forced induction systems - pm and care

[Ṡalinnis]

Curious if anyone here has experience or alternatives to protecting a front mounted intercooler from road debris, that doesn't take too harshly away from the performance and abilities of a front mount, and preferably doesn't look awful.

Every couple of months, I break out the pick and fire up the air compressor but I'd be interested to hear if anyone has any mostly translucent and breathable material that costs less than replacing a damaged intercooler ir might save atleast a little time from deep cleaning.

Otherwise, may this serve as a general thread specifically for forced induction banter, experience and tips members here might want to share.

 

[Stick Man]

I've used the mesh screens from Amazon years ago with pretty good success. Trim to size, and there is a wide variety of hole sizes to choose from.

 

[brud720]

McMaster-Carr sells all types of stainless screen sizes from itty bitty to big I've used it on Intercoolers with success.

 

[Ṡalinnis]

I've used the mesh screens from Amazon years ago with pretty good success.

McMaster-Carr sells all types of stainless screen sizes from itty bitty to big I've used it on Intercoolers with success.

Very cool, I'll check them out. When i looked in to it after replacing my damaged factory intercooler, seemed like half the reviews on products i found claimed they reduced efficiency.

I'd like it to be as porous as possible, since this intercooler works vastly better than factory and now I feel like I watch my ita temp as a pass time. But, having to replace a screen/grill would be alot more economical than taking another 70mph 3" stone center fins. Seems to me, a screen may ease impact force somewhat.. 😬

 

[Fullboost21]

I mocked up a course mesh screen for a front mount intercooler once, didn't like how it looked so I took it off. I just used a pick, shop vac, and air gun every once in awhile.

 

[Supermatch]

Other than the mesh options, there are nomex honeycombs designed for dirt track radiators that work well.

 

[Ṡalinnis]

I mocked up a course mesh screen for a front mount intercooler once, didn't like how it looked so I took it off. I just used a pick, shop vac, and air gun every once in awhile.

That being possibly the biggest concern here is not liking the look lol. I'll probably do a material borderline useless for debris, but structurally sound enough to possibly catch another substantial inbound rock, and only put it in if I anticipate going on a long drive or mostly highway time. It's 2 bolts and a few push pins to access the lower bumper from below, so not a problem. I'm already accustomed to cleaning out the fins with oil changes.

Fortunately, I drive this car maybe 3-5k miles max per year, which also contributes my concern of looking at a eyesore in the garage where it spends most of it's life lol.

Other than the mesh options, there are nomex honeycombs designed for dirt track radiators that work well.

Great suggestion, that's actually really interesting and I spent the last 30 minutes looking at that and other dirt track racing videos 😂

 

[HMP]

In the early 00s it was gutter guard mesh
-cheap
-pliable/easy to cut
-big enough holes to still see the intercooler.

Turbos are great, by the way.

 

[Ṡalinnis]

In the early 00s it was gutter guard mesh
-cheap
-pliable/easy to cut
-big enough holes to still see the intercooler.

Turbos are great, by the way.

On the applicable forum for my car, a fella did a write up on using a gutter guard with success.

I love the ingenuity, though the more I consider going through with anything, the more I want it as a buffer for another incident that hopefully won't happen again.

Turbos are a blast, the first car I bought when I started driving was a 1998 Eclipse GS-X. I hate that car, i hope it's met a deserved end, crushed in a junk yard far away from here. but loved turbos because of it so it's not so bad.

 

[BigWaylon]

I heard Frieberger say on Hot Rod Garage that ANY motor that made X horsepower NA would make 2X with 15 pounds of boost....
I've owned lotsa Fast cars...NA...Turbos....and Superchargers. Is this Blanket Statement about 15 pounds of boost correct?????????

The only experience I can give you first hand is I had an ‘02 Ram with the old 5.9L (non-Hemi). I took it from 208/290 HP/TQ (at the wheels) to 413/486, and was only running ~8lbs of boost with a supercharger.

 

[HMP]

First car was an 84 Chrysler Laser Turbo
Later I had a 93 Turbo MR2
I, briefly, owned a FC RX7 Turbo2
Now I have a 91 Turbo MR2

I like turbos
Oh, and wife has a twin turbo audi

 

[Ṡalinnis]

I heard Frieberger say on Hot Rod Garage that ANY motor that made X horsepower NA would make 2X with 15 pounds of boost....
I've owned lotsa Fast cars...NA...Turbos....and Superchargers. Is this Blanket Statement about 15 pounds of boost correct?????????

