Well I just finished adjusting all of the pipes and tightening the v-band clamps. It doesn't look like I'll have any rattles and after some trial and error all of the pipes line up and the clamps are seated nicely.

The turbo was very difficult to get in place, for anyone attempting this, make sure to remove enough of the fiberglass piece next to the A/C piping into the heat exchanger. The instructions say do say to trim, but I underestimated how much. The A/C pipes really get pushed up against the radiator housing.

All I have left is the oil supply line, water lines, and intercooler piping. Then of course tiny stuff like connecting all of the vacum lines and sensors for gauges. I put the wideband sensor on the top of downpine number 1, sticking straight up on top of it. From what I've heard, I think this is optimum. So if everything goes alright tomorrow, I should be up and rolling.

I've heard mixed reviews about the AAM oil pan spacer and line, is there anything I can do to make sure that I don't get the oil drain problem? I have the line routed and hand tight on the spacer now, it seems like its in a good position, should I try to zip tie it up somehow so that it has more of a downward angle when it gets to the fitting on the spacer?

Deffinitely much more of a project than I estimated, but deffinitely happy that I've done it myself (until the engine blows haha). I've taken my time and tried to get everything just right. Only complaint about the kit is that the wastegate didn't come with different springs, and between the wastegate, BOV, and compressor, there should be 5 vacum fittings, I only have 3, 2 straight and 1 90. I am having a rough time locating two more at the stores in my area, no one seems to have the 5'16 thread to 1/8 barb fittings. Oh and yeah, the turbo is a very tight fit thats for sure, I hope I dont have to take it out any time soon.

 

Props to you for doing it yourself. Good Luck and be safe with the new power!

 

Well, good job. It's a pain and you seemed to have all the problems I had. Which were not really problems. But this kit is defiantly a tight fit. So far as the oil return, there wasn't really any problems. There was just a lot of speculations that were proven wrong. No need to zip tie anything on the return line. It will work fine. Just make sure on all the fittings there, that you put a good amount of RTV sealent on all the AN fitiings.

 

Congrats man. You'll have to get some pictures up when you get everything done.

 

Congrats on doing this yourself.

 

If the oil return line is too long and has any bends, I would cut it just a bit shorter to eliminate any kinks. I wouldn't want to take any chances with that. Also secure the ends with band clamps down tightly. Oil leaks mess up the whole motor, tranny and exhaust.
Nice progress, and Congrats on the DIY.
Pics would be good also.