Just wondering how many ppl paid cash (or debit equiv) for their kits?

On another note, anybody have a Stage II unmolested for sale? My guess is that I'm stuck at 3050 direct from HRC. No matter, it's all good in the end.

I paid cash... it was real painfull until the kit was installed... then it quickly turned into a bargain }> Just to warn you though, the buying doesn't end after you buy a kit hehe.

Yeah...I'm trying to get a credit card with just enough of a limit to put the kit on it. Too many bills to plop down 3 large for boost.

Not to mention tax and or shipping, sheesh

Just to let you know, HRC does not accept credit cards. All kits must be paid in full meaning either a wire transfer, money order, or certified check. I too was a little sceptical about this as I wanted to put it on my credit card (instead I sent a money order). I also agree with the previous post that the spending definitely does not end there. If you play it safe (as I did) you would probably spend in the neighborhood of $4,000 dollars for a stage II. The optional equipment that I bought is listed below.

I purchased this equipment to play it safe as I want to use my car as a daily driver. Everything has worked out great so far as the install went smoothly and the car runs perfectly (install finished about a week ago).

Base Stage II with SMIC $3,049.00
I also bought the optional Greddy Type S BOV at $280.


Vortech SFMU with optional hard spring (directly from Vortech) $307.00
Missing Link $55.00
NGK 7e11 Spark Plugs (gapped .032, set of 8, one set spare) $16.00
Autometer Triple Pillar Pod $55.00
Autometer Lunar Series EGT, A/F, Boost Gauges approx. $350
Fire Sleeve Hose Protector For A/C hoses $45.00

Total with optional equipment about $4,200.

I think that with these upgrades you make an HRC kit a more solid kit. I would definitely advise you to make these purchases to monitor the state of your engine. I would rather spend an extra $700 and avoid blowing $3,000 to rebuild.

If you don't want to spend all this money, I would recommend at least the Missing Link and the Vortech SFMU.

Hope this helps,
Kurt

I think going directly through HRC is best. I once heard that someone called them for service and they asked if the person had bought direct or from a dealer. If dealer, then he should ask them. I guess it was more for local dealer support but still that could be a problem.
Also it's true. I know of very few people that just go the "basic" route from the start. I too went crazy from the start. And paid all cash, 3rd shift second job sacrifice. :o

Off the HRC website: All turbosystems must be prepaid. Standard delivery time is one to two weeks from the time we receive your payment. We prefer payment in the following formats: certified check, personal check (must have customer phone number and be accepted by Telecheck), or wire transfer to our account (please call for details). But on the same page they have Visa, Mastercard, Discover logos??? :wary Someone should check that out and find out why that is? Hope that helps. Later.

Yeah, I saw that too on their site...
Probably debit cards backed by those logos.
I figure the extra gadgetry catagory would bring me to the 4 large bracket...ouch
Guess I'll have to budget myself, hehehe.

But wait, I now see that the kit can be purchased from Howell...What kind of downsides for 200 dollars less? And do they take credit cards?

I didn't pay cash for mine. :thumbsup

Thats kinda ambiguous...
Check or something?

I questioned HRC when I ordered my kit if I could use my credit card since I saw that they accept credit cards on their website. They told me credit cards are only good for orders up to $1,000.00. Credit cards are usually used for buying upgrade or replacement parts for the turbo kit. All kits must be prepaid.

I would also recommend ordering directly from HRC. When I purchased my kit, it was missing one of the silicone hose adapters for the intercooler. I called HRC, told them what I was missing, they double-checked, agreed I was missing the part based on their packing list, and sent me the part in two days. Now, if this happened in the case where a middleman was involved (howell) what would happen. Would you call HRC directly or have to go through howell and then hope that they make the phone call? Personnally, I would rather deal directly with the manufacturer.

Just some ideas to keep in mind,
Kurt

Why will they only go to a thousand dollars on a credit card? I deal in sales a little and using charge cards is just so much easier then doing check verification or the like.

>Just
>to warn you though, the buying doesn't end after you buy a
>kit hehe.

Buying a turbo kit is like paying the cover to get into a tittie bar. You're gonna be dropping some more cash real soon. ;)

Oh, I can imagine.

Say I have the cash for it...Should I hold off until I get a better clutch and flywheel?

Naaa. Not unless you plan on jumping right into built internals and lots of boost. You may as well use what you have till it breaks and get the most out of it. I used my stock clutch/flywheel on my car for over a year with the stage 2 kit and it never slipped once. The only reason I replaced it is because I swaped in the new motor and it was right there... so i figured I may as well take care of it while its convieneint. Turbo away man }>

Or u could do what Im doing and buy the stage 1, Im collecting everything I need now for stage 2 ie intercooler, wastgate and intercooler piping. Thats the only difference between the two anyway so Im trying to be as thrifty as I can in loo of paying for all the other junk. If I get to close to 5 G's Im think Im gonna go the GST route and just do a rebuild for crankwalk when it's time, anyway with my stock internals I'm gonna have to do it anyway. DOES THIS MAKE ANY SENSE?

96 Black GS
Fog Light Mod*Custom Built Foxx 2K2 Short Air Intake* Foxx 2k2 Short Shifter*Indy Sequential Shifter Knob*Grabber Green/Orange Brake Caliper Color Mod*(:waryAryton Sienna R*I*P Orange/Green Engine Color Scheme) Maxspeed Catback System*18" Konig Black Opal Verdicts wrapped in Toyo Proxes FZ4's*Front Strut Tower Bar*Indiglo Gauges*MT4 Indiglo Pedals*Eibach Sportline Springs*$$$