Sort of a blanket with a good bit of truth, just missing acknowledging the varriables and parts required to see that increase.

my car has a factory turbo 1.5L producing 18 max psi.

After upgrading fuel system and everything bolted on but the turbo and engine interals beyond ARP head studs, having the car tuned to produce 30psi. we took the car from a claimed 205hp/192ftlb tq, to a consistent dyno reading of 292hp/316ftlb at the east coast sea level to the front wheels. Or the estimated limit of safe operation for this engine and turbo.

Small numbers, but not bad results for a little 4cyl.

 

[Supermatch]

Sort of a blanket with a good bit of truth, just missing acknowledging the varriables and parts required to see that increase.

my car has a factory turbo 1.5L producing 18 max psi.

After upgrading fuel system and everything bolted on but the turbo and engine interals beyond ARP head studs, having the car tuned to produce 30psi. we took the car from a claimed 205hp/192ftlb tq, to a consistent dyno reading of 292hp/316ftlb at the east coast sea level to the front wheels. Or the estimated limit of safe operation for this engine and turbo.

Small numbers, but not bad results for a little 4cyl.

Honda?

 

[Ṡalinnis]

Honda?

Yes sir, 2018 Civic Si. The little engine that sorta can

 

[Supermatch]

Yes sir, 2018 Civic Si. The little engine that sorta can

Thought so - I drive an '18 Si as my DD. May have to pick your brain a bit. Have been deciding whether I want to pick up a Ktuner and a canned tune for it, but not sure if its worth it without replacing clutch or doing any other bolt-ons.

 

[BloodRunsThicker]

Love a honda. My 08 civic si just got race longtube skunk headers and 3 in exhaust. K and N SRI, hasport mounts, hybrid race cables and shifter. Hondata Flash Pro. Tuning makes a world of difference.

I have amazon mesh behind my bumper and its worked well and held up for the year or so its been on. No turbski on this one its my daily.

 

[Ṡalinnis]

Thought so - I drive an '18 Si as my DD. May have to pick your brain a bit. Have been deciding whether I want to pick up a Ktuner and a canned tune for it, but not sure if its worth it without replacing clutch or doing any other bolt-ons.

100% for Ktuner, I am still on factory clutch and the only draw back at my power level I have is launching or building boost while rolling before 3500 rpm is instant slipping. Otherwise, I'm still seeing 36mpg avg, and power on tap when requested. But over all, the clutch feels great, though I am no longer daily driving the car.

To maximize a Ktuner from stock, I would highly recommend Pherable, John Vega the owner is a wizard and directly involved so If you email or call them, he'll talk with you about anything related.

They sell ktuners preloaded, or you can source your own and order the file, here:

https://www.phearable.net/tuning-so...net-ktuner-2017-honda-civic-si-stage-1.5.html

Aside, I never used any of the Ktuner off the shelf maps, but I've heard they are still a good wake up call to the system.


as far as where my car is, 54k miles total,

At 33k i went with Phearable stage 1.5r ktune - MAperformance catted manifold and prl race MAF intake only(1.5r map being only for prl race MAF), I daily drove this for roughly 15k miles, heat soak was a problem in hot weather, but I'd bet if you where viewing parameters stock, you'd find your car heat soaked nearly every time you drive it.

50k on the dot, went full bolt on(adding intercooler and pipes, prl turbo inlet, hasport motor mounts, invidia gemeni cb, Accord 2.0t complete fuel system "retrofit"(not worth it with factory turbo and internals but good future investment), ARP studs, a few other odds and upgrades not coming to mind right this moment, and sent logs and specs to Phearable and for a rewrite, then National Speed ILM to dyno and dial in.

When my clutch finally gives way, I intend to do the Type R clutch retrofit, eventually upgrade turbo, but I anticipate both to be many years out before doing.

 

[Ṡalinnis]

Love a honda. My 08 civic si just got race longtube skunk headers and 3 in exhaust. K and N SRI, hasport mounts, hybrid race cables and shifter. Hondata Flash Pro. Tuning makes a world of difference.

I have amazon mesh behind my bumper and its worked well and held up for the year or so its been on. No turbski on this one its my daily.

I absolutely love my Hasport mounts, completely different driving experience upon installing.

 

[Supermatch]

100% for Ktuner, I am still on factory clutch and the only draw back at my power level I have is launching or building boost while rolling before 3500 rpm is instant slipping. Otherwise, I'm still seeing 36mpg avg, and power on tap when requested. But over all, the clutch feels great, though I am no longer daily driving the car.

