Okay, I'll get this out of the way, I'm a newbie to the site. I've wanted to go HRC 1 or 2 for years now, but I'm only now getting close to affording it. I've been through all 10 pages of posts in here and learned a lot, but I'd still like to get some info from the brain trust if I can...
My car: 97 Talon with 135K one-owner, fun-filled miles on it. She either needs a head gasket or an oil pan gasket cuz she's bleeding. So far all I've done is the hacked air box mod and some minor cosmetics.
THE ACTUAL QUESTION!
What's the general concensus on getting that 420 ready for boost? Should I do (have done :rolleyes) an overhaul? I don't want to kill my baby. Thanks for the input!

do a compression test. if all the numbers are close together, you might be fine. on an engine with that many miles, how many were hard-driven? i wouldnt go turbo without a built bottom end. JE pistons makes 8.6:1 pistons and 9.0:1 pistons for our cars. Eagle makes forged rods. with all that, you should be fine.
later
chris
ps keep in mind that with the turbo kit, you will need a different fuel management unit, the one that comes with the hahn kit often referred to as the "craptech unit" is well, crap. you will also need a boost controller and an EGT gauge, A/F gauge as well as a fuel pressure gauge.

if u wnat to elarn about turbos try howstuffworks.com corky bells book maximum boost hit the neons.org forced induction section GREAT info since are cars are identical

other then that just read read read,

compression test and leak down test the motor

my sugestion graba cheap block and rebuild it and swap it in for turbo that way u have literally no down time... my cars been outa comission for 5months do i like it HELL no!

It all boils down to you situation. What kind of condition is your car in? Take it to a local and reliable shop and let them tell you. I have had my hahn kit for 1.5 years and my girlfriend has had hers for 8 months. Although my block has been built is only cuz I did it two months ago cuz I saved the money but I had no problems at 80k. On the other hand my girl has a 96 rs with the stage II hahn kit with 156k on it and we put it on at 120. Before I did the install for her I took her car to Balanced Performance and spend about 400 just finding out what was wrong and having the fix or replace it. Her car is maintained very well and has had no problems yet at 165k. Just dont go crazy with a boost controller. I agree with the other member in saying that you will have to buy at least three guages (a/f, fuelPress, Egt) just to monitor and a replacement Fuel Press Reg cuz the one they give you sucks. Hope this helps


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i would do a compression test. if all is good boost it a bit. how much money you got? remember you always want some 'extra' money just in case she blows or something is up. i would rebuild the bottom end if you got the cash, around $2500 if you go with a cheap rebuild about. well good luck


Michael 99gs
HRC Stage 2
Stage 3 process begins gathering parts for rebuild

http://www.dreamwater.net/purplebeast

THANKS FOR THE INFO! This site rules.
I'll be doing the compression test Thursday, thanks to urun4cvr who lent me his gauge and gave me his old K&N drop in.
Most of my miles are hwy. The most extreme I've been is chasing a couple tornados in KS (what else CAN you do in KS?) and I took her up Pike's Peak once, so I think the engine is still in good shape. I will defineitely get some more testing done before I pop for the kit, but now I'm kinda thinking about doing some internals and maybe bumping up the compression a bit for some NA fun before I boost.
I like the idea of building a second motor and doing a swap to minimize downtime, but I think I'd probably have to rent a storage shed and work on it there since I'm stuck in an aprtment for now.
Any other suggestions? Thanks again. You guys kick ass.