Car Forum World

Should I turbocharge my 1996 Integra LS, or change it to an LS Vtec?
which could be cheaper? which could be better long term? what about power gains?

Ls Vtec is OK but won't be as powerful as a turbo. Turbos don't waste gas, they really increase fuel economy when the correct sized one is installed and tuned with a fuel management system.

Cost Est.
lsvtec: vtec head $300, vtec distributor $100, vtec ecu $100, oil lines / fittings $50, LS head gasket $75, intake manifold $50,
$675+labor = 160 hp to the wheels

Turbo: Tap stock oil pan, oil lines, turbo manifold, turbo, intercooler pipes, intercooler, engine management,
Used kit with most parts $1400
Engine management $ 350
$1750 + labor = 240 hp to the wheels

my Hp estimate is conservative. I assume the car in question could be a daily driver and not a track only car that's less dependable.

Many ways to do the same thing, various alternatives. bang for buck turbo is prolly best.

To make HP all motor you need different pistons at minimum

Hope that helps
Ksib

Simple answer: Sell it, and use that money to get a faster car. An engine exchange could be at least $2000, to turbo it you could most probably have to rebuild the engine so it may handle the increase, so that'd be more money.

Learn to live with your 30 mpg.

well it depends on what you plan to use you car for. if you're planning to use it for racing, go for the turbo. that is if your serious about it. Turbo will kill gas 1/4th more than a Natural Aspirated car so watch out for that.

don't do anything to it, save your money and purchase a new car

It depends on you and how much you want to use up an how many miles are on your motor, going lsvtec is the cheaper way to go.for around $1000 you'll be making under 200whp this is the more dependable way to go. Now say you want to go turbo your wanting to use up around $1500 $2000 for a ok used kit but you may be able to make around 350whp on a stock block. if your car has the stock motor with lots of miles it may be better to just go lsvtec .

Why not supercharge it.increase the power full time