To maximize a Ktuner from stock, I would highly recommend Pherable, John Vega the owner is a wizard and directly involved so If you email or call them, he'll talk with you about anything related.

They sell ktuners preloaded, or you can source your own and order the file, here:

https://www.phearable.net/tuning-so...net-ktuner-2017-honda-civic-si-stage-1.5.html

Aside, I never used any of the Ktuner off the shelf maps, but I've heard they are still a good wake up call to the system.


as far as where my car is, 54k miles total,

At 33k i went with Phearable stage 1.5r ktune - MAperformance catted manifold and prl race MAF intake only(1.5r map being only for prl race MAF), I daily drove this for roughly 15k miles, heat soak was a problem in hot weather, but I'd bet if you where viewing parameters stock, you'd find your car heat soaked nearly every time you drive it.

50k on the dot, went full bolt on(adding intercooler and pipes, prl turbo inlet, hasport motor mounts, invidia gemeni cb, Accord 2.0t complete fuel system "retrofit"(not worth it with factory turbo and internals but good future investment), ARP studs, a few other odds and upgrades not coming to mind right this moment, and sent logs and specs to Phearable and for a rewrite, then National Speed ILM to dyno and dial in.

When my clutch finally gives way, I intend to do the Type R clutch retrofit, eventually upgrade turbo, but I anticipate both to be many years out before doing.

Thanks. I'm not even at 30k miles yet on mine due to working from home after COVID hit. Mostly looking to increase throttle response/bring boost in a little earlier and get rid of rev hang. A little extra passing oomph on the highway wouldn't hurt without having to downshift. I put it in "sport" every time I sit in the car and would like to make that my default more or less. I never launch or wind it out.

 

[HMP]

You made mention something in that post - miles per gallon.
We're talking turbos, MPG?!??!
Well, yes!
One thing I love about my MR2 is that fact that Ive got, guessing, over 250whp (I know, not a ton in today's world, it's likely around 265 but who knows), but on the highway on a roadtrip I'll still get about 30mpg in my old turbo car.
Hell, 30 is good in today's cars!
Turbo cars can still be super efficient when not in the boost, which makes it a double threat
-power
-efficiency

Actually, it's a TRIPLE threat
-power
-efficiency
-SOUNDS AWESOME

 

[Ṡalinnis]

Thanks. I'm not even at 30k miles yet on mine due to working from home after COVID hit. Mostly looking to increase throttle response/bring boost in a little earlier and get rid of rev hang. A little extra passing oomph on the highway wouldn't hurt without having to downshift. I put it in "sport" every time I sit in the car and would like to make that my default more or less. I never launch or wind it out.

So long as the driver knows how to tend a clutch, I've not experienced fragile clutch syndrome that many folks speak of with the 10th gen si. I'd question operator error, though the factory clutch is quick to slip until you've learned how the car drives after tuning. Still, I would not let the clutch deter me from accessing the power that's nerffed by the factory tune. The Type R clutch retrofit is picking up steam amongst people looking for a better alternative, but retaining a 'factory' clutch feel.

You made mention something in that post - miles per gallon.
We're talking turbos

-power
-efficiency
-SOUNDS AWESOME

Completely this, while I am a Honda loyalists, it is not lost on me that the Civic is an economy box. I was very excited when they made the transition to offer factory turbo engines, and i think it was the best move.

But, I bought the civic originally for the manual transmission and efficiency, knowing the reputation for aftermarket support that I'd get carried away with it.

Most folks who inquire about my car, mention the respectable exhaust tone coming from a honda with 3 outlets in the rear bumper. Mature tone, 0 rasp, and drone is manageable below 80 or so mph. I know V8's with more rasp than my civic, though I do love a good v8 lol.

 

[Ṡalinnis]

Speaking of turbos and Hondas, I have been made aware a good friend of mine from Wilmington is selling his absolute monster of an s2000 👀

 

[Djstorm100]

^^ Price?

Screen mesh


I started my love of snails in 05 while still in high school.

in 09 changed it up

 

[Ṡalinnis]

^^ Price?

Screen mesh


I started my love of snails in 05 while still in high school.
View attachment 652251
in 09 changed it up
View attachment 652252

From talking to him, a negotiable $22k asking, he is highly motivated to sell. I have a loosely put build sheet from him if you want me to send it to you. Currently tuned at 500hp/360ftlb and ready to put out more.

I've never had the opportunity to even sit in an RSX, always thought they where really cool though.

