would it be a good idea to make a custom turbo, vs buying a kit?

thinking of either buying an f-max kit, or custom. with custom, i can get it piece by piece.

 

easier to get a kit....... it looks nicer too but

more fun if you know what you're doing to do a custom kit... doesn't look as "nice"

i can't stress how you must have a lot money to maintain it if you're going turbo...........

 

take to the guys at turbo-perfomace.com and tell them what kinda turbo and how much boost you looking to run. they're great. custom turbos are fun man.

 

what do youmean by that?

 

I thnk she's talking about the countless people that have either wasted their motors or the money you spend making it better. Personally I don't think there's any reason to buy a kit, as complete as they want to be there's tons of things you want better or different.

 

Definetly go custom. Kits are worthless and a waste of money. U can get exactly what u need when u do custom. Y does a kit look better?

 

I'm working on my own kit ,I found a couple websites to help me.Check out www.homemadeturbo.com.I picked up a used Garrett T3 Turbo from a Saab 900 for $125.I've also picked up some hose adapters and I'm making an adapter plate from my old factory exhaust manifold(I've got headers on right now) to the turbo.I like it this way because it's a challenge, it's alot cheaper and I can get pieces as I can afford them.I'm buying a Synapse check valve from www.nipponpower.com and the TurboXS products(blow off valve and boost controller).Hope this helps, just don't try to rush and finish it faster than you can afford it.If you have anymore questions feel free to ask.

 

I dont know who would think doing a custom kit is fun, personally I think it's a big PITA. If you can do ALL of the work your self then it should be no problem. By your own work, I mean your own welding, install, tuning, etc etc.

Right now I've got all the basics: intercooler and piping, turbo, manifold, wastegate, and a DP. But gathering all the bits and pieces to make up the rest of the kit is somewhat of a pain.

There are plenty of places you can go to get your own piping and flanges, so that you can make your own IC piping and DP and exhaust. You can also get a lot of quality components (BOV, WG, manifold) for low price if you look around for used parts, but you run the risk of getting scammed. If you're gonna buy used parts I'd recommend buying from someone in your local area, so you can see what it is you are buying (pick it up yourself).

Before I install the turbo, I plan on getting a new DP made up that starts out as 2.5" but flares out to 3" . But in order to make up a new DP, I need to install the turbo and manifold. Once that's done I make the DP, and the rest of the exhaust. If I knew how to weld I could do it all myself at my local hobby shop, but since I dont know how I have to get it done at a shop.

 

In reply,I find the challenge fun because I can weld my own tubing at work.I also can create and machine all my own flanges as I took Tool and Die in college.So for me it is fun because as I work on my project I'm helping a few friends do the same thing as well.The more I do the better they'll turn out.I also find it more convinient because I'm in no hurry to finish it so I can scavenge the junkyards when I have time or take my time and blueprint,layout and machine custom parts the I need with care and attention to detail.

 

heh.. guess it pays to have 'friends'... wish you lived closer to here :-P