1s time Turbo purchase

[WRX_JB]

I will give $50 to who ever finds the kit i buy (paypal , or local cash)
Where should i be looking , i have 3g saved. So not looking to spend much more , and looking for a full kit for a : 2000 2.2L cavalier (non z24) 5-speed.


I was looking at turbo-kits.com , seemed pretty decent.


Also is there any local places (philly area) that will install , and dyno?


Thanks , Jb

[HuffRex]

http://www.importperformanceparts.net/imports/turbospec_cavalier.html

http://www.jtuners.com/product_info.php?pName=22l-2200-turbo-kit&osCsid=b1ceecc10f86a4556cfdb1722a85b83e

http://www.sportcompactonly.com/default.htm

hope these help

[Scapegoat]

wouldnt you need more than 3k for a turbo kit for a cavalier? at least if you want to run more than 2-3 psi?

I'm just sayin'....

[TGilb2007]

wouldnt you need more than 3k for a turbo kit for a cavalier? at least if you want to run more than 2-3 psi?

I'm just sayin'....


Not really..... depends on the kit that you go with.....


Kiro... look into the Hahn kits.... or search JBO for a used kit.

ninja edit.... here is one for the 2200 - http://www.sportcompactonly.com/Hahn-Racecraft/Turbocharger-Kits/Turbochargers/Forced-Induction/Performance/part_c-50_b-124_pl-1192_p-54684.htm

[Scapegoat]

how strong are the 2.2l's in the cav.

It just never seems like a good idea to me to buy a turbo kit for an na car without working the internals at all...

Do some kits come with internals?

[Honest_Bob]

how strong are the 2.2l's in the cav.

It just never seems like a good idea to me to buy a turbo kit for an na car without working the internals at all...

Do some kits come with internals?

It all depends on the motor. The SR20 in the SE-R's is a perfect example. A turbo version of the motor never made it here, but the N/A did.

[WRX_JB]

Currently :

Headers back (DC sport)
Chipped
k&n intake

What should i do motor wise?

[Jeffros Spec V]

Currently :

Headers back (DC sport)
Chipped
k&n intake

What should i do motor wise?

It is all relative. If you want to run I'd say anything over like 8lbs (depending on turbo) you should do pistons and rods. But then again I don't know anything about this motor so I don't want its capabilities are.

[TGilb2007]

how strong are the 2.2l's in the cav.

It just never seems like a good idea to me to buy a turbo kit for an na car without working the internals at all...

Do some kits come with internals?


the 2.2ls arent too bad... not as strong as the newer Ecotec version... low PSI he can still run stock internals. Depending on the amt of boost you want depends on what has to be done to the internals. The engine would need to be tuned as well, which is normally done w/ HPTuners and a wideband.

Usually, the kits for the 2200 and 2.2l do not have internals that come with it...

Kiro, if you got questions about boosting the engine, check out www.j-body.org, and read the stickys in the boost forum. All of your answers will be there.

[WRX_JB]

Yeah i dont mind spending the money of some grades , 3k is what i wan to spend on turbo kit , i dont mind spending another few on internals. Any suggestions with them i think i am gonna go with the hahn kit.

[turbo4g63]

why would you turbo your cavalier....possibly the worst investment of 3 grand ever

[NJGOAT]

Sell the cavalier and take that money plus your 3k and buy a Cobalt SS or used 4th gen f-body. Both will probably be faster and more reliable than your turbo'd Cav.

[WRX_JB]

Herd. But then why do people turbo civics?

[TGilb2007]

why would you turbo your cavalier....possibly the worst investment of 3 grand ever

Its the same thing as doing it most other cars.... Civics, DSMs, yada yada yada....


But Kiro.... lemme know if you have questions man, ill try to point you in the right direction

[doug]

Herd. But then why do people turbo civics?

Because they tailor to boost much better... there is a stronger after market for them.

Honestly, my opinion is you should just save your money.. save up for a car you can mod.. and don't do that to your daily car. Or just save up and buy a car that is already fast.

