i recently bought an fd and the previous owner began going single turbo but never finished. i thought i'd first return the car to stock twins but after seeing all the parts that were already removed i've decided to go ahead and carry on with the single turbo conversion. i've found the vacuum diagram for going single but, what else is needed to reliably go single besides the main components? will the stock ecu handle a single turbo conversion as long as boost isn't up'd past 12-13 psi? the reason i ask is because engine management will come alittle later. speaking of EM, what EM is good to go with for the single turbo? is the apexi power commander ok to use at first or would a standalone be better?

the turbo on the car now is just a t3t4 turbo. nothing outrageously big or anything but, i eventually wanna go with a larger setup in the future.

 

Just to clarify, the A'PEXi Power Commander you mentioned is basically just the hand-held tuning/monitoring device that plugs into the Power FC itself which is considered the full stand-alone "plug and play" direct replacement ecu. It's a great option that will provide you full control with endless features at it's price point.

Regardless, it's highly recommended to use an aftermarket ECU of your choice especially if you'll be going single turbine set up.

FYI: The IHI RX-6 "Isamu" ceramic ball-bearing turbo kits are extremely nice but unfortunately were discontinued and no longer available through A'PEXi.

 

**Please use Capitals when starting a sentence so that the post doesn't look like One big sentence.It's easier to read.**
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Stock turbo won't handle the single as it was meant to handle twins,so you would need an aftermarket EMS.
The Apexi seems to be the Choice of the FD guys,although Myself I am an FC guy and I am running a Haltech PS1000.
If I may suggest that you hit the Engine Management Forum Section and take a look at some threads to give you suggestions on what you think would be appropriate for your application.If you are going to Upgrade to an EMS,then you may as well do it correctly,right?
Choose a Known Manufacture for your Turbo,not a crappy knock-off.It would be Wise to spend in that area,so you can enjoy the car until you get the feel for more power.( It Will happen so don't say "I just want 300hp..and that's it"..lol!)
You will also need to look at upgrading your Fuel system as the stock injectors may not have the capacity to handle what you are going to put on the engine.This would lead to Fuel starvation and ultimately a Rebuild.
I Hope I have touched on some key aspects of what you were inquiring on.
Cheers STYX.

 

*Aftermarket programmable ECU
*Fuel, injectors and pump
*GOOD cooling. Aftermarket radiator, good hoses and properly working stock fans and shroud.
*Aftermarket Intercooler. For the street I'd suggest a good stock mount. M2 medium, PFS medium...or equivalent. You may have to relocate the battery to make room. I don't like a Front Mount IC for the street.
*You will also have to modify the oil supply and return lines for the turbo.
*You will need a manifold for your turbo, a downpipe, probably with a 'V' band and a properly sized wastegate and a boost controller. Manifold and downpipe should also be heat-coated or at least header wrapped.
*A decent intake filter for the turbo that will fit with your IC and other components.
*Someone knowledgable to tune the car.


IF you have emissions testing, this WILL NOT pass.

There are companys like 'A-Spec Tuning in Chicago that sell semi-complete set-ups for the FD.

 

This seems like a sticky-grade question. No?

The twin to single question.

 

good info here...

 

Also keep in mind the oil metering pump. Some keep some discard. Not completely off subject at all, but it is important to be careful not to snap the omp lines becasue they are plastic and brittle. they run from the oil metering pump (located beside the primary oil return pipe on the block. Up behind the pully system creeping behind and under the alternator to the oil injection ports on the top of each rotor housing towards the lower intake manifold. like i said if you don't be careful you'll be either deleting and blocking it off or buying a new one. Which is brings me to the subject of block off plates. Banzai Racing has a great Block of Kit for single turbo!

 

Not a sticky grade question only because it is answered many times in the Single Turbo Section and 3rd Gen Section.

Sgt. Blue did his typical excellent job of answering the question.

On the (VERY) low end a quality single turbo swap is going to be 5k.

I expect my own (currently in the middle of) to run 8k-10k by the time I'm done and that is doing the vast majority of work myself and purchasing quality parts.