Not a lot of aftermarket support for D17. K Pro is the best support it has. I’ve been running 20 psi for the past year or so with great tuning.
You have a lot of great guys here that puts in support and info, like the one above.

 
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They are reliable. The only reason they get a bad rap is because the older heads (d16 gang) are hating! im jp. But on a serious note, do a leak down test on the motor, and if it passes, go ahead.
The lower the mileage, the less chance of having major issues under boost with stock internals. The head gaskets are known on these models to give out around 140k miles if its the original OEM one. I'd recommend at the very least addressing this design flaw by replacing the head gasket and while you're in their install ARP head studs.

When it comes to turbos, its all about fuel management and A/F ratios, to get that, you need a good standalone ECU (KPRO). You can opt for bigger injectors from the Acura RSX (direct drop in 310cc) or Acura RL (410cc also direct drop in).

Check out my older low boost build on the forums here to get an idea of what is involved. Oh and one more thing, if you want to keep fabrication work minimal, and KEEP AC, invest in the Rev9power log style manifold. This allows you to plumb things a bit easier. I would also advise in knowing somebody who TIG welds for when it comes to the exhaust portion of things (downpipe, clearance, etc.) OR you can get a pre-made turbokit on ebay from Rev9 (dont know if its still out there) and use their downpipe, then have a exhaust fabber do the rest after the downpipe). The kit comes with the turbo , manifold, WG, BOV, and lines for the oil, but you really would be buying the $900 kit for the exhaust, manifold for the turbo, and piece the rest yourself. One thing ya can do is run the ebay turbo for a while, then upgrade to a legit Garrett or Turbonetics one. Invest in a good wastegate as well (if externally gated). The kit would do ya good for a while.

Invest first in the ARP head studs and KPRO (with cam gear). That will allow you to get your engine safety netted.

I ran about 6lb boost on mine, on Hondata KPRO ECU, 410cc RL injectors, stage 1 clutch, and a SPA turbo (brazil) manifold, and I fabircated everthing else myself cause I weld.


-Erf
Builder of Nicole the boosted EM2 on stock internals
7 years pro mechanic
Hobbyist welder/fabber

 
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It will take a little bit of research, but its not hard. I have owned two 7th gen d17 turbo civics in my life time. First one was back in 02 sold it in 07. Built another last summer, both daily drivers/ stock internals, with AC and power steering (non eps). You will need a return fuel line, RDX injectors and kpro or ktuner. The recent d17 turbo build built was from ebay parts, runs fine...