Thinking about adding a turbo to your Honda Civic? You're not alone. Turbocharging is one of the most popular modifications for Civic owners looking to unlock serious horsepower gains without breaking the bank.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about turbo kits for Honda Civics, from choosing the right kit to installation tips and expected performance gains.
1. Why Turbocharge Your Civic?
Honda Civics are legendary for their reliability and tuning potential. Here's why turbocharging makes sense:
Performance Gains:
- Stock D-Series: 100-130 HP
- With Entry Turbo Kit: 200-250 HP
- With Stage 2 Kit: 300-350 HP
- With Stage 3 Kit: 400+ HP
Benefits:
✅ Massive horsepower gains (100-300+ HP)
✅ Improved throttle response
✅ Better acceleration and top speed
✅ Relatively affordable ($2,000-$5,000)
✅ Maintains daily drivability (with proper setup)
Popular Civic Models for Turbo:
- EG Civic (1992-1995)
- EK Civic (1996-2000)
- EP3 Civic Si (2002-2005)
- 8th Gen Civic Si (2006-2011)
- 9th Gen Civic Si (2012-2015)
2. Understanding Turbo Stages
Not all turbo kits are created equal. Here's what each stage means:
Stage 1 (Entry-Level Turbo Kit)
Power: 200-250 HP
Cost: $2,000-$3,000
Best For: First-time turbo builders, daily drivers
What's Included:
- Turbocharger (T3/T4 or similar)
- Manifold
- Wastegate
- Blow-off valve
- Oil lines
- Intercooler
- Piping
Pros:
- Bolt-on installation
- Stock internals can handle it
- Reliable for daily driving
- Budget-friendly
Cons:
- Limited to ~7-8 PSI boost
- Won't support 300+ HP builds
Stage 2 (Intermediate Turbo Kit)
Power: 300-350 HP
Cost: $3,500-$5,000
Best For: Weekend warriors, track enthusiasts
Upgrades Over Stage 1:
- Larger turbocharger
- Upgraded wastegate
- Better intercooler
- Fuel management system
- Upgraded injectors
Pros:
- Significant power gains
- Better top-end performance
- Room to grow
Cons:
- May require built internals
- More expensive
- Professional tuning required
Stage 3 (Advanced Turbo Kit)
Power: 400+ HP
Cost: $5,000-$8,000+
Best For: Race cars, serious builds
Requirements:
- Built engine (forged pistons, rods)
- Upgraded transmission
- Standalone ECU
- Larger turbo (GT35R or bigger)
- Upgraded fuel system
Pros:
- Maximum power potential
- Competition-ready
- Impressive performance
Cons:
- Expensive ($10,000+ total build)
- Not daily-driver friendly
- Requires extensive modifications
3. D-Series vs. B-Series Turbo Kits
D-Series Turbo Kits (D15, D16)
Found In:
- 1992-2000 Civic DX, LX, CX
- 1993-1997 Del Sol
- 1988-1991 CRX
Pros:
- Most affordable option
- Abundant parts availability
- Easy to find donor engines
- Great for budget builds
Cons:
- Lower power ceiling than B-Series
- SOHC (single overhead cam)
- Smaller displacement
Recommended Kit: D-Series Entry Level Turbo Kit Price: $2,XXX Power: 200-250 HP
B-Series Turbo Kits (B16, B18, B20)
Found In:
- 1994-2001 Integra GSR (B18C)
- 1999-2000 Civic Si (B16A)
- 1994-2001 Integra LS (B18B)
Pros:
- DOHC VTEC (more power potential)
- Stronger internals
- Better aftermarket support
- 300+ HP capable on stock internals
Cons:
- More expensive than D-Series
- Harder to find
- Swap required for non-B-Series Civics
Recommended Kit: B-Series Entry Level Turbo Kit Price: $2,XXX Power: 200-300 HP
4. Top Turbo Kits for Honda Civic
Based on customer reviews and performance, here are our top picks:
Best Overall: D-Series Entry Level Turbo Kit
- Price: $2,XXX
- Power: 200-250 HP
- Best For: Daily drivers, first-time turbo
- Why We Love It: Bolt-on, reliable, affordable
Best Performance: B-Series Ram Horn Stage 2
- Price: $3,XXX
- Power: 300-350 HP
- Best For: Track enthusiasts
- Why We Love It: A/C compatible, proven design
Best Budget: D-Series Ram Horn Stage 1
- Price: $2,XXX
- Power: 200-250 HP
- Best For: Budget builds
- Why We Love It: Best bang for buck
5. Installation Guide
Tools Needed:
- Socket set (metric)
- Torque wrench
- Jack and jack stands
- Oil drain pan
- Basic hand tools
Installation Steps:
Step 1: Preparation (1-2 hours)
- Disconnect battery
- Drain coolant and oil
- Remove intake manifold
- Remove exhaust manifold
Step 2: Turbo Installation (2-3 hours)
- Install turbo manifold
- Mount turbocharger
- Connect oil feed and return lines
- Install wastegate
Step 3: Intercooler & Piping (2-3 hours)
- Mount intercooler
- Install piping
- Connect blow-off valve
- Check for leaks
Step 4: Fuel & Tuning (1-2 hours)
- Install fuel management
- Upgrade injectors (if needed)
- Professional tuning required
Total Time: 6-10 hours (first-time install)
Pro Tip: Professional installation recommended for first-time turbo builders. Expect to pay $500-$1,500 for labor.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping the tune - Will damage your engine!
❌ Cheaping out on oil lines - Leads to turbo failure
❌ Ignoring boost leaks - Loses power
❌ Not upgrading fuel system - Runs lean, damages engine
❌ Overtightening bolts - Cracks manifolds
❌ Skipping break-in period - Reduces turbo life
✅ Do This Instead:
- Professional tuning (Hondata, KTuner)
- Quality oil lines and fittings
- Boost leak test before tuning
- Upgrade fuel pump and injectors
- Follow torque specs
- 500-mile break-in period
Ready to Go Turbo?
Turbocharging your Honda Civic is one of the best modifications you can make for serious power gains. Whether you're building a daily driver or a track monster, there's a turbo kit that fits your needs and budget.