[Renegade_]

Herd. But then why do people turbo civics?
Because so many people have done it there is a ****ton of R&D behind all the parts and that itself allows the upgrades to be reliable. There is nowhere near the amount of R&D into the cavy 2.2 as honda drivelines.

I personally say go for it if you want it, the only thing I would warn you of is that you might be trying to do more than is practical on the car. The 2.2L will be able to hold like what, 6-7 psi due to it's high compression? I don't know what your whp will be like but you won't be making 300 wheel with that (depends on your goals).

[TGilb2007]

Because so many people have done it there is a ****ton of R&D behind all the parts and that itself allows the upgrades to be reliable. There is nowhere near the amount of R&D into the cavy 2.2 as honda drivelines.

I personally say go for it if you want it, the only thing I would warn you of is that you might be trying to do more than is practical on the car. The 2.2L will be able to hold like what, 6-7 psi due to it's high compression? I don't know what your whp will be like but you won't be making 300 wheel with that (depends on your goals).


The Cavalier (espically the 03-05 w/ the newer Ecotec) engines have a VERY nice following with aftermarket companies now. The 2.2 and 2.4l motors have been grabbing attention as well, and people are putting down some pretty decent numbers (300whp has been hit quite a few times). A member here (at least, I think he is) also has been laying down 13 n/a times (not the fastest, but shaved 3.5-4 sec from stock). So yea, it can still be done, but it does take a little more time, and a little more money.

[WRX_JB]

I just kind of want to do it to be different , every one has sti / evo / srt/ civic , where is the cavalier lol? i am willing to put the money for the performance i just want to be lead in the right direction so i dont f it up, or put it into something unnecessary.

[TGilb2007]

Also.... Kiro. Read this as well.... itll answer a TON of questions about boosting the car.

http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=40&i=57790&t=57790

[TGilb2007]

Also... look into swapping a 3400 series into the car if you really wanna take it farther, and build a turbo for that. Or also, a 3800 s/c swap as well

[Z3R0]

Also... look into swapping a 3400 series into the car if you really wanna take it farther, and build a turbo for that. Or also, a 3800 s/c swap as well

3400 sucks (see lower intake manifold gasket issues)and barely an aftermarket. You REALLY restrict youself parts wise if you do that swap. The 3800 s/c(L67) has more of an aftermarket but it has the same intake manifold gasket issue, which if you don't know, is when the lower intake maifold blows and coolant leaks into the oil. It corodes(sp?), and has the potential to spin cranshaft bearings.

[TGilb2007]

Ive heard that issue w/ the 3400s.... and if caught early, can be resolved before its really an issue. Never heard that issue on the L67. ill have to ask some people who did the swap and see what they did to remedy.

[Z3R0]

Ive heard that issue w/ the 3400s.... and if caught early, can be resolved before its really an issue. Never heard that issue on the L67. ill have to ask some people who did the swap and see what they did to remedy.

Replace the gasket with Felpro metal gaskets that don't blow.

[Scapegoat]

best bet would be to build an engine and swap it in once its built and ready.

I really can't see turboing the 2.2l being a good idea... even if to be different

[TGilb2007]

really.... it can handle about 10psi give or take before you need to start getting concerned. If a swap was to be done.... there are getting to be more and more options. Someone just showed off a 3.5l Northstar V6....

[Z3R0]

really.... it can handle about 10psi give or take before you need to start getting concerned. If a swap was to be done.... there are getting to be more and more options. Someone just showed off a 3.5l Northstar V6....

3.5l Northstar v6??? Are you sure it wasn't the 4.6 Northstar v8 or the 3500?

[SUPRARICE87]

First I thought you were retarded bulding up a cav. but, after what you said... That's briliant!!! 3800 gtp s/c. if you could swap that in there You will make some people ponder suicide after handing them their asses. lol. that's just sick. I drive a supra and I got mine handed to me by a modded s/c gtp prix. to have that motor in your car...is just wrong. do it!!! be the first. somthin like that will put you in a mag!!

:afro: more power to ya!!!

