j35 swap questions about installing a turbo

codyg623

New member
Joined
Nov 19, 2025
Messages
13
Reaction score
4
I have a sand limo with a ecotec. I'm playing on swapping it out for a j35. my question is what do I need to do to turbo it? can I run stock internals with low boost? do I need to tune the computer?

I'm not looking to go to crazy with horse power. something I shouldn't have major issues with
1000010838.jpg
 
What trans is in the car?

I think 6-7 lbs on a stock block is about the most the OEM rods can handle? @Jtmoney714 can confirm.

You will need an aftermarket ECU so it can be tuned. Be cautious of who you have do the tune. I like Dardans work. he has tuned my car 3 different times.

Sizing the turbo is key as well plus injector size. E85 is your friend. I use Bosch 1K CC injectors on my J series. Make sure your fuel pump can run E85 as well.

Then you will need Manifolds, wastegate, BOV, ETC. It can snowball fast. I think there was a turnkey turbo J series for sale on race dezert a while back.

Something like that would be your best bet.
 
No stock ECU tuning options available, so you'll have to try to find a used AEM, or run something like a Megasquirt or whatever else is out there universal ECU wise.

This company apparently offers something somewhat plug and play:


Stock internals at low boost will live, but they're a ping away from not. Whoever tunes it needs to understand that it needs to be conservative. A little bit of leaded race fuel (a gallon a tank-ish) works well as an octane booster, but don't count on that with the tune. Dardan is good in San Diego.

GT3582R with a 0.63 A/R housing will be responsive and easily make in the 4-500whp range. GT3076R will be in a not super efficient area of the compressor map, but will spool like a tractor.
 
What trans is in the car?

I think 6-7 lbs on a stock block is about the most the OEM rods can handle? @Jtmoney714 can confirm.

You will need an aftermarket ECU so it can be tuned. Be cautious of who you have do the tune. I like Dardans work. he has tuned my car 3 different times.

Sizing the turbo is key as well plus injector size. E85 is your friend. I use Bosch 1K CC injectors on my J series. Make sure your fuel pump can run E85 as well.

Then you will need Manifolds, wastegate, BOV, ETC. It can snowball fast. I think there was a turnkey turbo J series for sale on race dezert a while back.

Something like that would be your best bet.
currently a blown up 3rib but I'm going to put in a 2d. I'm not looking for anything to crazy. I'm going to go check out race dezert right now.

why is e85 your friend? I don't know to much about e85. I've only ran av gas in the race bikes and RZR
 
No stock ECU tuning options available, so you'll have to try to find a used AEM, or run something like a Megasquirt or whatever else is out there universal ECU wise.

This company apparently offers something somewhat plug and play:


Stock internals at low boost will live, but they're a ping away from not. Whoever tunes it needs to understand that it needs to be conservative. A little bit of leaded race fuel (a gallon a tank-ish) works well as an octane booster, but don't count on that with the tune. Dardan is good in San Diego.

GT3582R with a 0.63 A/R housing will be responsive and easily make in the 4-500whp range. GT3076R will be in a not super efficient area of the compressor map, but will spool like a tractor.
ok perfect. I don't know much about Honda's. I'm still trying to learn as I go. I looked up a few posts on here and they were kinda all over the place or they were talking BUILT motors.

sounds like I have some more googling. thank you so much for the information
 
Swap it first. Stock NA J35 may be just right.
my wife said the same thing hahaha but what does she know. your probably right. realistically that's whats going to happen until I can piece together everything. ballin on a budget. plus Im going to add a 2d since my 3rib left the chat on veterans Day
 
Like others have said, get aftermarket ECM. Keep boost under 9lbs. I am on a stock motor 9lbs of boost on E85, zero issues. HP 415hp on a 2d, 9 years strong with zero issues.
 
currently a blown up 3rib but I'm going to put in a 2d. I'm not looking for anything to crazy. I'm going to go check out race dezert right now.

why is e85 your friend? I don't know to much about e85. I've only ran av gas in the race bikes and RZR
E85 is under $3/gallon and behaves like C16 from a knock standpoint. Knock will kill a J bottom end fast.

It is NOT brainless, however. If it sits for any amount of time, it's garbage. End of season, you need to purge all of it with gasoline or face issues.
 
E85 is under $3/gallon and behaves like C16 from a knock standpoint. Knock will kill a J bottom end fast.

It is NOT brainless, however. If it sits for any amount of time, it's garbage. End of season, you need to purge all of it with gasoline or face issues.
that's good information to know. I didn't know you had to run fresh fuel but it makes sense
 
Like others have said, get aftermarket ECM. Keep boost under 9lbs. I am on a stock motor 9lbs of boost on E85, zero issues. HP 415hp on a 2d, 9 years strong with zero issues.
that's exactly what I'm hoping for. I got a turbo s 4 years ago and had nothing but problems with. got this sand limo and blew up the 3 rib on the 2nd trip. the ecotec it has in it now is way under powered with the family in it. so I'll throw so more money at it
Like others have said, get aftermarket ECM. Keep boost under 9lbs. I am on a stock motor 9lbs of boost on E85, zero issues. HP 415hp on a 2d, 9 years strong with zero issues.
 
that's exactly what I'm hoping for. I got a turbo s 4 years ago and had nothing but problems with. got this sand limo and blew up the 3 rib on the 2nd trip. the ecotec it has in it now is way under powered with the family in it. so I'll throw so more money at it
jd-vance-jd.gif
 
I have a complete turbo Honda setup with adapter kit and turbo and other parts. Stock ecu but wouldn’t run it. It may be a great starting package to get you started. $2500. I can get some pics when I’m back home in a few days. Customer bought a car with it and wanted to go subaru.
 
that's good information to know. I didn't know you had to run fresh fuel but it makes sense
Just me, results can vary. I don't purge the gas ever. I do put some addictive/stabilizer in it at the end of the season. First trip, top off with some fresh and run it. Only downfall I have had I have to change the fuel filter every season. I usually do it the first trip after a couple of rides, no issues in 9 years.

But talking to a few peeps with E85, we might want to double check the injectors every 5 years for flow. I have not, could be an easy thing to do in the off season.

E85 is not readily available in AZ as well, so depending on where you live, could change your thoughts............$3.00 a gallon is pretty nice. I usually burn on a weekend 50 gallons ($150 total).
 
I have a complete turbo Honda setup with adapter kit and turbo and other parts. Stock ecu but wouldn’t run it. It may be a great starting package to get you started. $2500. I can get some pics when I’m back home in a few days. Customer bought a car with it and wanted to go subaru.
deal of the century
 
I have a complete turbo Honda setup with adapter kit and turbo and other parts. Stock ecu but wouldn’t run it. It may be a great starting package to get you started. $2500. I can get some pics when I’m back home in a few days. Customer bought a car with it and wanted to go subaru.
yes can you send me pictures please.do you still have the motor?
 
Back
Top