Ok, here's my deal. I have some questions and concerns about adding turbo and I know you guys can help. I'm not really sure where to begin so I'll just start asking.

1. Can I install the system myself? I am pretty mechanically incline and actually I would like to do it for the knowledge, but I don't want to obviously f@#k anything up. I've got my 2nd vehicle that I can drive while I am working on my car, and a garage that I can work in.

2. Has anyone had bad experiences with Hahn? I'm leaning toward them for 2 reasons. First I can keep my driving lights with the FMIC, which is obviously more cosmetic. And second, by talking to one of their reps, he said that the ball bearing turbo in the Star kit is an older Garrett turbo where the Hahn setup uses a Mitsubishi turbo which are the best on the market and very reliable.

3. Which gauges WOULD I need? Hahn says that all I need is the boost gauge. Is that it? I know you guys have more gauges than just the boost, why? What is the advantage of having air/fuel gauge, etc., and are they necessary?

4. What other engine mods would I have to do to achieve 250+ horsepower? Change pistons, rods, injectors, or is there something easier that I can do, remember my car is an automatic?

5. What is the most popular turbo timer to get?

6. What are some common problems that you guys have had after you had your turbo installed (leaks, blown engines, etc.)?

I know that before I would do anything I would have the compression checked, and probably have a full tune up done. Is there anything else?

I know that I'm asking a lot, but before I put down $3000+ I need to know what I'm getting into.

Thanks everyone, I appreciate your input.

HeDog

'95 Northstar White GS (AT)

Performance:
Iceman Cold Air Intake
Thermal R&D 3" Turbo Exhaust

Suspension:
Focuz RSII Dual Spring Coilovers
KYB AGX Adjustable Shocks

Exterior:
'99 Front & Rear Bumpers
Chrome/Clear Projectors
PIAA Platinum Low beams
PIAA 1100x Driving Lights
G2 Altezza Taillights
Clear Corners
3 Piece Wings West Midwing Spoiler

I can answer question #3. You also need an air/fuel gauge and an EGT gauge. The air/fuel gauge lets you know how lean or rich the car is running. When turboed if you want to be safe you have to run the car rich. If you run it lean then there is a higher chance of detonation. In other words kabooom. And the EGT gauge is the Exhaust Gas Temperature gauge. It measures the temp of your exhaust. With this gauge you will know if the car is running to hot. When you reach a certain temp your engine components will melt. So this gauge is VERY important. Although these gauges are not absolutely necessary, they are wise things to get if you want to monitor how the car is running under boost. Basically just safety equipment.


DAVE_FL
97GS
AEM CAI
AFX PULLEY
AFX solid motor mount
Magnaflow exhaust
Sparkco 9mm wires
Eibach Pro Kit
tokico shocks
Altezzas
A Badass sound system
Indiglows,neons,and all that good stuff...hehe
looks mean doesn't it?

i can answer question #2, i dont think bad experience and hahn can really go in the same sentence. if there was a bad experience with them, bill has always fixed it (at least thats what ive picked up in the past year or so on this board)

http://www.geocities.com/blue2gnt

1. Can I install the system myself? I am pretty mechanically incline and actually I would like to do it for the knowledge, but I don't want to obviously f@#k anything up. I've got my 2nd vehicle that I can drive while I am working on my car, and a garage that I can work in.

- Yes you can if you are mechanically inclined. Buy a shop manual to assist you in case you get in a situation and take your time.

2. Has anyone had bad experiences with Hahn? I'm leaning toward them for 2 reasons. First I can keep my driving lights with the FMIC, which is obviously more cosmetic. And second, by talking to one of their reps, he said that the ball bearing turbo in the Star kit is an older Garrett turbo where the Hahn setup uses a Mitsubishi turbo which are the best on the market and very reliable.

- I have HRC. My experiences have been very good. Anytime I have a problem or question they have sorted me out. As for Mitsu vs Garret - this is one I do not care to get into. I can only recommend do some of your own research on this as people will tell you lots of things and why theirs is better. I can tell you I am very happy with my setup and think it was well researched and I also prefer the Mitsu turbos, but it is my personal opinion.

3. Which gauges WOULD I need? Hahn says that all I need is the boost gauge. Is that it? I know you guys have more gauges than just the boost, why? What is the advantage of having air/fuel gauge, etc., and are they necessary?

- technically, you only need the boost gauge. But having more gauges can only help with tuning. I think in this order - EGT - Fuel pressure (electrical in-car) - A/F (get Corbins). For the cost of the turbo kit, the few extra hundred spent on gauges will help save your investment. A modded car is an ongoing affair and I would recommend these gauges to anybody modding their car.

4. What other engine mods would I have to do to achieve 250+ horsepower? Change pistons, rods, injectors, or is there something easier that I can do, remember my car is an automatic?

- A stage II setup is proven to get this power level so nothing else would be required. I am not sure what the auto can handle, but it looks like people are getting along just fine. On fuel, you might want to read through a lot of the previous posts.

5. What is the most popular turbo timer to get?

- This does not really matter. They all dop the same thing and nothing specail unless you want all the gimmicky features. just find one that looks good to you.

6. What are some common problems that you guys have had after you had your turbo installed (leaks, blown engines, etc.)?

- Lean fuel, unmonitored boost, cracked rings, headgasket. Best way to avoid these - take your time with tuning, do it right, make sure the car had 0 problems before you start, pay attention to what is going on, which is where the gauges come in.



MuRiX
97 Eclipse GS HRC Stage II
And a whole lot of other mods...
A.D.P.
http://murix.home.icq.com/index.html

HeDog

'95 Northstar White GS (AT)

Performance:
Iceman Cold Air Intake
Thermal R&D 3" Turbo Exhaust

Suspension:
Focuz RSII Dual Spring Coilovers
KYB AGX Adjustable Shocks

Exterior:
'99 Front & Rear Bumpers
Chrome/Clear Projectors
PIAA Platinum Low beams
PIAA 1100x Driving Lights
G2 Altezza Taillights
Clear Corners
3 Piece Wings West Midwing
Spoiler