[TGilb2007]

First I thought you were retarded bulding up a cav. but, after what you said... That's briliant!!! 3800 gtp s/c. if you could swap that in there You will make some people ponder suicide after handing them their asses. lol. that's just sick. I drive a supra and I got mine handed to me by a modded s/c gtp prix. to have that motor in your car...is just wrong. do it!!! be the first. somthin like that will put you in a mag!!

:afro: more power to ya!!!


He wouldnt be the first at all to do it.... though now its taking the L67 and turbo'ing that instead.....

And GTPs can be made into monsters with a little money, and time.:cool:

[TGilb2007]

3.5l Northstar v6??? Are you sure it wasn't the 4.6 Northstar v8 or the 3500?


Definitly wasnt a 4.6l. WAY to big to get into a J-Body. Here is the link to the thread. http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=46&i=324067&t=324067

[K-Rex]

Ahhh, here's a question...would a Cavalier tranny even take any amount of additional hp?

I remember selling Cavs at Reedman's and they were really quite craptastic.

Edit:
Dyno numbers are in! At 4.6psi on an '02 2.2L OHV (factory 115 horsepower) running our Turbo kit along with our intercooler kit made 180.3 HP and 215 lb/ft torque at the wheels!

$2,500 FTL

[ITSTOCK]

Ahhh, here's a question...would a Cavalier tranny even take any amount of additional hp?

I remember selling Cavs at Reedman's and they were really quite craptastic.

Edit:
Dyno numbers are in! At 4.6psi on an '02 2.2L OHV (factory 115 horsepower) running our Turbo kit along with our intercooler kit made 180.3 HP and 215 lb/ft torque at the wheels!

$2,500 FTL

LOL and I agree on all accounts.


It's really just a poor platform to be dumping THAT MUCH money in to....unless of course you have lots of money that you don't mind throwing down the toilet. Then by all means, go for it! But by the time that you get your tuning done, if you need a clutch and/or a new tranny, some tires, etc. etc., you're going to have over $4,000 in to the car. It just makes more sense to start with a different car so that you can be that much more ahead. You're not talking about building your own $800 DIY junkyard tubo kit, you're talking about plopping down $3,000 on a turbo kit alone.

[TGilb2007]

Ahhh, here's a question...would a Cavalier tranny even take any amount of additional hp?......

Edit:
Dyno numbers are in! At 4.6psi on an '02 2.2L OHV (factory 115 horsepower) running our Turbo kit along with our intercooler kit made 180.3 HP and 215 lb/ft torque at the wheels!

$2,500 FTL

If you think about it..... thats only 4.6psi, and added a decent amount of whp for the money. Get it right around 10psi... and that number would be a lot better.

I know that there are a lot of other platforms that are out there that are a LOT better then the J platform, but if this is what the kid wants to do, then lets show him the way. 180whp should be over the 200 mark at the crank, adding a nice 85+ horses there isnt too bad.


The tranny should be able to take it, as long as it hasnt been beaten to high hell already. Most problems w/ trannys and axles come in w/ LSD and big boost.

[K-Rex]

I don't think the trans can take anything on those.



I guess I just agree with everyone else, why bother. To keep the Cav running with a turbo and increased HP will cost a lot more than the 3k he wants to spend.

If he really wants a cheap, reliable, light weight tuner, get a Miata and turbo that bad boy. Parts are cheap, there is a great community for it, and Miatas are fun. There are also a lot less turbo Miata's in this area and cold make for a unique car.

I understand the want for a unique ride, hell if I were rich and had money to burn I would turbo my girl's Echo just to see the looks on peoples faces, but its just not practical if you are doing things on a budget.



If you think about it..... thats only 4.6psi, and added a decent amount of whp for the money. Get it right around 10psi... and that number would be a lot better.

I know that there are a lot of other platforms that are out there that are a LOT better then the J platform, but if this is what the kid wants to do, then lets show him the way. 180whp should be over the 200 mark at the crank, adding a nice 85+ horses there isnt too bad.


