vndr09

iTrader: (2)

All right guys, first, I would like to apologize for my lack of knowledge of the turbo upgrade in our 8's. I am 17, and don't know **** about this kind of stuff.

I am going to college in a couple months on a ROTC scholarship, and with my job this summer and my already saved money I feel I can buy a turbo for my 8 in the next 6 months or so. But since it is such a large budget, I wanted to plan ahead a little bit.

I want the Greddy Turbo, not with the Upgrade kit yet because it's too much $$, that will be later down the road. But, once I buy the bolt on kit from, let's say, Fluid for $3.5k, what else will I need???

I know I'll need a BOV (is this really needed??), and perhaps a wastegate (what does this do exactly??). Also, I know I'll need like a boost controller, and guages, but what else?? Name everything if possible (because I'm aware that there is probably a TON) and how they all function/work to help the whole system conduct properly. I'll need proper tuning correct?? Anything else?

Also, as many guys can probably tell just from my two questions, I don't know much. So if you guys think I should know anything more about getting a turbo/super, then let me know cuz I'm open to all info possible.

Lastly, I have the cf Mishimoto intake installed...does this change anything for what I need with the turbo/super? ...or will it need to removed, etc.???

Thanks!!

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

you need :

lots of time
lots of mechanical ability
lots of money

do you have all of those ?
If not don't do it IMO

blackenedwings

There are a LOT of things you should consider before you move in the direction of forced induction. Since you are a young guy I'm guessing that the 8 is your daily driver, which means you need to be prepared for catastrophic engine failure and have a plan if you blow a motor. While there are some pretty reliable systems out there, forced induction puts more stress on the engine and will decrease its life even without a major detonation. You need to be prepared for that before you start buying parts.

Once you have figured that out, you need to decide on which direction you are going to go with super/turbo charger. That will determine what steps you need to take to get a reliable kit. If you are unfamiliar with forced induction and do not want to do a lot of legwork to piece together a reliable setup, you should probably look at the Hymee or Pettit supercharger kits. I can't speak for the Hymee kit, but the Pettit kit is very well designed and has good components and support.

If you go with a reliable kit like Pettit it takes a lot of the guesswork out because you can get a complete package from them and schedule an installation. Even if you go with this route I can't stress enough: do your research. Learn everything you can about forced induction, both how it works, and what to watch out for with your car. An aftermarket FI conversion is a whole different ballpark from a factory car. Best of luck!

myriadshalaks

iTrader: (1)

in case you're worried about the long term, as i understand things, if you spend the money up front to get a quality TC or SC, acquire all the correct supporting parts, and spend the time to get it properly tuned before you give it hell, you could derive many many years of trouble free enjoyment. turbos and scs aren't inherently bad for your car or unreliable. they do after all sometimes come on cars from the factory.

now, should you get one? hell no! there's no reason for a 17 year old to have a TCd or SCd 8. Learn to enjoy the car for what it is before you try to go tearing *** down the street actin' a fool. I know I sound old saying that.

just ask yourself, what do you want a turbo for? to go fast? where? for what?

if you don't answer those last two questions with "the track" and "to win" respectively, you don't need a turbo.

Get an exhaust and a short shifter. doing so makes the car plenty fun for a daily driver.

but if you have to get either a turbo or an sc, and you want the most "bang" for your buck, as you say, but you also want something that won't trash your car, IMo, get the Upgraded Greddy TC and CObb AP from Mazdamaniac and have him tune it. I think I read somewhere that he lives in San Antonio, but I could be wrong about that. It would be cool for you if he did, i guess, but not necessary.

WantedTwo

iTrader: (4)

Jeff lives in phoenix

Bastage

iTrader: (1)

Save your money man. At 17 you should be driving a POS and concentrating on school (and the occasional girl).

If you do that, and stick to it, I guarantee you will have much NICER things later in life, and will appreciate them a lot more.

Boosted RX-8s can be a lot of fun, but they can also be very expensive and time consuming. If you are planning on working while going to school to pay for this thing, then I will tell you now that it's not worth it.

maxxdamigz

iTrader: (1)

I'd say drop $30 on a copy of "Turbocharging" by Corky Bell. It'll teach some rudimentary stuff that you should know. Then, you'll need to learn about all the electronic components that have come to prevalence since that book was written. I the long term cost of FI is much more than the kit its self - sure is fun though.

chickenwafer

iTrader: (9)

+1 for the Corky Bell book. It's the turbocharging Bible. No, really.

You obviously still have a lot to learn, so do some more research. I would honestly say not to do it, it will just equal more headaches for you in the long run.

What happens when a hose melts, the car won't start, or it starts smoking (all things that have happened to me since going FI)? If you don't know how to fix them or have a seemingly endless supply of cash to have shop fix them for you, then avoid major modifications.

