Which SC kit is easiest to install?
 

With so many supercharger kits available I wondered what the opinion was regarding installation differences / simplicity. With the exception of the Phantom for obvious reasons.

I'm not a noddy and have worked on lots of cars before. But my car is a DD and it's not used for track work so this isn't about which is best. I just want some relatively pain free FI to make the car more exciting and it would be good to factor this in with the kit decision.

Cheers

(I realise most people probably choose a kit and have stuck with it, so probably not many people know what it's like installing other kits)

@tzbang You should probably look into the more reliable kit, rather than easiest to install. That's of course if you don't care about "which is best." Because if you don't want a kit that is the best (by this I assume you mean performs the best) and you didn't mention reliability, why do you want a supercharged car? Because it was easy to install?

Edit: Reread your OP and notice that you want a more exciting car.

From what I been reading it's been between Jackson and Edelbrock, both just HAPPEN to be one of the most reliable ones as well.

You are right.. reliability is important, I figured at the lower end of the scale with modest boost keeping the OEM fuelling, drivetrain etc reliability between the kits would be fairly similar.. but it's a good point, I could be wrong here! Maybe some of those kits aren't very good?

Previous I've found 'unreliability' creeps into other components when making big power gains (clutch, gears, heat issues etc).

My opinion is that the Edelbrock is the way to go. This was the kit I went with, but I have also installed:

-Cosworth Kit
-Vortech Kit
-Ptuning Kit
-JDL Kit
-SBD Kit
-AVO Kit
-FBM Kit

The installation instructions, the packaging, the part labeling, etc in the Edelbrock kit are bar none. Not a single other kit I have installed went on as effortlessly. It was extremely well documented and there was no "modify this or that" to make it fit.

Everything once installed is easily accesible. Maintenance in all areas is not hindered by the added parts. Etc.

I guess it just depends on your end goals, and if it makes enough power for your liking.

It seems as though there are reliability issues with some of the kits at various power levels. Even some of the kits that aren't being "pushed to the limit" are having belt snapping issue. Reliability should be of paramount importance if you want a SC kit that is drop in and forget about it. The reliability I mention is related to failing components when making power, and reliability within itself (low maintenance, drop in and go, etc.). Customer service also plays a big role. If/when something goes wrong, which vendor is going to be there for you while your car is down? Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Good luck, this community has a wealth of information. Check out the JRSC and Edelbrock threads. Lots of happy customers there, and the customer service support is top notch. :burnrubber:

Thanks mate that's brilliant that you've had experience with all those other kits.

I'm after 230 - 250 rwhp in a reliable package. At the moment I think fuelling could be a problem since where I live the best fuel is 95Ron (US91) sometimes we can get 98Ron which is more like your 93. No E85 where I live. :-(

One kit I have not had experience with installing, but did ride in was the JRSC. I did really like the power band in that kit as well. I think it is right there with the Edelbrock, but admittedly, I haven't read through the entire installation manual to see if it is in depth like the Edelbrock instructions.

You only have to install it once. I would recommend picking a kit that suits your price/power/reliability goals in the long term rather than one that saves you a few hours on install.

Yeah fair call. I guess I just wondered if there was a chasm of difference in install issues between some of the kits. I'd hate to be stuck trying to get something to fit/work when there is a much cleaner install options available.

In terms of power I want something that gives the best punch lower in the rev range for street driving. Top speed / biggest power isn't important.

ELECTRIC

Not entirely opposed to the idea.. only the waiting time.. I pm'd Rob and Fenton weeks ago and no response that I'm even on the wait list.

The Jackson is a little bit less "technical", but has more steps than the Edelbrock.

Ease of installation and reliability is a virtual wash between the two. Even the output is similar, with the edge going to one kit or the other, depending on where you want your power advantage to be.

I'm watching all four CARB legal kits, they have been developed specifically to be smog legal and reliable in California with 91 octane (your 95 RON). I don't think I've seen a single failure posted about on the off-the-shelf CARB tunes for Vortech or Jackson, and most recently Works and Edelbrock (although those two have been out for less time) and all claim roughly 240 whp.

Wouldn't mind to be proven wrong though, one of the 4 will likely get my money in ~4-5 years.