The tranny should be able to take it, as long as it hasnt been beaten to high hell already. Most problems w/ trannys and axles come in w/ LSD and big boost.

[turbo4g63]

I just kind of want to do it to be different , every one has sti / evo / srt/ civic , where is the cavalier lol? i am willing to put the money for the performance i just want to be lead in the right direction so i dont f it up, or put it into something unnecessary.

the cavalier is waiting to be driven by grandma, or a high school student for a first car. i agree with doug and renegade on this one

[JerseyKid]

the cavalier is waiting to be driven by grandma, or a high school student for a first car. i agree with doug and renegade on this one

Not for nothing , before you condemn the cavalier. Ive been a member of jbody.org for about 3 years and have owned a Cavalier in my past. They are actually good cars to mod. No they arent the easiest, nor do they have the best/largest aftermarket. But the aftermarket is there.

Theres a bunch of hahn turbo ecotec guys putting down more power then the numbers listed in your signature.

A buddy of mine, rich , stock ecotec motor in an 04 LS Sport full interior and everything ( pretty heavy ) , garage put together kit, T3 Super 60 , with an ebay manifold, and a home built mega squirt made 250HP and ran 13.4's / 13.3s's on 17's.

They aren't drag cars , but there enough for someone who wants a quick, and unique daily driver.

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/8912/dsci0092kw5.jpg
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9241/dsci0093ys3.jpg
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4472/dsc00041im9.jpg

Those are a few of the nice , clean, Turboed J-Bodys out there.

And here was mine
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/734000-734999/734197_290_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/734000-734999/734197_291_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/734000-734999/734197_294_full.jpg

Let the guy be different, dont be so closed minded. Of course there are always better and easier cars to mod, but why not mod what he has , or likes?

And to the OP:
The hahn kit is awesome, as well is the Jtuners kit. But if your keeping the cav for the long haul, ide say use that 3000$, and get an ecotec motor and trans. Also talk to PJ (FlyingSkwirl) on JBODY.org, he did an ecotec swap with a write up. I believe he found the motor and trans for 600 bucks.

If you have any questions, PM me or post, ill do what i can to help.

[JerseyKid]

First I thought you were retarded bulding up a cav. but, after what you said... That's briliant!!! 3800 gtp s/c. if you could swap that in there You will make some people ponder suicide after handing them their asses. lol. that's just sick. I drive a supra and I got mine handed to me by a modded s/c gtp prix. to have that motor in your car...is just wrong. do it!!! be the first. somthin like that will put you in a mag!!

:afro: more power to ya!!!

Just for you , here are two 3800 Cavaliers.

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9728/picture225cd2.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9485/img1154zz3.jpg
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/4894/img1151mz5.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/526000-526999/526752_698_full.jpg
"All summer I was running on a 91 octane pump fuel tune running 15psi and stock timing putting down 451whp and 421wtq. With that being said the car was able to pull a best time at the track of 11.57@126mph with a 1.91 60ft time."


:wink:

[TGilb2007]

Jersey..... is that gunmetal one Ravens???? Used to be white?

[SovXietday]

I hate to ask Kiro, but do you have any idea what it takes to turbo an engine and have it last? Being as you listed your mods, want to buy a kit, and have a shop do it for you I'd probably guess not.

I don't see engine management listed in any of those kits, you're going to need that before you do anything. No engine management = the car lasts a month if that. What does your fuel setup look like, will it be able to support the immense amount of fuel that an FI engine needs? I doubt stock fuel pump and injectors will cut it. If a shop installs everything, what happens when something breaks? That's going to be expensive as balls, wouldn't you rather know enough to figure it out and maybe fix it yourself?

I don't know, I have to agree with doug. 4th gen F-body will be a nice upgrade, I love mine. :)

[eg87]

I hate to ask Kiro, but do you have any idea what it takes to turbo an engine and have it last? Being as you listed your mods, want to buy a kit, and have a shop do it for you I'd probably guess not.

