I know that I should bulletproof my tranny before I install a turbo kit on my 1997 Maxima SE manual. But can anyone tell me what else I should do to my engine before putting in a turbo?

 

If you want to go all out, lower the compression. The "easiest" way to do this is to replace the rods and pistons with "lower compression" ones. But it is no easy task lol. As most of us boosted folk have done, just run two step colder plugs, try to get some better injectors, and just play it safe on the engine.

 

Or u can get or custom made thicker head gaskets.

 

which is better? lower compression pistons or the thicker head gasket?

 

i would say pistons. the head gasket would be much easier but when you start messing with head gasket thickness you start messing with the distance of the cam gears to the crank gear.

 

Mardigrasmax suggested to use the OEM head gasket, as copper head gaskets are prone to leak easier/faster.....

 

they are prone to leak faster?? I only thought that occurs if the block isn't prepped for it...the surface has to be lathed and cleaned thoroughly before most metal/copper HGs are insalled...if not though, the seal will indeed be weak.

 

copper headgaskets are more commonly used for racier cars, not as much for daily drivers just because of being prone to trouble. now a nice clean copper hg install with o-ringed block, should be good.. but why, who is having headgasket problems that aren't their fault? oem headgaskets are good, and mardigras is right, get new bolts that dont stretch and you should be doing good even with higher boost.

a new piston setup is definately the better way to lower compression. thicker headgasket is not a very good way to do it.