SHO Source Turbo Kit

[shopartsnw]

We are in the home stretch and ready to build the prototype. We are also at a major decision point and ask for your input. We have two ways to build this kit, but probably only enough market to support one version.

Option 1) Build the kit to keep the cost down. This does not mean cutting corners, but it does mean no frills. We would use a common turbo to keep the cost lower. As in most setups, you would have to tap into your oil system for lubrication and also install a drain tube into the pan. For reference, this is the same way all the Vortech superchargers from SHO Shop were lubricated. The system works fine, but it does scavange some of your oil pressure and flow that would otherwise go to the engine. Low risk based on the supercharged history, but still a negative of this system.

Option 2) Build the kit with a high end sealed turbo. We found an excellent turbo unit that does not require an oil line or drainback. I was skeptical at first, but after a lot of research, I think this is truely the better option. The main benefit is you do not rob oil from the engine. A secondary benefit is it is cleaner and much easier to install (no oil drain to the pan). The downside is this option would probably raise the cost about $1000 in round numbers.

So ... do you want to keep the cost down or do you want the benefits (and costs) of the new technology?

Mike

 

[LOUDSHO92]

you know what I want...

 

[Striker32]

option 2!!!

 

[randy'sho]

option 2 seems to be the better option, but like you said the vortech sc'er uses the same idea as option 1......for $1000 less, that would cover a new motor if you did happen to starve it of oil pressure! I still think that we need a turbo setup that is based for the guy who can't afford to spend $2500 on his setup, but just wants a safe, low boost for a DD....you guys are great and it shows by this thread!!! with all that said, OPTION 1 would be my preference! thanks

 

[ycode90]

Don't try to reinvent the wheel on a low production kit it could come back and bite you.

 

[shotime1994]

Option 2 all the way. Also do you need a test car?

 

[nothingtoseehere]

Obvioulsy most here will want option 2. You guys need to weigh it out as far as sales are concerned though. SHOforum.com history shows that when gauging interest, people want the more expensive option, when it comes time to part ways with their money, many have all of a sudden lost interest or reply with "Sweet! As soon as I find a job, get married, buy a house, get a divorce and can stop paying alimony I'll buy one"

 

[SHOmethewayhome]

i could have a gen 1 with a refreshed 3.0 delivered to either Cali or Oregon with 5 days notice for a significantly reduced price on said turbo kit if you know what i'm sayin...(like say... forget to remove the turbo kit when i come to get my car back?):wave:


(i went with refreshed instead of 'fresh' on the engine discription since i know it's been rebuilt)

 

[Bob Gervais]

Does the lower cost kit come with all the necessary items to plumb the oil feed and return? That can easily add up to a couple hundred bucks more, if it's not included in the kit.

I would assume that anyone buying this kit has the tools/knowhow to plumb the oil lines, but for those who don't, there's the added cost of modification to the stock engine to plumb the oil to the turbo.

What I'm getting at is, sure, the oil fed option is cheaper, but where's the hidden costs, potential failure cost, etc come into play? It may be cheaper in the long run to go with the more expensive turbo.

 

[SinisterSHO]

I agree with Randy. I think another 1000 buck on a kit is going to price it out of 90% of the interested buyers range.

 

[St Louis SHO]

I'm in for the normal way.

 

[shopartsnw]

Does the lower cost kit come with all the necessary items to plumb the oil feed and return? That can easily add up to a couple hundred bucks more, if it's not included in the kit.

The approximate $1000 difference takes into account oil feed and return lines. The high end turbo is truely more expensive.

What I'm getting at is, sure, the oil fed option is cheaper, but where's the hidden costs, potential failure cost, etc come into play? It may be cheaper in the long run to go with the more expensive turbo.

I am asking myself the same question. The high end option is super cool on features, and may make the engine last longer from not starving the oil. On the other hand, these are 30something year old cars that are, in many cases, worth more in parts than alive.

Thank you for the input guys.

Mike

 

[Bob Gervais]

The approximate $1000 difference takes into account oil feed and return lines. The high end turbo is truely more expensive.



I am asking myself the same question. The high end option is super cool on features, and may make the engine last longer from not starving the oil. On the other hand, these are 30something year old cars that are, in many cases, worth more in parts than alive.

Thank you for the input guys.

Mike

Mike thanks for the quick answers.

IMHO, go with the cheaper kit. It's an easier sell, and it's still a quality kit.

 

[yamahaSHO]

The amount of oil that a turbo or supercharger consumes is VERY small compared to the oil being pumped. There should be a restrictor for the turbo oil supply. I wouldn't even scare people with the fact that it runs off engine oil pressure.

With a bad install, one could lose oil from a leak from improper installation/routing.

 

[shomtx95]

i say the cheaper the better, i cant wait to see these in production.

 

[Toolman]

The amount of oil that a turbo or supercharger consumes is VERY small compared to the oil being pumped. There should be a restrictor for the turbo oil supply. I wouldn't even scare people with the fact that it runs off engine oil pressure.

Exactly. There simply is not enough oil being sent to the turbo to make much difference. My feed line is -4, very small. Also, no oil restrictor here. The SHO pump does not put out enough pressure to be too concerned (under 60psi).

With a bad install, one could lose oil from a leak from improper installation/routing.

True true. The return line has no pressure to speak of, so it will not be too much a concern, but if the feed line is compromised for some reason, the idea of hot oil getting sprayed all over a 1500degree turbo is not fun. But there really need only be two connections per line, and IMO, the threat of failure is lower than a relocated oil filter, and the results less disastrous.

 

[TopGunnYFZ]

Just to ask was there any guestimated prices set? Its either going to be a lifted XJ or a turbo kit dont know which yet LOL

 

[yamahaSHO]

Exactly. There simply is not enough oil being sent to the turbo to make much difference. My feed line is -4, very small. Also, no oil restrictor here. The SHO pump does not put out enough pressure to be too concerned (under 60psi).

To add to that, the Vortech has a very small spray nozzle to spray a fine mist of oil on the gears. I can't recall if there is any restrictor on my STi, but the lines are also very small.

True true. The return line has no pressure to speak of, so it will not be too much a concern, but if the feed line is compromised for some reason, the idea of hot oil getting sprayed all over a 1500degree turbo is not fun. But there really need only be two connections per line, and IMO, the threat of failure is lower than a relocated oil filter, and the results less disastrous.

Ask Ransom if the return line is not much of a concern . I have forgotten to reinstall the fitting before. I caught it right away, but it can pose a problem. Agreed on the connections point.

 

[shobote]

It also depends upon how much total kit prices will be. If we are looking at $3000 neighborhood for option 1 and $4000 for option 2, I would go with option 2. I'll be in the market for a kit at some point, but do not want to be the first one.

 

[pitaSHO]

Three years ago I would have been all over option 2. Now, with my job inconsistant, a mortgage, wife, and baby girl, $1000 is a LOT of money. If the cheaper system CAN be done correctly and be reliable, keep it there. If I remember correctly the original intent was to build a turbo kit that was not priced out of reach. I'm not one to skimp on quality, but either turbo kit is going to be fun, and both are going to be well made. It doesn't have to be the best of the best of the best. It just has to be fun.

My .02.

Chris K.