I don't see engine management listed in any of those kits, you're going to need that before you do anything. No engine management = the car lasts a month if that. What does your fuel setup look like, will it be able to support the immense amount of fuel that an FI engine needs? I doubt stock fuel pump and injectors will cut it. If a shop installs everything, what happens when something breaks? That's going to be expensive as balls, wouldn't you rather know enough to figure it out and maybe fix it yourself?

I don't know, I have to agree with doug. 4th gen F-body will be a nice upgrade, I love mine. :)

i cudnt think of anything cheaper besides a honda to modify for 3-5 grand. put another 5 in it and u have this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKuzAoYifuU

yea no potential.....

[GyrlSpeedRT]

Do your thing Kiro! You've gotta know that the first thing most people will say is put the money into something else...that's the easy way. As stated, it won't be easy, but once you get the knowledge and knowhow, you will give some people a wake up call. At anyrate, try the j-body site that TGilb gave ya and read up non-stop! Even if you're not going to run much boost, I would still upgrade some of those internals as well as suspension(if you haven't already) and eventually that tranny. Also, what kind of exhaust set-up do you have as well? I would start a journal too so we can follow up on this build...good luck.

[JerseyKid]

Jersey..... is that gunmetal one Ravens???? Used to be white?

Sure is buddy :thumbup:

[italianblaze]

shouldnt this thread be in general car related chat?

and my personal opinion is lol @ cav's but thumbs up for bein different though
i agree there all civics subies evos srt 4 s 14's and the ocassional 300z but i cant say i have seen alot of boosted cav's

[ITSTOCK]

shouldnt this thread be in general car related chat?

and my personal opinion is lol @ cav's but thumbs up for bein different though
i agree there all civics subies evos srt 4 s 14's and the ocassional 300z but i cant say i have seen alot of boosted cav's

...simply becuase they aren't economical to make fast, and their "fast" usually isn't the same as many other cars that are called "fast".

Different? Yes. Performance to price efficient? Hell no. That's all that we were trying to say. For 6,000 total, you can buy an LS1 fbody, have it bone stock and reliable for hundreds of thousands of miles, and it will still be faster than the cav. That was the simple point being made. It's okay to be different, but different car isn't always smart.

[italianblaze]

and f bodys get you pussy
its a fact

[ITSTOCK]

The MULLETS get the pussy. The only correlation is that the mullets are usually in the fbody.

[Renegade_]

i cudnt think of anything cheaper besides a honda to modify for 3-5 grand. put another 5 in it and u have this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKuzAoYifuU

yea no potential.....
But if you were to take that 5 grand in addition with the 3-5 grand initially into a car with an LS1... you would be 11s at a bare minimum (exhaust and cams gets you 11s no problem, throw slicks in and your deep 11s. throw nitrous in you have 10 sec car no question)

What is being disputed here is not I think "should he do it or not"... I'm all for someone doing something different to their own car if they like it... It's just that there are so many other cars which can do more for the same price that everyone is pointing out cars which have a better return on investment.

[SleeperGoat]

The MULLETS get the pussy. The only correlation is that the mullets are usually in the fbody.

:bigeek: Last i checked i didnt have a Mullet Steve!!!

[ITSTOCK]

:bigeek: Last i checked i didnt have a Mullet Steve!!!

Shortly after I made that post, I was literally seconds from going to the mustang roll call thread to call all of the mustangs a bunch of rust buckets, so illustrate that I don't discriminate. :mrgreen: My mom drives a camaro, and she doesn't have a mullet either :lol:

[GyrlSpeedRT]

I think the thing is really so many of the SAME cars that are out there that are faster. You would remember a Cav that gave you a run for your money other than the same Subie, Civic, Mitsu, Acura, etc...

[SovXietday]

The MULLETS get the pussy. The only correlation is that the mullets are usually in the fbody.

Bwahahaha, not gonna lie I laughed my ass off at this.

Mostly because it would take me 5 minutes to have a mullet.:-p

[SleeperGoat]

Shortly after I made that post, I was literally seconds from going to the mustang roll call thread to call all of the mustangs a bunch of rust buckets, so illustrate that I don't discriminate. :mrgreen: My mom drives a camaro, and she doesn't have a mullet either :lol:

Doesnt your brother too? Or is that gone.

