I'm thinking of bare bonez..

Vortech is prolly the best bang for a buck.. $4300ish otd if I dig hard enough
Install $1k
reflash $600
so under 6k

I think this would be a good poor man's starter kit. what yall think? I wouldn't need bigger injectors for misley 400whp, do I? I will tune-down to around 370ish if extra parts are require cuz I won't be able to afford anything else for awhile. Is anybody actually running Supercharger on built internals?

 

There is no such thing.

You need to take into consideration other factors such as tuning, gauges, pulley, and other supporting mods (plenum mod, exhaust, oil pan spacer, fuel system, etc) required to get there, and you're already well over $7000.

I've read 400 peak whp has been achieved on the stock fuel system and ems that comes with the kit, but I don't think it would be recommended by most tuners. You'll want to up the injectors at very least before going for 400whp. It will also take an excellent tune to get there.

Also - 400whp isn't as "misley" as you'd think, and there is a lot more to a quick setup than just peak horsepower. Perhaps you should read up on this forum for more information before making any kind of decision... it appears you haven't done much research previously.

 

I've done my research, plenty. I wasn't serious about 400 being misley. I just wanted some feedback on a safe way to be fi'd without all the accessories off the bat. Bare minimum, that is.

 

Don't want to start a brand war but I think the Turbonetics stage 1 ST is the best bang for the buck out of the box. With that said you won't get 400whp but close enough.

 

If you are only have enough $$$ for this basic setup, you should just keep saving and do it right.

Be safe, not sorry

 

If you lurk around and wait for a used kit to pop up then you could do it even cheaper than that. I got Vortech kit (full kit, which I helped un-install), AEM w/b Defi Boost and Fuel Press for well under 4K. Doing the install myself. Got oil pan spacer and an Autosport harness so lets say around 4K. I lurked for the past 2.5 years waiting for something to come up and I guess it paid off. I have enough to go all out built should something go wrong also. There are a ton of little things that pop up out of no where. Connectors, wires, gauges,plugs, etc. Hell even a pre-harnessed Emanage Ultimate for $600 that I couldnt seem to pass up. So now what was under 4K is now about 6K in the space of, oh, 3 days. And I still have to get it tuned. So add what you want to/are willing to pay and add 50%. Only 1.5K left on the CC and its paid for!

 

it never seems to end does it,our cars are cash ******.

 

Indeed! And now guess what I want? AAM reflash,440's,Walbro. Another $1000

 

wow bro, you're my hero. I've never bought anything used (new ones have enough probs ( ) but that might be a way to go. I've read about some dude getting ALL his boltons for under 2k.

*sigh* i need a sponsor

 

+1 to that

 

If your so poor then why would you pay someone 1k to install a votech?
Easy install, do it yourself, save 1k or more.

I think I've seen used, complete systems going for in the 3k-3.7k.

Tune - $500 cash. (The magic word)

Anything is possible. I'm getting a complete kit, installed, tuned all for very cheap. It does not matter how I did this, just that it can be done. If you set your mind on something you want then you should be able to accomplish it.

Bottom Line, it has nothing to do with luck, Its who you know.

 

Just be patient, I knew the guy I bought it from and had looked at it before, so I pre-empted everyone and called dibs before he was even parting out Paid off indeed! If at all possible inspect/look at before you buy, and in the best case, help take it off, that way you will know it if you need anything that was broke or worn, and it will give you an excellent head start in the knowledge area if you are doing the install. Its definately not cheap in the long run, as Ive shown a little of my experiences. But I cant wait for tonight so I can install the Vortech finally!
Edit: If you feel comfortable enough installing yourself, go this route. I like that Im the only one whos worked on it. When you get it tuned you could ask the tuner (who should be knowledgable about these things anyway)to take a look around to make sure things are good to go.And it saves about $1K. A tune can be had for less than $500, dep on EMS. But dont skimp or cut corners because IF it bites you in the a$$ later,you can imagine.

 

my buddy has an engine lift and I may do it myself. dunno if I can afford the downtime with my car, though. How long did it take you?

 

The full vortech kit is less then ideal, considering they products that became available since its release:
Here is what I'd do if I were you:
Vortech tuner kit: 3500 @avalon racing
EMS/fuel: 1400 @ MRC motorsports. Includes a UTEC with all accessories, Walbro pump and upgraded injectors.
JWT oil pan scacer: 100 (tap for oil for the SC through that one, not the upper pan)

You'll have all your parts for about 5K.

Now, why UTEC?
There have been instances when Vortech owners had weird noise at idle. Raising it to 800-1000 solved the issue. This is one of the UTEC functions, so you will not do EVER flash the ECU.

 

I edited my post, read it again. Is your buddy Tony?
I did not install my kit but I could. You where the when I did the clutch Flywheel on the yellow car, right?

 

When I did the un-install it took about 6 hours. And with the knowledge that I got from that as far as lessons learned, I think I can get it done in about 8 hours. My gauges are already in place and functional so thats a big thing out of the way. My Z is my DD also so I had to get all the peripheries in place then the install will go down and be done. You dont need an engine lift at all imo. Just some jackstands.

 

If I where you (and I'm not) I would find a place to do it and then post a date to do the install. I'm sure there are many people who would like to help. I might help if you supply the beer.

 

what's the difference about the tuner kit? does it still come with the FMI and the pulley? that sounds like a reasonable deal for the UTEC+all that

nah.. his name is Brian. He's a master mechanic and has snap-on galore, and everything else but a dyno machine at his house. yeah.. I'll supply a keg

 

This is a good idea, just give yourself a couple days at least if you are going to go all out and get it done in one shot. Make sure you know where the nearest Pep Boys/Home Depot is in case you need something!

 

dude your in va now right,your gonna die with the heat and humidity thats in our region right now.make sure you have plenty of water but its murder out there.i finally got rid of my injen shorty and put the popcharger on today.in 45 minutes i was dripping with sweat.good luck with the install.