if not, what can I do(cheap) to make it safe--R

 

keep boost under 5 psi

 

just get new piston rings and a head gasket.... new pistons if you can afford it.... do some minor clean up work, thats my .02

 

my 2nd gen integra had 130k miles on the motor when i slapped a turbo kit on it, was fine over the next year i had it but be ready for alot of minor crap like deteriorating hoses that might heat up and crack due to the heat, other than that i had no major problems

 

compression and then leakdown test. that will tell you whether your engine can take it.

 

this is key. If the seals are bad that motor will blow real quick.

 

how do you do a compression/leakdown test? is it something i can buy the tools to do cheaply, or should i take it to a shop?

 

you'll need a compression gauge.
http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/c.../comptest.html

and engine should be at operating temp. when doing this test..

 

Strictly using mileage to determine feasibility for FI is not an accurate test. A low miles, abused engine can be just as prone to problems as a high mileage well maintained one is to safe and happy boost. Compression test, leak down test, then start replacing hoses, and any wear and tear items. An engine that has happily been making 120-140 hp for a while will under a lot more stress pumping out a 50% jump.

I assume you know all about tuning a turbo for safe boost? You can kill an engine at 2PSI with detonation.

Good luck!

/bill

 

Yeah what all these guys said!
:bigup: