I`d like to hear from people who have had a 2nd-hand FI system on their car for some time. Other knowledgeable FI folks chime in too!

I see used ATI Procharger systems for about $2500 lately. I believe a used Vortech is similar in price. For me, $2500 is a significant drop in price from a new $4300 Turbonetics or $4000 Vortech (on ebay), especially since the used kits often include needed accessories such as gauges, etc.

I`d like to save $2000,3000, or more, but if it means I`ll only get a kit that has 10k more miles in it I`d probably pass.

My questions are:

1. What is the longevity of a turbo or super. kit? I know that use/install is a huge factor, so let`s assume good maintenance and install.

2. Is there a difference in the quality of the ATI vs vortech kits? EX: Does one have an obviously superior mounting system, etc.

3. Other comments from supercharger/turbo owners?

Thanks!
Jack

 

Hopefully come May or June next year a lot of your questions will be answered. Because I'm in the process of laying the groundwork of slapping a B&M forced induction Unit on my FX. Bought new 14 years ago. Lots of engineering to do over the winter! (Having a machine shop helps!)

 

Buying Used is 90% of the time a headache.Missing/broken parts.higher install prices as a reslult.I say dont do it.

 

while i'll qualify this by saying i have no first hand experience buying FI used, i'd imagine it to be a huge PITA. specifically, all the specific nuts/bolts/gaskets/clamps that are used are unlikely to make it into 'the box'. even if they do, the chance you'll be able to figure out where they go is slim (not intended as a knock - just a guess). having to figure out whether the fuel regulator's using BSP or metric threads might mean two trips to home depot (or worse, as they are unlikely to have the hose-barb end connectors) - multiply that times a couple hundred...

i'd imagine if you have a huge stockpile of the kind of hardware you need at hand, it wouldn't be so bad. if you've taken an NA car and gone FI before, i'd surmise that would help quite a bit as well. however, for me anyway, the trouble i'd have to go through running down odd little bits (or worse, something major) would turn me off from buying used. i mean, what do you do if you get into the install, and realize the turbo/sc/misc part has stripped threads. could be a major bummer and impediment to getting the car done. my two cents...

ahm

 

This install

https://my350z.com/forum/forced-induction/146659-a-big-thanks-for-vortech-help.html

was from a previous UK car (Baptist here) and there were no issues.

 

unless you know the guy you are buying from well and you both agree do a direct swap ether at a shop or by yourselves.. I'd say "no" to used FI..

going FI is a big enough headache in itself.. don't want to add more headaches on top of that

--mike

 

One more thing. If there is alot of used kit around (ie procharger) usually it means people arent happy with that kit very much for one reason or another. Be wary of people selling their problems on to you. How many turbonetics used kits do you see? none. Or TT kits for that matter? Or used stillen kits? Usually the most reliable stuff or easy to use stuff wont go used bc people will keep it. Used FI is tempting but its too dangerous imo unless you have something that is uber simple like the stillen. Even then itd be a hard sell to me. A blown motor costs alot more than a few grand, also being without a car for a month would kill me.

 

I bought mine used from a forum member and it was missing a few small parts(intercooler bracket, power steering relocation bracket, clamps, etc). Even after spending another $100 on missing parts, I still got a good deal. Just know what you are buying and who you are buying it from.

 

true to that badmonkey...
i def understand what u mean on purchasing a used FI and i personally wouldn't buy a used one, but in the case that im in.. im purchasing a FI kit, but was never put on and never used.. the guy didn;t decided he didn't want to put it on anymore and needs funds for personal reasons.. i feel in this case that this would be a good reason...

 

I bought my procharger used too.. missing lots of little annoying stuff.. and the previous install was sketchy too--they used crazy glue in some places and ruined the pully rack.. the blower had to go back to ATI too.. seller was helpful and paid for most of the problems but sure was a pain.. delayed install by like a month..

i'm betting the reason you don't see any tubonetics kits for sale is because it's too new.. back in the stone ages of the Z, the only FI options were the ATI and the Greddy TT or something custom.. people sell their cars and move on.. plus the ATI is a very unobtrusive kit.. even has it's own oil supply.. you could take it off easily and never know the car had that kit on there.. a little more difficult with the newer systems out there right now..

--mike

 

You`ve opened my eyes, thanks! My tunnel-vision (read: lust for power) prevented me from even thinking about the trivial crapola (brackets, etc) that can turn into a major snafu. Good points all around! When and if I go FI, it`ll be a new kit, or a ``neighbor`s`` - ie. someone I can reach out and touch if needs be.

Jack

 

I thought turbonetics have been around for a year now. I know ati has been out longer but ive seen alot of vortech and even more ati used kits going around. In my experience there is always a reason someone is selling mod kits used. They are either 1 selling the car and de-modding 2 moving up to something better (usually not FI related) 3 have too many problems and have given up trying to fix it and just sell it. I would say numbers 1 &3 run about half and half with the used turbo kits. You dont just spend 7-10k to turn around and sell your car.

 

I bought my kit used and was missing one little adapter ... that was it ... shiit happens ...

its on my car and everything works fine ....

dont rush ... make sure the person you are dealing with knows/has everything

 

i got an ati kit used, and it was missing a intercooler pipe. but the price i paid for it totally justified spending a little more. then got my greddy tt used also. it was missing just a couple little pieces, but was able to find the parts i needed in my shop. used can work out very well, as it can leave you with more cash to do things like cams or clutch or whatever. matter of fact, i got my greddy kit for such a good price i could have bought 2 new turbos and still be money ahead. just make sure you are getting a good deal.

 

hey,
I figured I'd chime in. I bought overzealous' ati porcharger kit when he "upgraded"!!
Sight unseen(a few pics) & I didn't know him other than his posts on this site.
Got a good deal, I had a mechanic friend install it for $400!
It needed a few nuts & bolts & a couple of hoses, but nothing big.
Just make sure you tell the person to be good about saving all the pieces.
So now totally finished, tuned & everything I'm at under $4,500!!