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The only real major issue with the turbo I've had is - heat.  It's a simple formula - you take a "high performance" engine then turbo it - with more air and fuel and you get lots of heat.  The CRX engine compartment area does not flow much air though it so I've run into problems.  I don't have problems with the engine over heating - the engine block temperature has remained the same as before the turbo, but the ambient temperature has increased.

I am investigating having all the components heat coated to reduce the heat by about 40-50% but the folks at http://www.hpcoatings.com - the prices are as follows:

For the E13 coating - will drop skin temperatures about 25%. This is a black only finish:

  • 4 cyl manifold $350.00
  • Turbine housing $100.00
  • Down pipe $70.00 per linear foot.

 

This is one of the major issues in the turbo heat problem.  As you can see - the silver colored AC compressor is only millimeters from the turbo outlet.

Also shown in the photo with the attached wires is the AC compressor temperature safety switch.


It isn't possible to put the stock A/C condenser fan back in as you can see in this photo.  
I don't even know if you would want to due to the heat in that area.

This photo is from the bottom during the attempt to push the A/C evaporator fan 
between the radiator and the turbo.  The red circle shows the waste gate control linkage pushed right up against the blue line that highlights the back of the fan housing.
For the A/C to work I needed to get  air flowing over the A/C condenser coils.  The only real place to put the fan was in front of the condenser coils, pushing instead of pulling air through the coils.  So to start with I pull the bumper and measured as shown below.  I then when to the junk yard and found another Honda fan that met (almost) the same dimensions.  I don't know what car it came from.  Just make sure that it also pushes.
As you can see the area for the fan is quite small - measuring only 9"x11" with about 2-2.25" depth.  I went to the junk yard and purchased the fan shown below for $25 with a wiring harness so I would not have to cut the connector from the original harness. 
To make it all fit I tilted the A/C condenser core back by removing the mounting bolts.  I then mounted the fan using the two stock holders on to the bottom support.  I then had to cut out an area from the bumper support to allow for the space.  I then just wired the fan up backwards to push and not pull and it works great and flows more air than the original since it's right in front of the core.
This is a photo with the fan mounted.  I did give everything a coat of black paint to hide it a bit.
 
All content copyright David Moore 2000, 2001