Supercharger Install?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 18
From: Lake Ozark, MO
Supercharger Install?
For those that have installed or attempted to install their own superchargers (magnacharger or procharger) how bad (really) was the install. Would you do it again or would you pay the $2000.00 install charges when it was all said and done?
I know my way around tools...but have never installed a supercharger (never really tried to mod a perfectly good $30,000 car --- so I'm a little leary).
I know my way around tools...but have never installed a supercharger (never really tried to mod a perfectly good $30,000 car --- so I'm a little leary).
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,289
Likes: 0
From: Decatur IN
Hi
To give you some ideas, the install is pretty straight forward, and will take roughly 8-10 hours. If you are pretty familiar with hand tools, you shouldn't have any trouble with the install. Magnuson sends very detailed installation instructions with the kit.
One thing to point out, when you have a professional shop install it (LPE for instance!) we not only install the blower, and have the new hood painted to match, but we also have the opportunity to install our testing equipment, and create a custom tune for your car, which always results in more horsepower! Some places simply plug in the programmer that comes with the kit and call it good.
Here's a link to our installed package:
http://www.lingenfelter.com/pack_cor_c5_350cid.htm
Please feel free to let me know if I can answerany questions for you,
Thanks,
Ed
To give you some ideas, the install is pretty straight forward, and will take roughly 8-10 hours. If you are pretty familiar with hand tools, you shouldn't have any trouble with the install. Magnuson sends very detailed installation instructions with the kit.
One thing to point out, when you have a professional shop install it (LPE for instance!) we not only install the blower, and have the new hood painted to match, but we also have the opportunity to install our testing equipment, and create a custom tune for your car, which always results in more horsepower! Some places simply plug in the programmer that comes with the kit and call it good.
Here's a link to our installed package:
http://www.lingenfelter.com/pack_cor_c5_350cid.htm
Please feel free to let me know if I can answerany questions for you,
Thanks,
Ed
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 18
From: Lake Ozark, MO
Ed - thanks, but you guys do these installs day in and day out. Hoping to still hear from the average "do it your selfer".
PS, I am still considering your company if I go the Magacharger way. On the fence between that and Procharger (no hood required).
PS, I am still considering your company if I go the Magacharger way. On the fence between that and Procharger (no hood required).
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Batesville AR
Magnacharger install
As stated earlier the install is straight forward at least from the Magnacharger viewpoint. Hardest part was in dropping steering rack and lowering engine cradle a little to gain access to the crankshaft pulley to pin itand the installation of the HO walbro pump. Not all that hard just tedious, plan on a couple of days and it wouldn't hurt to have a friend to help. Definitely don't rely on the programmer that comes with the Magnuson, but seek out a "knowledgeable tuner", safer for motor and more HP/TQ for the engine. REsearch, research, research whom ever tunes your car. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,251
Likes: 4
For the pros, 8-10 hours is reasonable. For the DIYer double it because you'll second guess yourself constantly and that's good. You'll also waste alot of time drinking beer and standing back to admire your work. Is it hard? The worst part was pinning the crank because you need to remove the rack and radiator and torque that crank bolt on and off. That's where I spent 1/3 of my time. Now I could do it in a fraction of that time. Since my car is off the road from November to April, I took my time in February when the weather was warm enough to work. You could bang it out in a few days though. After the crank bolt it goes quickly and easily. I'd say go for it. If you're like me you'll end up buying new tools because GM uses odd-ball metrics which I had just a few of. But it beats the $2000 price and think of the mods you'll be able to buy with that cash. You will still need a good tune at about $500.
A&A P1SC
A&A P1SC
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 17,786
Likes: 4
From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
$2000 
My Camaro LS1 cost me $700. My Bimmer cost my wife $900 and that was with extra gauges and toys.
$2000 is a rip off.
My Camaro LS1 cost me $700. My Bimmer cost my wife $900 and that was with extra gauges and toys.
$2000 is a rip off.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Brandon, SD
I'm probably more of your backyard, not so experienced mechanic. It took me 4 months to make up my mind just to buy the S/C. I installed A&A kit and it took me 7-8 days of work. I also installed meth injection, WBo2, gauges, racetronix FP, bigger injectors. I live in Colorado and had the car up on stands for the winter, so I took my time. Removing the rack is the worst part, as you have to turn and twist and move it every which way to get it out. The instructions are good, but the best part is you can call Andy anytime just about, and he can walk you through it.
Nothing is extremely hard, its like you said, you don't want to screw up you nice car and all that money.
What made me decide to do it on my own, was at the time I couldn't find a shop a would trust more than me to do the job correctly.
Like its been said a million times also, the tune is the most important part of the install. So even if you do the install, please get a great tuner so you don't blow anything up and you will have a real fun car to drive and buy tires for.
Robi
BTW I would do it again. Go for it, when you get done, you are going to be real proud of what you did and your car.
Nothing is extremely hard, its like you said, you don't want to screw up you nice car and all that money.
What made me decide to do it on my own, was at the time I couldn't find a shop a would trust more than me to do the job correctly.
Like its been said a million times also, the tune is the most important part of the install. So even if you do the install, please get a great tuner so you don't blow anything up and you will have a real fun car to drive and buy tires for.
Robi
BTW I would do it again. Go for it, when you get done, you are going to be real proud of what you did and your car.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 892
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
I would do it again but ive always done my own maintenance. And just like someone above suggested, get the service manuals. Every vehicle ive ever owned, ive always gotten the service manual for it. Doing your own maintenance really isnt that hard nor a big deal at all. Most people are just afraid to attempt it. Once you decide to break the ice and get your hands dirty a little from whatever job youre doing, not only will you save money from labor costs, have a better understanding of your car, and be proud of your accomplishment.
EDIT: Oh yeah, 2000.00 is a ripoff.
EDIT: Oh yeah, 2000.00 is a ripoff.
Last edited by Av8ter; