A B-Series turbo kit is a popular modification for Honda’s B-Series engines, offering a significant boost in power and performance. By adding forced induction, the turbo kit allows the engine to produce much more horsepower and torque than it would naturally aspirated, making it an ideal option for enthusiasts looking to push the limits of their B16, B18, B20, or other B-Series engine variants.

Key Components of a B-Series Turbo Kit

1. Turbocharger:
   • The heart of the system, a turbocharger forces more air into the engine’s cylinders, allowing for more fuel to be burned and more power to be produced. Common turbo brands for B-Series engines include Garrett, Precision Turbo, BorgWarner, and Turbonetics.
   • The size of the turbo varies based on power goals, with smaller turbos offering faster spool (quicker boost response) and larger turbos providing more top-end power but with more lag.
2. Turbo Manifold:
   • A turbo manifold is essential to route exhaust gases to the turbocharger. There are different types of manifolds, such as log-style or ramhorn. Ramhorn manifolds tend to flow better and are preferred for higher power setups, while log-style manifolds are more compact and budget-friendly.
3. Intercooler and Piping:
   • An intercooler cools the compressed air from the turbo before it enters the engine, making the air denser and further improving power output. Intercooler piping is used to route the compressed air from the turbo to the intercooler and then to the intake manifold.
4. Wastegate:
   • The wastegate controls the amount of boost pressure by regulating exhaust flow to the turbo. External wastegates are often preferred for precise boost control, but some setups use internal wastegates for simplicity.
   • Brands: Tial, Turbosmart, and Precision Turbo are popular wastegate brands for B-Series builds.
5. Blow-Off Valve (BOV):
   • A blow-off valve releases excess boost pressure when the throttle is closed to prevent compressor surge. This component helps improve the longevity of the turbo and produces the characteristic “whoosh” sound when shifting.
   • Brands: HKS, Greddy, Tial, and TurboXS are common blow-off valve brands.
6. Fuel System Upgrades:
   • To handle the additional air from the turbocharger, the fuel system needs to be upgraded with larger fuel injectors, a high-flow fuel pump, and possibly an adjustable fuel pressure regulator.
   • Proper fuel tuning ensures that the engine gets the correct air-to-fuel ratio, preventing lean conditions that could cause engine damage.
7. Engine Management/Tuning:
   • To make the most of the turbo setup, the engine’s ECU needs to be reprogrammed or replaced with a standalone engine management system. Common solutions for tuning a B-Series turbo setup include Hondata S300, AEM EMS, or Neptune.
   • Tuning is critical to ensure the engine runs safely and efficiently under boost. Professional tuning on a dyno is highly recommended to optimize performance and reliability.
8. Oil Lines:
   • Turbochargers need proper oiling to function correctly. Most turbo kits come with oil feed and return lines to supply oil to the turbo and return it to the engine. It’s crucial to properly install these lines to avoid oil leaks or turbo damage.
9. Downpipe and Exhaust:
   • A downpipe connects the turbo to the exhaust system, and upgrading the exhaust system to a larger diameter helps with better flow and power. A 3-inch exhaust is typically recommended for turbocharged B-Series setups to minimize backpressure and improve performance.