[eg87]

...simply becuase they aren't economical to make fast, and their "fast" usually isn't the same as many other cars that are called "fast".

Different? Yes. Performance to price efficient? Hell no. That's all that we were trying to say. For 6,000 total, you can buy an LS1 fbody, have it bone stock and reliable for hundreds of thousands of miles, and it will still be faster than the cav. That was the simple point being made. It's okay to be different, but different car isn't always smart.

where did u find ls1's for 6 grand??! cheapest i can find with one thats not totalled is about 10 grand minimum, thats with some miles. if u kno of any others leme know ill go buy it tomorow.

and f bodys get you pussy
its a fact

as a former fbody owner, please i hope ur kidding.

But if you were to take that 5 grand in addition with the 3-5 grand initially into a car with an LS1... you would be 11s at a bare minimum (exhaust and cams gets you 11s no problem, throw slicks in and your deep 11s. throw nitrous in you have 10 sec car no question)

What is being disputed here is not I think "should he do it or not"... I'm all for someone doing something different to their own car if they like it... It's just that there are so many other cars which can do more for the same price that everyone is pointing out cars which have a better return on investment.

I believe it wud take a nasty cam, gears, slicks, exhaust, nitrous and a tune to even hit the 10's in a camaro or transam. thats not cheap.

I think the thing is really so many of the SAME cars that are out there that are faster. You would remember a Cav that gave you a run for your money other than the same Subie, Civic, Mitsu, Acura, etc...

atleast you get the idea.

[JerseyKid]

...simply becuase they aren't economical to make fast, and their "fast" usually isn't the same as many other cars that are called "fast".

Different? Yes. Performance to price efficient? Hell no. That's all that we were trying to say. For 6,000 total, you can buy an LS1 fbody, have it bone stock and reliable for hundreds of thousands of miles, and it will still be faster than the cav. That was the simple point being made. It's okay to be different, but different car isn't always smart.

LOL at 6000 "total".

And i hate to tell you , not everyone is dying for an LS1 car. No one was talking about performance to price effecient, so why would that even matter at all?

And i love how not having an "ls1" doesnt make you "smart". I yawn at intake and exhaust F - bodies, why? Because any tool with $12k and a summit catalog can run 11/12s.

But a turbo cavalier, or any other "economy" car running 12s/13s that someone built , or put together themselves , thats more rewarding to see.

But if you were to take that 5 grand in addition with the 3-5 grand initially into a car with an LS1... you would be 11s at a bare minimum (exhaust and cams gets you 11s no problem, throw slicks in and your deep 11s. throw nitrous in you have 10 sec car no question)

What is being disputed here is not I think "should he do it or not"... I'm all for someone doing something different to their own car if they like it... It's just that there are so many other cars which can do more for the same price that everyone is pointing out cars which have a better return on investment.

Of course there is always something better, quicker, and easier to mod, but he said he did not want a civic, or sti, or evo. Not everyone is looking for the best bang for there buck, people want what they have interest in, even if it isnt a rocketship for a small amount of money.

You mod a car to make yourself happy, not everyone wants to get down the track quicker with the least amount of money.

[ITSTOCK]

Go to LS1tech and you will find a couple for right around $6000.

If you find a way to argue with what I said, which was...

...simply becuase they aren't economical to make fast, and their "fast" usually isn't the same as many other cars that are called "fast".

Different? Yes. Performance to price efficient? Hell no. That's all that we were trying to say.


Have fun. Merry christmas.

[SovXietday]

LOL at 6000 "total".


I got mine for 5600...

[eg87]

what fool let their ls1 go for so cheap!!!! and im talking about the ny pa nj and deleware area, im not gona go to the other side of the country to save 2 grand. (refering to ls1tech) that and everyone on ls1tech has modified cars, id wana buy it relatively stock with low miles, im sick of not pushing out the extra money to get something nicer.

