If you're looking for a "budget" setup, it most certainly looks like you can piece together a complete turbo kit with everything for $4500-5k, if you buy used. I have strongly considered picking up a used SC/turbo kit, but I'm honestly not sure whether I'll keep the car long term, so it's not a smart decision for myself.

A used greddy kit sounds like a good option to me (sure, you're limited to around 300whp). But, you don't have to waste money on headers/exhaust, just a test pipe will do. If you have a dbw s2k, pickup a flashpro and you're set. Of course you'll need a new clutch after some time (and this assumes you can install everything yourself), but you can boost the s2k and not spend a small fortune it seems.

 

I don't own a supercharger/turbo, but I've done a lot of research. I have made my decision to go with with a Mase turbo kit. However, it definitely does not fit within your budget (brand new).

Kit = $7K
Clutch + Install = $1K (on the low end)
Exhaust (headers, hfc, exhaust) = $1K (optional with the mase kit, but for 350whp not necessary)
Spark Plugs = (all depends on what you get)
Installation = $1K (unless you do it yourself)
Gauges/Monitoring Equipment = $1K

So a minimum of $9K (unless you can install your clutch then knock off about $600). I understand budget is a concern for us all, but here's my $.02. Unless you can wrench, have the tools, a place to do it, the time to do it, and friends that can help (optional, but nice), you're probably better saving your money and buying a new kit. You'll get a warranty and guarantee that you'll have all the parts for the kit. This is no inexpensive game to play. Be prepared for a lot of extra costs after the kit (tires, probably more frequent oil changes, monitoring the engine, and other misc. stuff... the more parts you have on the car the more that can go wrong). Best of luck and keep us posted!

 

As with all things in life, you can often times pay considerably less than MSRP on things, it just may take some more legwork. Certainly, if you've never installed a turbo kit before, piecing together a kit is no easy task, but we're talking about buying a used kit. Yes, sure there will be some parts missing/not included, but if you can install the kit yourself, then you will most certainly know what's missing. It's not THAT hard.

On that note.. whether you have a brand spanking new kit or used kit, someone would be stupid to not plan for down time when installing a turbo kit. This is just how it works, as nothing ever goes perfectly. Heck, you need to drop the pan regardless, and take it to get welded at a machine shop, as there's no true 100% bolt on kit.

Either way, I think going used is a GREAT option for many people (heck, there's a nice greddy kit largely complete FS for ~$2600 for sale w/ a new turbo and nicely coated manifold/downpipe I thought about buying). Add some injectors, a flash pro, test pipe, and some gauges, and you're set. With a new clutch, you're looking at EVERYTHING costing $5k. Not bad.. You can save a lot of money, but you also have to be honest with yourself on what your goals are. Having a boosted honda years ago.. it's nice having the "latest and greatest" components for your car, but don't think you aren't paying for them. The reality is that making a little less power and going with a log style manifold provides great bang for your buck.

If the car is meant to be largely a daily driver, I'd stress looking for the most reliable components as the top priority, and power being the next priority.

 

I completely agree. I never said going with a used kit was a bad option. Heck, it's probably a better option for people with older cars with a little more mileage. To your point there are definitely some great used kits in the FS forum (there's a GReddy one in there now that looks like it's in great shape for a good price).

$7K can go a long way with used parts and doing the install yourself. But for a little more money, you could easily have a brand new kit (there's a group buy now for an SoS kit that meets your power goals and budget, and room to spare on your budget) and still do the install yourself.

Best of luck!

 

Ok well im seeing alot of info back and forth debating kits and such... well what im looking at is:
Skunk2 exh, berk hfc & headers: ALREADY HAVE THEM
SOS SC stage 2: comes with AEM EMS etc: 6025$
A-Pillar tri-gauge cluster: 105$
Above Steering colum AEM Boost Gauge: 245$
AEM Oil Pressure gauge: Already have
AEM Water Temp: 153$
AEM UEGO Controller: 310$
Dry Carbon Plug Covers (cuz i want it): 75$
New Clutch: 650$ (+/-)
Spark Plugs: 80$ (estimate lol not a clue)
NOW FOR THE MATH!

7650$ roughly... plus shipping... usualy free, so we will round up to 800 incase of wrong prices or incase my neighbor who has been a mechanic for 32 years now cant help me install something in the off chance i need it... did i miss anything?

 

Tune... $5-600.
Injectors... $400

Thats another $1000 right there.

 

http://www.scienceofspeed.com/products/eng..._systems_00-05/
DIRECT quote: "For customers looking for high horsepower solutions, we offer upgraded stage 2 systems. These systems improve performance with an increase in boost pressure and include upgraded fuel systems including injectors, fuel pump, & programmable engine management systems." and once again, i have a mechanic for a neighbor, and i know people who can tune AEM EMS... so thats 1000$ i wont be spending for those... hm maybe a nice CF hood with vents

 

the people you know who can tune an AEM EMS, are the familair with tuning an s2k?

would rather spend money on a good tune then the few grand when you have to replace your engine

 

40 pages of information and these are the questions your asking?

 

If I were you, I'd keep researching.