Hey guys! Are you looking to seriously boost the power of your 9th gen Civic Si? Then you've definitely heard about the PRL turbo kit. This upgrade is a game-changer, transforming your already fun-to-drive Si into a real beast on the street or track. Let's dive into what makes this kit so special, why it's a popular choice, and what you need to know before slapping one on your ride.

What is the PRL Turbo Kit for the 9th Gen Civic Si?

The PRL Motorsports turbo kit is engineered to deliver significant horsepower and torque gains to your 2012-2015 Honda Civic Si (the 9th generation model). Unlike some basic bolt-ons, a turbo kit fundamentally changes how your engine makes power. Instead of relying solely on the engine's displacement and naturally aspirated airflow, it forces more air into the cylinders, allowing you to burn more fuel and generate considerably more power. PRL is a well-respected name in the Honda performance world, known for their quality components and well-engineered designs. This kit is a comprehensive solution, including virtually everything you need to safely and reliably run a turbocharger on your K24Z7 engine. This attention to detail and completeness sets it apart from pieced-together turbo setups. With the PRL turbo kit, your 9th gen Civic Si will deliver an extremely powerful experience to you.

Key Components of the PRL Turbo Kit

• Turbocharger: At the heart of the kit is the turbocharger itself. PRL typically uses a Garrett turbocharger, known for its reliability and performance. The specific model and size may vary depending on the kit configuration you choose (more on that later). The turbocharger is responsible for compressing the air entering the engine. A bigger turbocharger will allow more air to enter the engine, creating an even powerful combustion, however, there may be some lags in its delivery. So it is important to consider what kind of turbocharger to use. The turbocharger that comes with the PRL turbo kit will give you the best bang for your buck. It is of utmost importance to properly maintain your turbocharger to keep it in its best shape. Routine checkups must be done to guarantee its condition. If the turbocharger needs cleaning, have it immediately cleaned or replaced if necessary.
• Manifold: The manifold is the adapter which mounts the turbocharger to the engine. PRL uses a high-quality cast manifold designed for optimal flow and minimal backpressure. Manifolds are made from different materials. Usually, manifolds made for turbo kits are built for performance and longevity. It needs to be able to withstand high pressure and heat. The PRL turbo kit will come with its own manifold that fits perfectly into your 9th gen Civic Si. The manifold will allow the turbocharger to fit into the engine bay while providing optimum performance. The manifold is the link that connects the engine and the turbocharger.
• Intercooler: Compressing air creates heat, which reduces its density and diminishes power. The intercooler cools the compressed air before it enters the engine, maximizing power output. Intercoolers are important because they make the air entering the engine cooler. Cooler air is denser and contains more oxygen. More oxygen in the combustion process means more power. Intercoolers come in different sizes and shapes. The larger the intercooler, the cooler the air becomes. Some may opt to use water-cooled intercoolers for maximum cooling capabilities. The PRL turbo kit comes with its own intercooler specifically designed for the kit. This gives the best balance between size and cooling capability.
• Downpipe: The downpipe connects the turbocharger's exhaust outlet to the rest of your exhaust system. PRL's downpipe is designed for optimal exhaust flow, further improving power. Exhaust flow is very important because this dictates the rate at which the engine can breathe. A good flowing downpipe will allow the engine to expel exhaust gases faster making room for more air to enter the engine. This creates a more efficient combustion. The downpipe included in the PRL turbo kit allows a smooth exhaust flow while maintaining optimum backpressure. Without the proper backpressure, the engine may lose power and may not perform as efficiently.
• Fuel Injectors and Fuel Pump: To support the increased airflow from the turbocharger, you'll need larger fuel injectors and a higher-flowing fuel pump to deliver the necessary fuel. The turbocharger forces a lot more air into the engine. Without proper fuel delivery, the engine will run lean and may cause catastrophic damage. The fuel injectors and fuel pump included in the PRL turbo kit are designed to provide the right amount of fuel for the air that the turbocharger is forcing into the engine. It is a must to upgrade the fuel injectors and the fuel pump when installing a turbo kit. Without these upgrades, you are just asking for problems.
• Engine Management (ECU): You'll need a way to tune your engine's computer (ECU) to properly manage the turbocharger. This often involves using a standalone ECU or a piggyback tuning solution. An improperly tuned engine will not perform well and will cause a lot of problems. It is important to have the car tuned properly to maximize the benefits of the turbo kit. The PRL turbo kit will usually come with a base map that you can use to start tuning your engine. It is still recommended to have a professional tune your engine for best results.

Why Choose the PRL Turbo Kit?

