Installing a Turbo Kit + other mods

[chiefshayan]

Thanks for all the replies! This information is gold. This is my daily but I have other ways of getting around. The thing that scares me the most is messing with the fuel lines and ECU tuning for e85 (new pump). I also plan on going with a new radiator, tranny cooler, and new pump (I think it's called DC 270 or 65c?). I remember I put in my front pipe and overpipe and it took me the entire day but the feeling of satisfaction was so worth it after I started her up.

[Kiske]

If you can, take a nice vacation week off from work. Rest monday and go at it early morning tuesday. This will allow you to have it done thursday, and allow you to fix whatever thing that will get messed up/go wrong/break/ect and still give you a day to button it up and a day to relax and enjoy before going back to work.

[rb6freak]

Originally Posted by scraejtp

If this is your daily (only vehicle) then I wouldn't do it at all.

I'm with you on that one hah. But he does have a bike and lives in perfect weather so he's got only a few weeks total of rain a year to get the car working ;-)

[ModBargains.com]

Originally Posted by chiefshayan

I saw your video of FBM installation on the red frs with SSR wheels with the GTX28 and it gave me some confidence to do the install myself. But I spoke with my dad and we wouldn't mind making the trip down if the task seems too daunting. Your shop is definitely the one
I would go to!

If you're doing it yourself, the best recommendation I can give would be to post up pictures of your progress, so that if you get caught up on something you can ask the forums and get a response fairly quick. This will help since most companies that sell turbo kits aren't usually open on the weekends which is likely when you're doing your install

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by chiefshayan

Hey all, like many of you I plan to go FI this upcoming summer and have a few questions about installing a turbo kit with limited equipment.

I have absolutely no experience with forced induction. I do however have basic mechanic experience. I would love to install the kit myself and save a few grand to spend on upgrading other areas of the car. I have some pictures of a few of my previous projects and the equipment I have to work on my car. As for tools I have a 6ft tall tool chest (thanks to my dad). Do you think it would be a good idea to have a professional install a kit? Or have a 19 year old (me) install the kit with his semi-color blind father on a long weekend.

I would say go for it. The great part of this site is that if you run into any issues there are chances that someone on this site can help you or take pictures. I can't speak for the other turbo companies, but I know I was able to call or e-mail LJ @FullBlown at anytime of the day if I had questions during my install. He helped me through the fuel pump install and injectors install which are probably the hardest parts in my opinion.

[chiefshayan]

I talked with FullBlown a few weeks ago for like an hour over the phone about my goals for the car and it was really helpful. I've also been keeping close with MAP thread with their precision turbo kit. The great thing is that I'm a full time student and since I'll be doing this in the summer, I have no restraints or deadlines to get the kit installed. I'll be able to take my time and take a lot of pictures. I think the challenging part will be taking out the headers and installing the manifold as I only have a few feet to lift the car with the steel ramps.

[Skorov]

Originally Posted by chiefshayan

I talked with FullBlown a few weeks ago for like an hour over the phone about my goals for the car and it was really helpful. I've also been keeping close with MAP thread with their precision turbo kit. The great thing is that I'm a full time student and since I'll be doing this in the summer, I have no restraints or deadlines to get the kit installed. I'll be able to take my time and take a lot of pictures. I think the challenging part will be taking out the headers and installing the manifold as I only have a few feet to lift the car with the steel ramps.

Nahh!! Headers are easy. Just have 2 people under the car. 1 to hold, 1 to bolt. The overpipe was a bit or a bitch, though.

[utekineir]

hardest part of headers alone is keeping the gaskets in place, something like the borla is pretty light and isn't too terrible alone, oem was harder.

i used painters tape just over the edge of the gasket in a couple spots against the heads with enough excess to easily reach then removed once the header had the nuts on.