The different types of charges, turbos, ... seem to be easy to install. I am a novice mechanic, or maybe a little less. Is this something that should be left to the professionals or ...? Also, is one easier than another?

 

I wouldn't want an amateur touching my car which is why I paid to have mine installed. Have you read through the installation instructions yet to gauge difficulty?

Mark

 

Pinning the crank pulley (a necessary step for any high hp LS1 mod)requires a lot of disassembly. You also need to install intercooler hardware, a new in-the-tank fuel pump, etc... lots of work. And the most important part is a proper tune of the whole system. Some here have done it themselves, they are the minority and are certainly not "novice" mechanics.

 

Really. Don't be fooled by some of the diyer's that pretend they never turned a wrench before their cam install or blower install.

I installed a Blackwing (with help) and that was enough for me.

Mark

 

Well some are harder to install than others however all of them will need tuning and if you don't want your hard work and money to go
Kaboom. You should leave it up to professionals. Just my 02

Kevin

 

"Kaaaaaaaaaa.......Boooooooooooooooooom! !!!!!!!"

 

FWIW, I never even changed my own oil until about a year ago... worked on my blower setup between then and about 2 months ago, and here I am on the heels of finishing up a cam swap and twin turbo install.

My advice: just about any kit becomes "easy" to install when you're reading about it, or when you've already done that kit before. But when you install something for the first time, there is DEFINITELY a learning curve. That doesn't mean it's difficult. I wouldn't call any part of the twin turbo install I just finished "difficult"... but definitely frustrating, time consuming, and trying on your patience. If I had to do it a second time around I think I could do it in roughly half the time... now that I've acquired all the necessary tools and knowledge.

I guess I am saying that yes, a diyer/novice can install a lot of these things. But you have to be process and mechanically oriented, even if you are not a master mechanic. Simple things like making sure none of your bolt holes on the block get filled with coolant or water before you bolt things back on become important (if any liquid gets in the bolt holes and you don't blow it out before reinstallation, the liquid will expand when the motor first heats up which could cause stress or cracks in places you don't want it). Paying careful attention to torque values is also important. I highly recommend that you have a service manual or the SI software that gives you service instructions for a variety of GM vehicles.

The least time consuming route is definitely to have someone else do it for you. But having just fired up my twin turbo car for the first time in months after completing the install a couple of days ago, I can tell you that there is nothing more satisfying than building a beast of a car with your own hands, and of course the advice and knowledge of others on this forum.

 

.........and a FINE job you did too! I really enjoyed reading your post on your TTi installation! Thanks for sharing it with us!

One of the best traits for working on anything is PATIENCE! If you read the directions, then read the directions again, and then follow them, and take your time you'll be fine.

I also agree that you should have a service manual. They make for Very interesting reading actually.

 

I'd say its all a matter of confidence. If your confident, you'll get through it. If your an experienced DIY'er, you'll get it done fairly easy. If your not so good, it will take a long time. The biggest part is having the right environment and the right tools. If you don't have a good shop or garage, or you don't have the right tools or don't know how to use them, you'll have big problems.

 

That is not the statement you want to hear from your blower intaller.
Get it done right the first time. Go to the pro's........

 

We've all heard the three most important things in real estate are location, location, location

Even as a "novice" mechanic I'm sure you're aware that with automobiles it's tools, tools, tools