Question from a non mechanic
 

Ok so here is the deal. I am throwing around the idea that I want either a turbo or a supercharger. Ive done all my own work so far, even if it was simple, intake, exhaust, and pulley and I would like to keep it that way if possible. My question to the pros in here is which platform is easier from the install point of view? I have been watching a few videos and I just can't get a feel for it. I am very hesitant to undergo such a big upgrade. To be honest Im even hesitant to do springs/shocks :/

Any advice is much appreciated.

Thank you!

mmm maybe innovate's SC

I'll be doing a picture journal of the innovate SC install this weekend. Might make it take a bit longer, but it really shouldn't be too hard.

For me having the right tools is key,....I'm a pro but not on cars, but on commercial airliners ,....unless its going to be a permanent hobby, a reasonable investment in tools is a necessity. Sometimes you just can't get there without the right tools,...the internet now can provide a lot of the know how. Btw,....the Innovate system does look very easy to install.

Bravo for you doing your work! the innovative does look much easier to do and only takes about 4 hours so they say.

on the other hand my vortech kit took me about 6 to 8 hours with a lunch at work, but i chose the vortech for a reason.

Now for you,honestly, i'd say do some research and see what suits you best in terms of which kit you want to go with since innovatives kit, vortechs kit, and the many different turbo kits are generally different. Id say look at turbo vs sc then branch out from there and see what kits are out there. for example, vortechs centrifugal type vs the innovative twin screw type.

I know install time and all that can be complicated for some kits, but you want to be happy with what you end up getting as well as the results that you want rather than focusing on install time since FI is a rather big purchase .hope i didn't sound like a jerk or anything..def not my intentions.

But hey, with whatever you go with and even if it is a challenging install, you always have us here on the forums to answer questions that you may need/have in the process.

good luck!

I look forward to it. I just checked out their pdf on the install. Looks involved but not too complicated.

The Innovate S/C will be the easiest to install. No front mount I/C or convoluted piping means the entire job can be done under the hood.

Next would be any of the centrifugal S/Cs with maybe the Vortec being the easiest of that group. These have additional piping that needs to be run, and an intercooler that needs to be mounted in the bumper. So you will have to get under the car. Some kits will require a new fuel pump installed into the tank as well.

Finally would be the turbo kits. These have similar needs to the centri S/Cs above, but you'll also need to get to the exhaust under the car. Most of these will require a fuel pump upgrade too.

When you get right to it, though, the amount of effort put in is often rewarded by higher numbers. So if maximum power is your goal, you'll want to do the extra work. But if moderate gains are your goal, the Innovate S/C might be the perfect fit for you.

the innovate kit is probably going to the be easiest install to do in your garage. it's also quite limited in terms of potential power output (the blower is a hard limit, with no upgrade path). a turbo is a lot more involved to install, but rewards with much higher potential power output via a relatively straightforward upgrade path.

i'd go with the turbo. you only have to install it once, and you may become bored with 'only' 210-250whp and end up doing the whole deal twice anyway.

if you're certain that low-mid 200's is what you're happy with then the innovate presents a fantastic value end-to-end. there are less supporting upgrades required (no clutch necessary, for example) and long term reliability is expected to be greater than that of a higher power turbo system.

Depends on what you want. Fenton is having a lot of fun with an electric supercharger that took half an hour to install.

I did a turbo kit on my tc with minimal knowledge. Its just screws and bolts. If you're willing to put in the effort I am confident you could do which ever you please. The hardest part is tapping an oil pan for the oil drain on a turbo. I don't know what the FRS does for this as that I haven't don't an install on one but it can't be that hard.

All in all I would prefer a turbo just because of the blow off sound. I am not looking for a power house FRS, just more power. Im tired of all the rice guys around me always revving their engines wanting to race haha. I may have an acquaintance that has a lift so it may not be an issue to get under the car. I am always leary about cutting wholes in any part of my car.

This being said I am torn on what to do. I keep telling myself if they release the convertible version I would be all over it. If I install a turbo or supercharger in my current car is it hard to remove and reinstall into a new car?

Sorry if some of this sounds lame or "noobish" Ive never had a turbo before :)

Nah it comes off way easier than it goes on. If you can afford it get what you want.

No reason to apologize I'm just glad you're getting helped and not trolled.

one of the many reasons i'm into the innovate. just sounds sexy, besides being what I want for driving, since i'm usually lower RPMs