• Proven Performance: PRL has a long track record of producing reliable and high-performing turbo kits for Hondas. Their kits have been tested and proven on the street and track. The PRL turbo kit is a very popular choice in the Honda community. The PRL turbo kit has been proven to deliver reliable power and performance. If you are looking for a turbo kit that has a proven track record, then the PRL turbo kit is the right choice for you.
• Comprehensive Kit: The PRL kit includes almost everything you need for a successful turbo installation, saving you time and hassle sourcing individual components. As mentioned above, the kit includes almost everything you need to install the turbo kit safely and reliably. This saves you time and money from sourcing individual components. The PRL turbo kit has everything you need, from the turbocharger to the fuel injectors. This makes the installation process a lot easier.
• Quality Components: PRL uses high-quality components, such as Garrett turbochargers and precision-engineered manifolds, ensuring reliability and longevity. Using high quality components ensures reliability and longevity. The PRL turbo kit uses only the best components available. This ensures that your turbo kit will last for a long time and will perform reliably. Although this may be the case, it is still important to properly maintain your turbo kit to keep it in its best shape.
• Good Fitment: PRL kits are designed specifically for the 9th gen Civic Si, ensuring proper fitment and minimizing installation headaches. Proper fitment is very important when installing a turbo kit. The PRL turbo kit is designed specifically for the 9th gen Civic Si, so you can be sure that it will fit properly. This makes the installation process a lot easier and reduces the risk of problems down the road. Always make sure that the turbo kit that you are buying is specifically designed for your car.

Things to Consider Before Installing a PRL Turbo Kit

• Cost: Turbo kits are a significant investment. Factor in the cost of the kit itself, as well as supporting modifications, tuning, and installation (if you're not doing it yourself). Turbo kits are not cheap. You have to consider the cost of the kit itself, as well as the cost of supporting modifications, tuning, and installation. If you are not doing the installation yourself, then you will have to pay a professional to do it for you. It is important to budget accordingly when planning to install a turbo kit. It is better to save up and do it right the first time than to cut corners and end up with problems down the road.
• Supporting Modifications: A turbo kit often requires other upgrades, such as a stronger clutch, upgraded axles, and potentially even engine internals depending on your power goals. A turbo kit puts a lot of stress on the engine. It is important to upgrade other components to handle the increased power. A stronger clutch is a must to prevent slippage. Upgraded axles are also recommended to prevent them from breaking. Depending on your power goals, you may even need to upgrade the engine internals. Upgrading your engine internals will strengthen the engine and allow it to handle more power. It is important to do your research and plan accordingly.
• Tuning: Proper tuning is absolutely crucial for a safe and reliable turbo setup. Work with a reputable tuner experienced with Hondas and turbocharging. As mentioned above, proper tuning is crucial for a safe and reliable turbo setup. An improperly tuned engine can cause serious damage. It is important to work with a reputable tuner who is experienced with Hondas and turbocharging. A good tuner will be able to maximize the performance of your turbo kit while keeping your engine safe. A dyno tune is highly recommended for best results. This will allow the tuner to fine-tune the engine and make sure that it is running properly.
• Installation: Installing a turbo kit is a complex process. If you're not experienced with automotive work, it's best to have it professionally installed. Installing a turbo kit is not for the faint of heart. It is a complex process that requires a lot of knowledge and experience. If you are not experienced with automotive work, then it is best to have it professionally installed. This will ensure that the turbo kit is installed properly and that there are no problems down the road. It is also important to choose a reputable shop that is experienced with Hondas and turbocharging. A good shop will be able to answer all of your questions and address any concerns that you may have.
• Reliability: While the PRL kit is well-engineered, adding a turbocharger to any engine will generally decrease its long-term reliability compared to a naturally aspirated setup. Adding a turbocharger to any engine will generally decrease its long-term reliability compared to a naturally aspirated setup. This is because the engine is now under more stress. It is important to properly maintain your turbo kit and to address any problems as soon as they arise. This will help to prolong the life of your engine and turbo kit. It is also important to keep in mind that a turbocharged engine will require more frequent maintenance than a naturally aspirated engine.

Different PRL Turbo Kit Options

PRL often offers different configurations of their turbo kit, typically centered around the size and type of turbocharger used. Common options include:

• Garrett GT28RS: A smaller turbocharger that provides quick spool-up and good power for daily driving. A smaller turbocharger will spool up faster and provide good power for daily driving. This is a good option if you are looking for a turbo kit that is responsive and fun to drive. The Garrett GT28RS is a popular choice for those who want a turbo kit that is easy to live with.
• Garrett GT3076R: A larger turbocharger that offers more top-end power but may have slightly slower spool-up. A larger turbocharger will offer more top-end power but may have slightly slower spool-up. This is a good option if you are looking for a turbo kit that is powerful and fun to drive on the track. The Garrett GT3076R is a popular choice for those who want a turbo kit that is capable of making a lot of power.
• Garrett GTX Series: These are newer generation turbochargers with improved efficiency and response compared to the older GT series. The Garrett GTX Series are newer generation turbochargers with improved efficiency and response compared to the older GT series. These turbochargers are a good option if you are looking for the latest and greatest technology. The Garrett GTX Series turbochargers are more expensive than the older GT series turbochargers, but they offer improved performance and reliability.

Be sure to check PRL's website or contact a dealer for the most up-to-date information on available kit configurations and turbocharger options.

In Conclusion

The PRL turbo kit is a fantastic way to add serious power to your 9th gen Civic Si. With its comprehensive design, quality components, and proven performance, it's a popular choice for Honda enthusiasts. Just remember to do your research, consider the supporting modifications required, and work with a qualified tuner to ensure a safe and reliable setup. Happy boosting!