opening up my first turbo DSM

[Kayvin]

hey everyone! I bought my first turbo DSM the other day (1995 talon TSI) and i'm replacing the head gasket on it in another week or so. i've ordered a fel-pro complete head over haul kit and a set of ARP studs already. I was just wondering what kind of mods you guys would suggest while i'm in there doing surgery. The guy before me slapped an ebay 16g with one of those tubular turbo manifolds on there before he sold it (shop put it on and told him the head gasket was gone before he got to drive it again). I located a evo3 16g and an evo turbo manifold i can pick up to eliminate the ebay junk thats there. I was a 420a guy before this so i have no clue what direction to go with this motor. I am used to the mind set that you have to upgrade EVERYTHING when you want a turbo so i'm not used of this. I've been doing my research and really don't know what direction to go in. i guess i'll start at a wideband and some gauges so i can monitor my car and go from there. any thoughts will help. Thanks!

*edit: Just realized that my gasket set includes a steel core laminate head gasket. Was wondering if I should take it back and go with the MLS? thanks

 

[95g-s-x]

A wideband is a good place to start. You also want to pick up some sort of logging device. This is going to be a necessity in your upgrade path for tuning.

As far as the headgasket goes, the mls gasket is best, but you need an absolutely flat surface. It also require a certain RA for proper sealing. You do plan on having the Head checked when its off right? While its being checked, you can have them resurface the head to the required RA. Just food for thought.

 

[haswesley]

Get a complete head job done since you'll have it off. Resurface the head, valve job, new valve stem seals, valve guides if needed, and don't forget those 3mm hydraulic lifters. They eliminate the ticking if you have it. Good luck.

 

[LiquidX]

I agree with above, since you have the head off at least replace the valve stem seals and get the valves mated to the head for a solid seat. You should also check your knock sensor since you have easy access to it with the head off.

Get a heat barrier gasket for the intake manifold or just use the one in the felpro kit.

As for what you should do, if you don't already get a boost gauge and a wideband is a great choice as well. I recommend the Innovate LC-1 unit.

Other than the rest of regular maintenance and repairs, just follow the upgrade path. With the 16g, I'd say just run wastegate pressure (no MBC) since you don't have an upgraded fuel system yet.

Tech Guide: 2G 4G63t Upgrades - DSMtuners