Has anybody here tried to build their own turbo kit for the 420a? I was looking at the Star and Hahn kits, and just started to wonder if it would be any cheaper to try building your own. I know it would be possible, but would it be worth it in the end? Well if it's not a good idea then I think I'm goin with the star stage 2 kit. Thanks

97 Eagle Talon Esi...Doesn't look so slow, but runs like a turtle in the snow.

You are gonna get alot of crap asking questions like that. SEARCH!! Not trying to be a dick, but this has been discussed MANY times before. If you have to ask if it's possible, you probably shouldn't do it.

yes, it is possible and a few people have done it. is it worth it? IMO, no its not worth it. both the star and hrc kit are tried and trusted and you'll know what to expect. with a custom kit you can run into numerous problems and run into a brick wall. also, WARRANTY is a big factor for me in deciding...

I wasn't asking if it was possible, i know it is. Rather I was trying to ask if in the long run it would be cheaper, or just a big headache? If it is cheaper and a big headache that's alright with me. My fater is a chrysler certified mechanic, so needless to say i've been around chrysler engines my whole life, and i know a thing or two about the 420a. I've just recently started reading the book Maximum Boost. My goal is to know as much about my engine and turbos as i possibly can before I purchase or attempt to build a turbo kit. I don't have the money for one right now anyways, so i've got time to learn. If anybody thinks i'm just dead wrong or sound really dumb please let me know. I'm here to learn and yes i did try the search, but couldn't find what i wanted. Thanks again for everything that you people have taught me, and i hope you continue to help me.

So has anybody here tried their own, and if so how did it turn out?

There are quite a few people here that have built there own. Yes it's cheaper or at least as cheap and you can buy the best parts the first time instead of having to replace some sub par parts from the kits. Here's how mine turned out...until I sold it all :/

http://bush.clearwire.net/currentstate.htm

I'm still collecting parts for mine. I wanted to do a custom setup because I didn't want to put any shit parts on that I would have to replace. So I think the best reason is like what Matt said, doing it right the first time.

I'll probably be eating my own shit once I start the install though, but this sound pretty good now.

Im not trying to scare you with this post but this guy in miami did a custom setup and things went bad.
http://www.miamidsm.addr.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1005

On a side note he was a 2gnt member! I personaly dont see how it could be that hard to do a custom set up. The hardest thing to do is find a manifold for the 420a. The rest of the parts are readily avalible.

I'm crossing my figures on this one but I'm hoping my custom is going in this weekend:thumbsup

I'm piecing together the last of my kit, and i want to have mine installed by the end of this month, tuned by the end of september!!

I asked a guy who has done custom setups and said that he could even make me a header also, but he would need a header to work off of which I dont know if he means my stocker or a look a like header to work off of. He said that it would probably be a little cheaper than a kit too. BTW, this is for my Hyundai Accent. Oh and like they said ^^^, you can get good parts the first time. That is always a plus:thumbsup.

You would not have a header with a turbo.

The answer is pretty simple. If you know what you are doing, it is cheaper, but more time consuming. If you have to ask, you do not know what you are doing.

The cost of a kit includes support and development costs to save you the headache of running across the same pitfalls making a turbo accessible to the masses.

I did it, many others have too. You just gotta do your research. Myself personally, my kit is a intercooled kit (SMIC) thats gonna run 10psi. Hit me up on AIM at NeoVB and Ill try to help you out as much as I can. Later bro.

Thanks guys, I now feel pretty confident about trying my own custom install. Keep us posted on how your car turns out Kent, good luck. Also doesn't Bill at www.gottude.com have manifolds for sale? Has anybody tried them? Thanks again.