Realistically, in addition to the GReddy kit from Fluid, you would STILL need the following in an ideal setup:

-Blow off valve ($200-$250) (You will also need a flange welded on, so another $50 bucks unless you can TIG)
-Gauges and pods (highly variable but anywhere from $400 to $1200 bucks)
-Cobb AccessPORT ($700)
-Catless midpipe ($200-$300)
-Catback exhaust ($450-$1200)
-AEM Cold air intake for AP (Can't remember how much that is, I think $320?)
-Boost controller ($80 for a cheap manual to $600 for a great electronic unit)
-Radiator (You live in TX so you will need this; BHR rad is the way to go- $475 I think)

Assuming you can't install any of this:
-Turbo install can be between $1200 to $2000
-Gauges and BC anywhere from $300 to $600 depending on how many, etc
-Radiator install and coolant flush is usually around $300
-If you buy the AP from MM you get his tunes if you can wait for them, otherwise it's another $400 for custom tunes and dyno time

This is all the bare bones stuff, really. There are more parts to have in the future and parts break, things change, and you will need cash reserves.

As you can see things add up. I think my whole FI system (including EVERYTHING) cost me around $12K if not more. The little parts add up FAST.

Phil's 8

iTrader: (3)

VNDR09, You don't have enough money budgeted. If you will be going to school you need to stay NA as the FI version of the 8 has a propensity for requiring $ and lots of time to keep it up. At your age the money you are saving would be better spent on several girls

Rotr8

iTrader: (2)

I didnt even get my 8 till I was out of school....
But everyone is right,,, it does seem like you need an endless reserve for supporting parts, parts wear much quicker with the added stress levels of the car, not only in the engine bay but because your ride characteristics have now completely changed, you going faster for longer periods of time = shorter life of parts, because of what your now doing with the car...

All in all FI is worth it and worth saving up and waiting for it...

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

all at once - or seperately ?

could be an age dependent thing ......

vndr09

iTrader: (2)

Yup, sounds like i need a lot more time/money to do this...especially at $12k. I was thinking maybe about $6k, then plus installation costs. But ya if it's $12k then I'm a little more ways off. I already do have about $4k at my expense that I've worked for, plus ROTC paying ME to go to college, plus my job, but that'll only total probably around $15k, and I can't use all that towards a freakin turbo haha. So ya i'll wait for sure and thanks for all the info guys.

Should I close this thread or leave it open for others to see if they're interested in getting a turbo as well??

Mspeedpro

iTrader: (1)

My advice?

Enjoy the car and begin compiling an epic build wishlist you'd like to do in the future. It is not overly-pessimistic (or unnecessary) at all to ask yourself: At any given time am I financially able to rebuild the engine and suffer all of the consequences associated with my car being down for SOME time?

There are some very enjoyable mods you can do now and in the near future that will really help you enjoy the car more and pose no threat to your entire financial position. Springs, midpipe, short shifter, etc. I see you have already done quite a few aesthetic mods... keep it up and start saving up (money and knowledge) for a really great build after school!

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

/\ to add to that - you could buy things now that will complement a turbo later .

IE Accessport , Cat back , midpipe , aem intake , oil water guages etc etc

arghx7

after 5 years of tuning and modifying rotaries (started at 19, I'm 24 now), turbo and nonturbo, I'll give you the best piece of advice that you need to hear.

If you want to do significant mods to your car (more than exhaust and suspension and you value your mental health, buy a beater to drive if necessary. When you have the "oh **** I've gotta get this car running" you start halfassing things (hurting reliability and increasing downtime) and getting really stressed out.

PhantomRX-8

iTrader: (1)

Absolutely!! Couldnt have said it better! I went and bought a Tahoe for a daily driver and use the 8 as my toy. So even if I screw something up with my install in a couple weeks, I can still get around without having to say, "honey, can I borrow you car?"

Phil's 8

iTrader: (3)

Hell, leave it open - there are new buyers all the time and they all ask the same questions. Maybe someone will read this thread and be saved asking the question again.

Most of the guys that are FI will not admit it but even $15k is light. My wife says that I have near doubled the price of the car with mods - the biggest being the supercharger and then all the "stuff" that I had to have to make it "nicer" make it go faster.

WingleBeast

if anything, i would reccomend buying a factory turboed car to tinker with first. turboing a renny seems to be one of the most difficult projects in the FI world

vndr09

iTrader: (2)

Why is an AEM intake needed? I have a the mishimoto intake as of now. Will that need to be replaced??

dozer

iTrader: (3)

^just the filter unless you can clean it, like the k&n filter

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

the AEM piping , filter and maf housing work well with the greddy kit and its upgrades .

vndr09

iTrader: (2)

oh okay. so if i understand right, I have two options: Just replace the filters with a K&N drop-in filter (for $70 at Pep Boys right??)...like Dozer said. OORR: Get the whole new AEM intake (which comes with piping, filter, and mass air flow sensor housing) and sell my Mishimoto??

Please clarity. thanks for the info/help

toneskii707

Ever thought about nitrous???

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

Seeing you already have an intake - don't waste money on another one .
Never heard of mishimoto - it may have some parts that could be used . Link ?

kersh4w

iTrader: (3)

here you go bret