So I'm back to thinking about a turbo. I don't want to deal with swapping ECUs for OBDII crap. Is the only "real" option the FM stage 1? I live in NC and don't care about the CARB compliance but am subject to emission testing for the next 2 years (I have a 2001 SE)

 

FM is pretty much it for a 2001, if you want turbo without dealing with an aftermarket ECU. If you're OK with a blower instead, FFS offers a coldside blower, and TDR offers a Rotrex. Both of those systems use power and fuel cards in lieu of ECU swaps. Although I suppose you could use power and fuel cards with a turbo too—you'd just have to roll your own, instead of using a kit. Or spec an FM kit without the Voodoo Box (but not sure the point).

 

I have the FM Stage 1 kit on my NA8 and I live in California. I am very much in the same boat as you are around not wanting to deal with ECUs etc. I have had the kit on the car for about 5k miles and they have been without any issues. This is my fun car that gets taken out only for fun drives or track days and I have had no issues with the kit after I got all of the initial post install gremlins worked out that any turbo install will probably encounter (boost leaks, loose nuts/bolts etc.). I did also recently get the car Smogged here in CA, I just made sure I had all of the CARB EO paperwork in hand when I went. The tech ran the EO number in the system, tested the car and it passed with no issues. I know others here will say that its too hard to go to stock for smog etc. I get it, but I personally just do not have the time to do things like this between this and all of the other things going on in life, it is nice to just enjoy the car as is worry free.

 

Just turbo it how you want. 20 year old cars are safety only inspection now in NC playboy (assuming you're already good for 2020).

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-rel...spections.aspx

 

Thanks for posting this! I've been lurking aka researching on this forum for months and I had no idea this happened. I have an '03. It's not 20 years old yet obviously, but there's now light at the end of the tunnel.

 

Following, I'm in the same situation (also in NC) and trying to decide between CARB compliant FM kit or go ahead and get a Stage II kit with Megasquirt and then wire wastegate open, change injectors, and change out ECU each year, drive till ready then get inspected and switch back. My rwhp goal was 250-300 and looks like the CARB compliant kit will only get us to around 200. After seeing the above new 20 yr older rule, believe I may deal with switching it out for three years (mines an 03) so I can get the hp gains I'm looking for. I wish I could ride in one that has the CARB compliant kit so I could judge whether it's worth it or not, so if you ended up getting one or anyone else here in NC would be very appreciative to meet up for a quick ride to see the difference. Thanks.