How easy is it?
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Registered User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 194
From: Charlotte, NC
How easy is it?
How easy is it to build a homemade turbo kit from scratch? I like the STS turbo systems, but I dont have that much money to spend at one time. What all would have to be fabricated, and what kinds of hoses will be necessary? And for those of you who have built your own, how much did it cost you?
By the way its a 1996 camaro, but the motor is out of a 1998(3.8L)
By the way its a 1996 camaro, but the motor is out of a 1998(3.8L)
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 496
From: Wyoming
Re: How easy is it?
Originally Posted by mgray
Unless you are an experienced welder and pipefitter, you might consider the question, "How difficult is it?" If you find yourself asking that question, consider it very difficult. Of course, this is assuming you build well and do not botch something together with a bunch of filler. Look for about nine-thousand dollars to build an entire hot side and cold side. I spent about five on parts, but I crossed many bridges and used more favors than I had coming. I also scrounged for deals on things and have a mediocre system when you look at the materials and processes used.
On a rear mount, I would imagine the costs would be significantly less - maybe four to five thousand to build it. Don't expect to buy a quality TIG machine with that quote, but you would probably be building instead of asking if you planned on that, huh?
On a rear mount, I would imagine the costs would be significantly less - maybe four to five thousand to build it. Don't expect to buy a quality TIG machine with that quote, but you would probably be building instead of asking if you planned on that, huh?
Just have to do it right... i didn't even build the crossover.. i paid for it to be done... still between $6000-6500
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 327
From: Tulsa OK
Re: How easy is it?
if you are resorcefull, buy a good used turbo and find good deal on your parts you should be able too build a decent rear mount for under 2k fairly easly.. you can buy assorted pre bent pipes from places like summut and jegs so if you are good you can do alot of the cutting, fitting, and welding yourself or any open minded exhuast shop could help you
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 595
From: Michigan
Re: How easy is it?
Its extremely hard and extremely expensive.
You have to fabricate headers, cross-over, downpipe, exhaust, wastegate hook-up, intercooler piping etc. and then make sure it all fits. Its the little stuff that ends up being the most expensive. I think I spent around $170 just for the turbo oil feed/drain. Not to mention head studs, all the gaskets, wastegate, turbo, BOV, injectors, dual fuel pumps, boost controller, methanol kit, aluminum intake piping, air filter, v-bands($$$). Granted I did everything in polished stainless steel you could probably save some money there, but you really shouldn't try to skimp on things if you want a nice turbo system.
Then when thats done you have to figure out what your going to do for tuning and if your going to need a new clutch or tranny upgrade to handle the power. Not trying to scare you, just trying to give you a realistic outlook on things.
You have to fabricate headers, cross-over, downpipe, exhaust, wastegate hook-up, intercooler piping etc. and then make sure it all fits. Its the little stuff that ends up being the most expensive. I think I spent around $170 just for the turbo oil feed/drain. Not to mention head studs, all the gaskets, wastegate, turbo, BOV, injectors, dual fuel pumps, boost controller, methanol kit, aluminum intake piping, air filter, v-bands($$$). Granted I did everything in polished stainless steel you could probably save some money there, but you really shouldn't try to skimp on things if you want a nice turbo system.
Then when thats done you have to figure out what your going to do for tuning and if your going to need a new clutch or tranny upgrade to handle the power. Not trying to scare you, just trying to give you a realistic outlook on things.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 496
From: Wyoming
Re: How easy is it?
You can put something together for so cheap it would blow your mind. But over a year your going to be replacing things you originaly bought for better thing because the cheap things didn't last or work in the first place.
If the motor is not "important" to you, then you can build a budget setup and learn a lot. If you want to make it the nastiest beast you can then you better be ready to spend $6000-7000
Remember... some people think there is only one right way to do things. But the fact there is many "right" ways to do something. You dont have the have stainless steel. In fact i think mild is better (less cracking... and cheaper to boot). you don't NEED a intercooler... you dont "need" this and that. People think if you don't do these optional things (though highly recommended) then it isn't "right".... don't let anyone say otherwise.
Good luck. Those 3.8 run hard with boost (and can take a lot of it stock)
If the motor is not "important" to you, then you can build a budget setup and learn a lot. If you want to make it the nastiest beast you can then you better be ready to spend $6000-7000
Remember... some people think there is only one right way to do things. But the fact there is many "right" ways to do something. You dont have the have stainless steel. In fact i think mild is better (less cracking... and cheaper to boot). you don't NEED a intercooler... you dont "need" this and that. People think if you don't do these optional things (though highly recommended) then it isn't "right".... don't let anyone say otherwise.
Good luck. Those 3.8 run hard with boost (and can take a lot of it stock)
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