Rep Power: 257

Thinking of boosting the civic, but need some info here first. If i do boost the civic, i'm thinking of starting it off with low boost ( 4-5 psi) just to get the engine used to turbo. Now the question is, do i really need an intercooler or not? I know it has advantages, but is it really needed on low boost applications? Thanks for any info.

 
Rep Power: 0

Anything above 5psi a FMC is needed to reduce det. Ide say if you are running 5psi with out a FMC then make sure its tuned.

 
Rep Power: 280

Greddy likes to make "basic" turbo kits w/o intercooler. They usualy start with 5-6 psi on a given engine w/o FMIC. So I think 5psi with good tuning and in mild climate shoud do it.

 
Rep Power: 310

atleast use a DSM sidemount, its only 25 dollars

 
Rep Power: 298

since you live in TX and it gets pretty hot out I say get the IC and play it safe. It's alot easier to pay the 250 for a johnny racecar IC then to have to buy a new engine.

 
Rep Power: 257

I definitely will be running a fuel management unit and tuning is a must. I may consider the side mount intercooler option as well. Thanks for the info.

 
Rep Power: 281

Dude, just get the intercooler, it is definitely worth it. An intercooler is part of a well designed turbo set up, it is 101. Tuning is always a must, but with out an intercooler, very good tuning is must, it opens the door for more problems, and with a turbo you will not want any more problems, especially one that could be solved by just buying an intercooler. You might as well spend the extra money to do it right, so just get a FMIC.