 

[Ṡalinnis]

Not quite boost weather, but better than we've had. Should be a good weekend to bring them out

 

[BloodRunsThicker]

So when do we all get together for a run to the Mtns and back ? Little vtec noises along the way. Everyone can tag along. Im in Matthews.

 

[Ṡalinnis]

So when do we all get together for a run to the Mtns and back ? Little vtec noises along the way. Everyone can tag along. Im in Matthews.

That would actually pretty awesome to get a group together for a mountains trip, depending on which, I may be in for it!

 

[HMP]

Id like to. Though no vtec noises form me

 

[confused]

Id like to. Though no vtec noises form me

Just roll the windows down when you fart

 

[HMP]

Just roll the windows down when you fart

cloth seats - just absorbs the vibrations

 

[BloodRunsThicker]

Just roll the windows down when you fart

My wife and daughter call my civic the Frt McFrterson. She also wants to print a FRT FRT sticker for the bumper near the muffler tip.

 

[Ṡalinnis]

How's the less than ideal temps for boost season been for everyone?

Recently sent the logs for my Si to Phearable for a refresher tune taking in to account a couple of upgrades, also went back to a 5th gen CR-V with the 1.5t and making use of a spare Ktuner unit from a previous honda in there. Can't beat waking up the wife's car up with a little more boost and better fuel economy from less effort maintaining highway speeds to boot!

If anyone happens to have a 17+ civic, (18+)accord, or CR-V with the turbo engines, you're doing yourself a small disservice not having a Ktuner and using one of their shelf tunes on your bone stock car. Just the throttle and fuel mapping alone are worth the cost of the unit.

 

[DaveInCLT]

Curious if anyone here has experience or alternatives to protecting a front mounted intercooler from road debris, that doesn't take too harshly away from the performance and abilities of a front mount, and preferably doesn't look awful.

E

This is from 2004 - 2006 so I'm rusty on the details and don’t know if this stuff still exists ... I had a medium/small honeycomb type mesh I bought and picked up at McNichols in Charlotte, trimmed to fit and had powdercoated with a black chrome color on my old supercharged Lexus GS. It was more of a show car than a track car so I didn't have any super hot trips other than some long road / dragon runs, but never had any issues with the amount of air it let through. I always thought it looked great - also added behind the grill and side vents on the car to match.

Should be small enough to keep out major debris but enough room to let airflow go through. Better than chickenwire at least .

 

[Ṡalinnis]

This is from 2004 - 2006 so I'm rusty on the details and don’t know if this stuff still exists ... I had a medium/small honeycomb type mesh I bought and picked up at McNichols in Charlotte, trimmed to fit and had powdercoated with a black chrome color on my old supercharged Lexus GS. It was more of a show car than a track car so I didn't have any super hot trips other than some long road / dragon runs, but never had any issues with the amount of air it let through. I always thought it looked great - also added behind the grill and side vents on the car to match.

Should be small enough to keep out major debris but enough room to let airflow go through. Better than chickenwire at least .

Looks better than the gaping factory hexagonal China direct plastics "protecting" absolutely nothing on both the civic and CR-V too.

I procrastinated all winter over this, need to make a joint project out of this for both cars now.

Thanks for the insight and reminder!

 

[DaveInCLT]

lol, just noticed OP was from mid 2023. Looks like they still sell something similar, and lots of other options

Perforated Metal Sheets & Panels In-Stock | McNICHOLS®

McNICHOLS® has the largest inventory of Perforated Metal products in North America. We carry a variety of hole shapes, sizes, gauges and material types.

www.mcnichols.com

 

[Ṡalinnis]

Well, after much consideration, realization I've put a whopping 840 miles on the car between annual inspections, and recent intel that I'll need to accommodate a 3rd car seat in my "dad car" ... also, having a Honda Civic as a garage queen

I spent the evening after work reverting to stock, pulling all the interior hard wired gadgets, and had one final joyride around town. We are off in the morning to close another chapter of life.

Bitter sweet, 6 speed manual, full bolt on and custom tune, 38-42mpg across 5k trip resets, easy power, even easier to work on/modify, completely reliable modified to the brink for the 1.5t - and enough creature comforts to actually have my wife say "are you completely sure you want to sell it?"

Given my 2003 Accord is still turning and burning as the gym and puppy chariot, and work has me in a vehicle 5 days a week, I'll come back around to a turbo/manual fun car once my oldest grows out of car seats.

For now, ill have to rely on the CR-V and a Transit Eco boost 🤢 to satisfy my turbo needs. I have a feeling I'll see a departure from jap turbos for something German as my next garage sitter.