I've been thinking about getting a turbo for some time now and finally decided to get one. After reading some of the posts on the board some people have led me to believe that a turbo cannot be reliable, what are your feelings? I plan on getting a Greddy kit with one step cooler plugs, EGT, boost gauge, BOV and some additional tuning by a shop that has a pretty good rep.

PS will I still pass emissions?

 

Sure it can. On top of all the stuff you listed pick up that AEM wideband a/f gauge. That is the best way to monitor things. Other than that just be diligent about changing the oil, checking and changing the spark plugs regularly. With proper tuning and monitoring their is no reason your car won't be very reliable. If the GReddy emanage has a good map on it you shouldn't even need any extra tuning as long as your not going to turn up the boost.

 

So do you think getting the extra tuning is over kill? The installer told me that he did not see a kit that did not need the extra tuning.

 

Greddy has a tendency to be rich on there tuning, so I would say if you left the kit at the preset boost out of the box I would not do anymore tuning. Your insaller is right by extra tuning, but he may want to lean things out to get that extra HP out of the kit. then you would have to monitor your motor more. Its all up to you and what kind of chances your willing to take!!

 

I would always fine tune a new map as it will both produce more power and also net you better reliability. Tuning is the key to reliability and will always net you the best gains per dollar spent.

 

I ran an aftermarket (custom) turbo on my previous car with 100% stock internals for over 7 years without a single problem. Tuning is a key factor in reliability so don't just treat it as a plug and play kit, have it tuned to your specific car and environment.