[eg87]

but back to the point. a fast car is a fast car, idc how "economical" modding it is. cavaliers look awesome and obviously can be very quick. so don't start knocking it your supposed to be a car enthusiast, not a this car is fast stock enthusiast.

[SUPRARICE87]

Just for you , here are two 3800 Cavaliers.

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9728/picture225cd2.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9485/img1154zz3.jpg
http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/4894/img1151mz5.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/526000-526999/526752_698_full.jpg
"All summer I was running on a 91 octane pump fuel tune running 15psi and stock timing putting down 451whp and 421wtq. With that being said the car was able to pull a best time at the track of 11.57@126mph with a 1.91 60ft time."


:wink:



man that's a suprise and a half. The turbo is unreal.

[pearl]

i read the whole front page, so forgive me if i miss something.

if you have the funds, want to research it, do it. do it right, and be different. dont let anyone talk you out of it.

the only thing i would be worried about is the transmission. do you have an automatic? how do they hold up to boost? the one reason why so many hondas are boosted and last a long time (10-17 pounds of boost daily) is because of the honda transmissions. check out how weak the transmission is first and see if you need to invest some of your money there.

[TGilb2007]

man that's a suprise and a half. The turbo is unreal.

He was also one of the first to swap that motor into the car. Was orginally s/c'd as well, and used to be white. I knew he was changing the car a bit.... but wasnt ready for that when I finally saw it

[WRX_JB]

Okay so if doing this to another car , what would be my best best that is not a civic? Becuase doing it to a cavy looks like it be more work then i am have time for , i mean i have done some work to it for those that asked:

Lowering springs
Pace setter headers , With a high flow cat
Magnaflow exhaust
B&M short shifter , and i ordered a stage 2 clutch kit
z24 chip
K&N hot air intake
fuzion tires ( on AM wheels)

So i could prow sell it for around 4g, and then put that money towards something, but i want to make sure I’ll like it and that it is in mint condition

[TGilb2007]

There are a TON of other cars that can be modded and such. Just make sure that if you decide to abadon the Cavalier, its something YOU want to do, and not get pressured into by others...

And a few of my favorite project cars would be:

2nd or 3rd gen Cavalier
MK3 Jetta or GTI VR6
Older Celica
Turbo Probe GT
Any F-body
Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
Legacy 2.5gt sedan, or Impreza 2.5RS

those are a few I would personally start with... but again, make sure that it is something that YOU want to build and to YOUR tastes

[WRX_JB]

F-body? (dont flame me please) lol

[SleeperGoat]

F-body? (dont flame me please) lol

Camaro/Trans Am

[WRX_JB]

Camaro/Trans Am

thanks

[foss]

dude just strap a 42r on that thing and watch her fly.

just my 2 cents.

[GsrSiHatchie]

why dont you keep the car as a DD... pick up an old rx7 for an lt1 swap or something thats dirt cheap and reliable... honestly many people have made the mistake of heavily modding their DD to only bad outcomes

[TGilb2007]

why dont you keep the car as a DD... pick up an old rx7 for an lt1 swap or something thats dirt cheap and reliable... honestly many people have made the mistake of heavily modding their DD to only bad outcomes

Finding a good shell for an RX-7 is no easy (or cheap) task. Tack on the cost of an LS1 (seriously, no need for the LT1), and the cost goes higher. Plus the level of skill doing this is INSANE.

[~Brian~]

I took the td04 out of my WRX and replaced it with a Flux Capacitor. Much faster!

[GyrlSpeedRT]

There are a TON of other cars that can be modded and such. Just make sure that if you decide to abadon the Cavalier, its something YOU want to do, and not get pressured into by others...

... but again, make sure that it is something that YOU want to build and to YOUR tastes

+100...sounds like you're letting others who don't think it's a "good" idea change your mind. With certain things you want to do, just do them and show up with a finished and solid project. It's easy for anyone to go get a "popular" choice then swap "engine x" into it and make it a "beast"...it's about what you wanna do.

