I'm just curious. What are the things to look for when buying a used turbo/supercharger kit, regarding mileage and quality? I'm just a little uncomfortable with used parts of that magnitude. See, I'm looking to buy a s2000 next year possibly when my GTI's lease is up. And i def want to pack over 300 whp. I'm also curious about buying an already modded s2k. However, the car still needs to be reliable to daily drive. I don't know if I'm clear in my post I'm sorry if I am confusing you.

 

Used kits can be a great way to save $$. It's always helpful to see recent dyno or videos proving that it works and the turbo doesn't smoke. Detailed pictures of it unmounted are also a good idea to see what's there and make sure it is undamaged. Most used kits will be missing a few small parts, but the seller should tell you which ones. (Many new kits are similarly incomplete, but the shop won't necessarily tell you exactly what you need.)

Buying an already modified car can be a good deal if the work was done in a quality manner and the car has not been abused. Unfortunately, there are always a lot of hack jobs for sale.

Tim

 

[QUOTE=timg,Jun 14 2010, 01:03 AM] Used kits can be a great way to save $$.

 

i bought a used kit/used parts, i kind of wish i would've just bought a complete kit like mase's kit cuz i got jerked around by the inexperience of the shop that did the install

i bought a new turbo, everything else was used, and haven't had any issues related to the used products

 

I bought a used Comptech supercharger kit and got BURNED!! Blower needed rebuilding, parts missing, crank pulley had the bolts ground off instead of removed, etc, etc. I rebuilt the kit and made it a nice kit, but it definitely did not save me money in the long run. Make sure you know what you are getting.

I then purchased a new PFAB mani, downpipe, dumptubes, wastegates and turbo. I get it to the house and it doesn't have any of the bolts or flanges or gaskets or adapters. When I asked PFAB, I was told I bought individual parts and not the KIT. Make sure you know what you are getting....

Moral of the story, be it used or new, Make sure you know what you are getting.

 

x2

i purchased the most important turbo pieces from a very knowledgeable person (rob!) who helped me out a TON with other questions/issues that i had

 

I bought mine CTSC used 4 years ago. The only thing I bought was the fuel pump. I saved a lot of money from doing it this way.

 

If it were me, I would buy a Used SC kit (make sure it is complete). Then I would have the SC rebuilt immediately, replace idler pulley(s), belt, and check over every nut, bolt and bracket (replace as needed).

Basically adding $6-800 to what ever the used kit cost you. Worth it to sleep well at night.

 

As far as buying a kit, bring a friend that will know what to look for if you don't. Making sure the turbo is in good order is crucial. Find out why the person is selling the kit. If they get uncomfortable talking about it, it's a good time to walk away.

With a car, you want to make sure it's not a hack job. Look for supporting mods, and work done by a well known shop. When the car has been done right the supporting mods will be there.

It's best if you can see the kit in action, either on a modded car as a kit, or even if it's being sold alone, before it is uninstalled.