I want a turbo kit but I also dont want to have to spend alot more money on buying things that break.I want to know what problem everyone has had since they installed their turbo kit.Also if you had the choice to do it over again would or would you have left it stock?

As seen in the thread I posted about this exact topic, most people in here know that I had quite a handfull. While we were doing the install, at the frustrating points, we sometimes wondered if it was really worth it. I've only had the car in drivable condition for a week now, and every time I drive it, I know it was worth every penny :)

1996 Eclipse RS / 5-Speed / Body Components by Aerogear / Coated in Magnetic Red Metallic v2 - More at http://home.insightbb.com/~mgalyan/
Mark Galyan - Greenwood, Indiana

When it's driveable it's worth every penny, when it's down, it's the worst mistake I ever made...:wary ;(



http://www.cardomain.com/id/jasvbts2k2
"The ONLY Honda I'd mod would be ASIMO"

If I didn't buy the SRT...the kit would be worth it

reliability is such an issue. I wish I'd gotten a crotch rocket. But when it runs nice, it runs niiiiiiiiiiiice.

It was actually easier for me to install then what I thought.

Yes the car is a totally different car. Well worth it to me being able to go up some hilld better and easier then my brothers v6 firebird is a defenite plus. Not to mention im 2 seconds faster:cheers

definatly worth it...I haven't had any major problem yet either though.:D

IMO the turbo kit was definately worth it. I've had my kit almost 8 months now, and I have no trouble with the car. I also have a spared forged internal engine ready to go, so if I do have problems I have something to fall back on. Right now my car is out of commission, but that's due to a bad alternator which has nothing to do with the turbo.

The fact that your aprehensive about money is a concern though. Once your into turbos things cost money. There are 2 things you must understand about adding a turbo (sorry I feel like I'm preaching) 1 - our cars are not meant to have turbos, although the engine adapts well, the turbo will significantly shorten the life span of the motor - you must expect (and have the money for) repairs that will come as a result of that. 2- Understanding your fuel system is critical as well. IMO the life of your turbo'd motor is directly proportional to your understand the fuel system. If you can manage your fuel and keep it properly tuned you'll be fine. The solution - gauges! Know what they read and how to read them - and be picky about how their behaving. Spared expense on fuel items is not wise:nono.

I hope this helps, I say none of this scare you ... and I hope you go with a turbo. Good luck making a decision. :thumbsup

Exactly what he^^^^^^ said. Don't forget how much more you will spend on gas. I was actually going to buy a beater car just so I wouldn't have to pay for gas on the eclipse.

I always have some sort of drama from my car. I'm currently on my second EGT (now a Apexi EL2 that STILL DOESN'T WORK!) Still playing with my fuel set-up and I still need to buy an intercooler.

Trust me lots of money goes into making it go or keep going or making it go better.

I would definitely spend the money on a turbo again as it is great and addictive. I have had my turbo on for a year now and not one problem. I also checked my compression last weekend and had 217, 215, 215, 220 so my setup is very solid. This engine will be up for sale soon though as my forged engine is being installed next week.

Here's my opinion about the turbo.
Must have patience - setup is extensive in the beginning. Once everything is setup basic maintenance only has to be done.

Do not go the custom route unless you absolutely want to and like fabricating parts. In my opinion, the kits are worth it as someone has spent the research money finding out what does and doesn't work. I love my HRC kit.

Make sure you don't skimp out of the essentials due to money constraints. Two items you definitely need from the bat are the Vortech SFMU and a good EGT gauge.


--Kurt

Quote
Two items you definitely need from the bat are the Vortech SFMU and a good EGT gauge.--

Words of wisdom right there. :bowdown

KTEclipse makes a good point - a beater car is something that you may want to consider. I mentioned that I've had my turbo for 8 months, however, I've only put 3000 miles on my turbo b/c I have a Chevy truck as well.

But to answer your question - Yes I would do it again, and it was a lot easier than I thought.

Alright then I think Im going to go with a stage 1 star kit when I get my return back this year and buy a fmic with custom piping.Ill be sure to ask for help because Im sure Ill need it.Thanks for the help wise ones:bowdown

Well the install itself went just fine its the little things that get you in the long run and thats where I am in the long run. I was this close ll to taking it all off and going all motor. But Im sticking with only because of reading these threads. Just wainting on the filter for my Missing link. I seemed to have miss placed it or didnt get any. If anyone has some to spare that would be awesome

to make your install a breeze, you need a long extensions, 10, 12,13,14,15,17,18,19
deep and regular sockers off the above sizes
some type of long extension but the thing the holds the socker twist (autozone sells those)

install the kit is easy now that i think about it.

GET THE RIGHT TOOLS!!!! you will thank me later. the stock header is the worst, ever! also, care full drilling through the oil pan. drill a small lead whole then go larger.

BUT it was totally worth it.


-------jezreel
hrc stage 1, sfmu, ml, prokits, egt, boost gauge, apexi tt, costum dp, dynotune fp gauge. gst muff, turbo spoiler


:+ :) :-) x( :-( :( ;-) ;) :o :D }( ;( :P :9 :* :nono :rolleyes :wary :thumbsdown :thumbsup :7 :love :bowdown :shrug :cheers :puke

I've had so much fun helping run4cvr and Uber install their turbosystems here that I would really like to get one myself, but it's going to have to wait a couple years. I want to learn the tuning ropes so to speak NA first. Once I hit the 200hp mark NA, then I will get that small turbo and make my sleeper complete. ;)

Eclipseman, you're lucky to be here in Phoenix! John and I have installed 2 HRC systems, and Chris has installed his and then taken it right back out! We have the technology. You will have to get together with us and talk turbo soon!

When installing the turbo kit, do you have to pull the motor? Or could you do it with the motor in the car? When i spun that bearing i hated pulling that dang engine.

instaklling the turbo kit has nothing to do with pulling your engine , unless of course you blow your engine.

If you can, use a wrench, screw driver, crimper or soldering iron, wire cutters, you are all set.

to put it simply , drill into pan, take off exhaust manifold ( no harder then a header). Install manifold and turbo. Run oil lines. do fuel pump ( if you can change your fuel filter you can do the pump). Run intake pipres ( think of like 3 CAI's). If you have the HRC kit, or are doing the fuel pump rewire mod its still not that hard ( if youve done your stereo or anything else electronic in your car, you can handle this).

oh and :cheers for the help.