Getting ready for a Turbo purchase...
 

Greetings,

I am somewhat of a noob. I have been reading some of the posts, lots of great info.

I have a 94 M-edition, I have finished the suspension mods and now it is time for the engine. Shaikh at FatCat is awesome! I followed his advice (chassis brace, poly bushings, sway bar) and then installed his coilovers and I couldn’t be happier. But now I want more power.

First, the goal I have for the end result is:

1. Daily driver, keeping the AC and possibly power steering.
2. I do about 4 HDPEs each year, mostly in the central valley of California. That means the end result must be able to take 20 minutes of hard driving (with a 40 minute break) in 90 degree weather. I also like doing some auto-x.
3. Must be CARB legal, I want to be able to pass smog without much of a problem.
4. Planning on doing most of the work myself, I might have someone else do the tuning if it turns out to be wise.
5. My first purchase will be somewhat limited to 3500, eventually adding more as funds permit.

I do not have a specific horsepower goal, I would rather focus on durability as a primary goal and power secondary.

My initial plans are to purchase a BEGI S-1 kit with some options. This is where I will be relying on the opinions of people that have done this already and of course the people at BEGI, I will be talking to them very soon.

Some of the questions I have:

If I go with a larger turbo, GT2560, will it generate more or less heat than the GT2554?
I am planning on adding the optional rear thermal coolant reroute, is it worth the extra $224?
This question is probably more for the folks at BEGI, what is the best fuel option for the goals I have?
Are there exhaust mods I can do and still be CARB compliant?
I am also planning on adding an oil cooler, are these effective in regards to keeping the engine temperature down?
Is the upgraded intercooler advisable?
I will be adding a better temperature gage, opinions?
From what I have read, with these modifications I will not need to worry about the rear end, transmission or the engine’s internals. Please correct me if I am mistaken.

I just picked up a used 1.8 from another 94, it (allegedly) has 87k on it and it came with an aftermarket clutch (ACT according to the seller). At this time the new engine is not in the car. I am thinking on swapping the engine and making sure it runs before installing the turbo kit.

Thanks, crash94536

I could never live with CARB.

If you got the money for FCM then you have the money to Rotrex from 949racing. As of right now 949's rotrex is the most track ready kit out. The nice thing about Rotrex is pulling it off for inspection would take about 3hrs.

Unfortunately, in California we have to deal with CARB. You are correct that mods can be removed in order to smog your car, but if you get pulled over by a cop that is knowledgeable you could end up with a date with a smog referee. If that were to happen they can require you to have your car re-checked at random. I want to avoid that. At this time, BEGI has the only CARB certified turbo kits. Besides, the Rotrex is a supercharger if I am not mistaken. Not trying to continue an ongoing debate, but I prefer turbos.

Besides all that, I went ahead and ordered the S1 kit yesterday, Stephanie is great! I look forward to the install and I will give updates.

I live in California as well. Don't waste your time with a CARB legal turbo kit.
The rotrex is supposed to be CARB legal if I remember correctly...
EDIT: Shit, just saw you bought it. Get better studs so your turbo doesn't fall off and hope for the best.

Any news on the turbo??
Im also interested n purchasing a kit. but really worried about smog..

You can DIY a reroute with about 1/4 the cost of $224.

Another spam member...