Vortech Centrifugal Supercharger on 96 EK4

[VTi-R Civic]

Hey guys,

Long time lurker here. I'm in the process of buying an intercooled Vortech Supercharger from an acquantence.

Looks like it is an s-trim blower with a pulley to run 10 pounds of boost. I'm likely going to go to a bigger pulley to drop the boost thinking 10psi might be too much for my stock bottom end.

Any suggestions on what I'd need to run?

Right now the car has:
* JDM 4-1 header
* 2/1/2 metal cat
* stock b-pipe
* spoon N1 muffler
I realise my exhaust is likley too small to be ideal but right now I don't intend on touching it unless I need to.

Engine wise the car is otherwise stock, I am figuring a good tune is critical and am considering a Hondata system rather than the rising rate fuel regulator that I understand these setups come with.

How many pounds boost will the stock pistons and rings take? Are there any other weak spots internally?

I figure an LSD and uprated clutch are pretty much needed at some point also.

Any other pointers? I'm not sure when I'll be doing the install based on things coming up but would like any pointers or guidance on things I might be missing out on.

Thanks in advance

[BLKCRX]

Hey thanks for your question, I truly love questions like this… I remember over 10 years ago when I was turbo charging my b16 and if I compare what I know now to them its amazing. Anyway great to see your choosing a very different pathway than the normal.
I most certainly wouldn’t be worried about running a standard b16 on 10psi, we have many clients with a lot more boost on them and even the b16’s big brother the type r b18c with plenty of supercharger setups, the fact your setup is intercooled is even more of a bonus, so many supercharge setups don’t allow for the installation of a intercooler to chill induction air temperatures.

Anyway I personally would also save for a nice set of after market headers, and a larger 2.5” full exhaust system. Supercharging a b16 engine with a restrictive exhaust system just won’t do its self justice, reducing back pressure by increasing the flow of your exhaust system will be very beneficial.

As pointed out you should be looking at a new clutch, maybe flywheel also if your budget allows it. I most certainly would be doing a clutch and flywheel before you look at an LSD for your gear box. The only LSD I recommend is a quaife LSD whilst on the topic.

You also will need to add to your list a high pressure high flow fuel pump, and larger injectors and a fully programmable ECU as you have suggested ie Hondata. For your car I recommend a Hondata obd2a s100 v4 full plug and play replacement ECU.

With regards to making a plan for your setup, save your money and by all the parts you require and want.. and when your ready do your install and tune all at once, rather than doing it in stages and tuning each time, this will save you time and money ;-)

Regards James

[VTi-R Civic]

Thanks James, I bought this because the price was good but having been down this road before I think I know where I'm going to end up. :shifty:

I'll definitely take heed to setting it up and tuning it once. Thanks for the help - I'll probably be around here a bit in the future. :cool:

[BLKCRX]

No problem a pleasure to help, good luck with your project, feel free to ask anything you need turbo super charging Honda’s is something I love doing.

Regards James