What's a good boost level to run at the track that won't hurt my engine? Also what's a good boost level over stock to run on the street? What is everybody else boosting at?
It depends on what your setup is on the car. Like what are your mods and do you have an IC, etc. ?
Right now its a bone stock 88 Turbo Coupe with an intercooler. I've gotta get some things fixed on the car before I can even drive it but I've been stock piling parts and info.
Your car has an IHI turbo, which is supposed to be good up to 18 pounds. I wouldn't run it over 16 or 17. A decent block will handle most of what you throw at it, it's the head gasket that'll get ya.
But if I upgrade to a T3 I'll be able to boost a little more right? Also is there anything I can do to make the head gasket a little more durable just to be safe?
Bypass the boost control solenoid, and you'll get about 16-18psi. Perfect on an IHI. I was running 20psi on my IHI for a while, didn't do very good for power.
These cars are more durable than you're making them out to be. Took me 24psi, and too much timing to pop my factory head gasket.
took 30 psi on pump gas to kill a 8993 on mine (not reccomended)