Suggestions on building an engine.

[awsjr]

Hey fellas,
I have a Acura with a d16a1 (its a project car not a daily driver), and a couple questions about building an engine for nitrous (I am looking to do a 75-100 shot). What should I do? Changing my cams, headers, and pistons is kinda obvious. But do you guys have any specifics...example -> What compression ratio have you found to be most successful (should I go higher, lower, or just leave it alone and get stronger internals) and do you know of any brands that handle the stress a little better than others (spark plug manufacturers etc.)? Also I hear a lot of people discussing dry kits vs. wet kits, what do you guys think? Lastly what are you guys favorite brands and do you guys know anything about warranties, refill programs, or upgrade policies that I should be aware of? Thanks for your help. This is a great forum I hope to see it grow.

~awsjr

[Nate]

Hey fellas,
I have a Acura with a d16a1 (its a project car not a daily driver), and a couple questions about building an engine for nitrous (I am looking to do a 75-100 shot). What should I do? Changing my cams, headers, and pistons is kinda obvious. But do you guys have any specifics...example -> What compression ratio have you found to be most successful (should I go higher, lower, or just leave it alone and get stronger internals) and do you know of any brands that handle the stress a little better than others (spark plug manufacturers etc.)? Also I hear a lot of people discussing dry kits vs. wet kits, what do you guys think? Lastly what are you guys favorite brands and do you guys know anything about warranties, refill programs, or upgrade policies that I should be aware of? Thanks for your help. This is a great forum I hope to see it grow.

~awsjr
Your Acura should be able to easily handle 75 on stock internals. If you go over 100hp, you may want to consider forged pistons and a steel crank

The compression ratio is up to you. If you run it too high, then you need specialty fuel. The higher you go, the higher octane fuel you'll need

A dry kit, you rely on the cars ecu to inject the right amount of fuel, and are limited to the factory system's fuel capacity. In my opinion, if you go 75+, get a wet kit so you have more control over the fuel injection.

Some nitrous companies will offer you limited lifetime warranties on solenoids and other components. just do your homework on each company, call around and find what works best for you.

I can't say i've ever heard of any "refill programs". I know there are what we call "refill stations", in which you go to speed shops and they will refill your bottle. Prices are anywhere from $2.00/lb to $5.00/lb. Here in Orlando, I pay about $2.29/lb.

[The Racer's Edge]

Building that engine for juice?? On any 4 cylinder engine it is defineatly recommended to change pistons and rods when exceeding 75HP. A few things you should know about your Honda though: A steel crank is usually stock in those engines doesnot warrant replacing, the pistons and connecting rods should deffinately be done(i suggest JE pistons & Crower, Oliver or Eagle rods) stay away from "type-R" factory pistons they are cast or hyputechnic, and willnot handle more then 75hp. also another thing that is a MUST, a cylinder wall brace. This is a vital part in Honda motors, because the cylinder sleeves are free standing at the top of the block and often "wander" when put under the stress of turbo or nitrous. The only other option is to have the block sleeved with Darton sleeves, however this is more costly. Don't forget to use ARP Head and Main studs, this will ensure that your investment stays together. Now when it comes to gaskets don't skimp out, the best head gaskets are made by Cometic, they are a multilayer metal gasket and are designed for higher combustion pressures. Now the only thing you have to ask yourself is what you want to use this car for, if it is for street stick with the stock compression ratio and for race use.. hell crank it up!! now the stock intake can also be restricktive, upgrading this could free up alot of hp. Follow tis up with a reall could port and pollish job on the cylinder head, and a set of cams designed for nitrous use. Finally when it comes to the nitrous system, a directport is the way to go. This system is a wet injection system that puts a nozzle in every intake runner, rulling out any possiblity of uneven distribution of nitrous and fuel into the motor. ( this may not be so important in enigines usuing 9.0 to 10.5 compression ratios) Now me being a distributor for Nitrous Express, I favor their sytem over any i have seen out there. I'm not just saying that either, i have seen them work. The quality of the merchandise and the accuracy of their jetting is bar none! Plain and simple the system works! The kit number is 80004EFI-10. Feel free to check it out on my website www.shoptheracersedge.com
:cool:

[awsjr]

Wow didn't expect replies so quick. Thanks for your help. “The Racer's Edge” I wasn't able to find the kit buy searching for the kit number but I a guessing you are talking about the Nitrous Express-4CYL Gasoline EFI System. (http://www.shoptheracersedge.com/proddetail.php?prod=80004EFI-00&cat=64) what does EFI stand for?

[Nate]

what does EFI stand for?

Electronic Fuel Injection

[awsjr]

Thanks Nate,
I have been reading through the forum (and a couple of other forums) and have found some discussion about higher octane fuel and alternative fuels. Do any of you guys know about ethanol? How would ethanol effect my nitrous system?

~awsjr

[Nate]

what else besides nitrous are you intending on putting on?

I have just a regular ol' street ride that's my every day car. I run 87 on a day to day basis and 93 when i spray

[The Racer's Edge]

that kit is correct. most people use ethanol on cars that they use for the track only. ethanol is basically alcohol, you can run your car on it but more then likely you will not find it at the pump. as for using it with nitrous no problem you just need to order your nitrous kit for alcohol, because the fuel solenoid and jetting is different. also you will want to get a wide band o2 sensor for tuning your car, because alcohol cannot be tuned by "reading" your plugs.(alcohol leaves no residue or discoloration) for a good wide band 02 use one by innovate motorsports with the rpm sensor, this is a good tuning tool regardless of the type of fuel you use. the kit is available for $400.00 call me if you need any further info. (631-774-8297) good luck!:D

[awsjr]

that kit is correct. most people use ethanol on cars that they use for the track only. ethanol is basically alcohol, you can run your car on it but more then likely you will not find it at the pump. as for using it with nitrous no problem you just need to order your nitrous kit for alcohol, because the fuel solenoid and jetting is different. also you will want to get a wide band o2 sensor for tuning your car, because alcohol cannot be tuned by "reading" your plugs.(alcohol leaves no residue or discoloration) for a good wide band 02 use one by innovate motorsports with the rpm sensor, this is a good tuning tool regardless of the type of fuel you use. the kit is available for $400.00 call me if you need any further info. (631-774-8297) good luck!:D

Cool,
Who am I asking for when I call? how should I build the engine for ethanol?
I have heard that the fuel lines need to be different.
~Allen

[The Racer's Edge]

sorry about that, my name is Tim and that is my direct line. ethanol can be a little tricky, like i said you can't read the plugs to determine how the motor is running. it is all done by air/fuel ratio. the lines aren't different but the pump and regulator are. you also need to add a lubricant to the ethanol to keep the seals in everything moist. like i said earlier if you make it run on alcohol then make it a track car.:cool: