- I have the naturally aspirated 2.0L Civic EX sedan, was wondering how much boost I can add to it before it reaches it’s breaking point, and what additional modifications can I add onto it to have less of a chance of the engine blowing? Or should I consider a completely different engine, and how hard would it be to swap an engine and connect it to that push to start button? My goal is to have at least the amount of power the type R has, if not more.
You don't want to go turbocharging that motor. There are many reasons why:
1. It isn't built to hold boost. By the time you beef up the internals, you're $3000 in.
2. There is no turbo kit for the N/A 2.0 motor. This means you'll need a custom turbo kit. You're talking $10k+ just on that. Even the 2.0T motor kits run $3k to $5k.
3. Theres not enough room in the engine bay for the intercooler, piping, etc. to run. That means deleting other components, likely the A/C, to make it fit.
4. You have to replace the CVT or you'll grenade it pretty quickly. $3000 or so for a transmission to handle the power.
5. Even if you get this far, on it's best day, you could tune a turbo on that motor to make, at MAX...100HP. That puts you still well below the Type R power range. And you'd be in it easy $20k and have a project car running a custom turbo that is sure to be a headache down the road and is worth half what it was when it was stock.
If you want Type R power, trade for the Type R. It will actually cost you less in the end and be infinitely more reliable.