[TGilb2007]

+100...sounds like you're letting others who don't think it's a "good" idea change your mind. With certain things you want to do, just do them and show up with a finished and solid project. It's easy for anyone to go get a "popular" choice then swap "engine x" into it and make it a "beast"...it's about what you wanna do.

For a while, I was pretty active in the J-Body world... also hence some bias that I have...

But yea... modding a car should be about who is actually doing it vs what everyone else wants to see.... Thats how we get 234928349082342 cars that look the same...

And thanks for the good words :cool:

[SovXietday]

And this is coming from someone who modded a econobox 1.6L to it's more or less max potential.

It's not really worth it. I spent a crapload of money and time building my car, and then went out and bought a daily driver that makes more power stock lol.

[TGilb2007]

And this is coming from someone who modded a econobox 1.6L to it's more or less max potential.

It's not really worth it. I spent a crapload of money and time building my car, and then went out and bought a daily driver that makes more power stock lol.


Lol.... its still weird seeing someones sig list a Civic hatch as a weekend car, and the LS1 as a DD.....

[eg87]

go buy a car with awesome stock hp and be dissapointed you have no more money to mod it! or if you love your car, mod it, have fun, and ignore the other non enthusiasts.

[ITSTOCK]

go buy a car with awesome stock hp and be dissapointed you have no more money to mod it! or if you love your car, mod it, have fun, and ignore the other non enthusiasts.

I guess it is all relevant in how you label someone an "enthusiast". I consider myself an "enthusiast", and can say that without a doubt, I would rather DRIVE the car than A) building it for years to get nowhere with the project, and B) have the car always broken and being an unreliable POS.

But sure, if you want a car that you have to build and can't enjoy, and the end result being an unreliable pos because you didn't have the money to do it right, resulting in a half assed car....go ahead. That would be my idea of disappointing, not buying a car that I'm better off with from the beginning.

[K-Rex]

Okay so if doing this to another car , what would be my best best that is not a civic?

Miata. Keep the Cav as DD go pick up a Miata for 1-3k insert turbo.

[WRX_JB]

Think i am just going to sell the cavy , and purchase a Wrx From someone selling here. Under 15g

Good idea?

http://www.tristatetuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46068
http://www.tristatetuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40396

[K-Rex]

Think i am just going to sell the cavy , and purchase a Wrx From someone selling here. Under 15g

Good idea?

http://www.tristatetuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46068
http://www.tristatetuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40396

The general rule of thumb is to stay away from any car that has been really worked unless you have time and money.

If you can find one that has been used as a family car with no mods yet, that would be the best bet.

[WRX_JB]

yeah , going to be kind of rare for a family Wrx? most of them ive seen are modded the ones for sale



-Edit : i did find a few and sent email , any feedback though on the 2 i posted?

[WRX_JB]

So any one have a suggestion on which wrx to go with? I am just gonna take out a loan looking to spend , at tops 15g.
Hopefully sell the cavy for 4,000ish.

Thanks guys, sorry i'am not going to turbo it i really want to rebuild the engine and all or possibly swap just would rather spend the time on something that will be much more worth my time and already has the HP that my car would turbo'd...

[WRX_JB]

Think i am just going to sell the cavy , and purchase a Wrx From someone selling here. Under 15g

Good idea?

http://www.tristatetuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=46068
http://www.tristatetuners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40396

Okay so the one is still for sale , any one got any opions on that?

[TGilb2007]

Food for thought here.....

Try to find something pretty old and worn down. Keep the Cav. as a DD, and start working on a project from there. That way, no loans to start paying down, and you get a MUCH greater learning expirence out of it.


And as others have told you, look for one that hasnt already been modded.

[foss]

Food for thought here.....

Try to find something pretty old and worn down. Keep the Cav. as a DD, and start working on a project from there. That way, no loans to start paying down, and you get a MUCH greater learning expirence out of it.


And as others have told you, look for one that hasnt already been modded.

Agreed. Paying $14k for a high mileage 5 year old car doesn't sound like the best idea..

[WRX_JB]

Okay , well thanks everyone for there help. Hopefully i'll be picking up a WRx or something new within the next month my shopping begins.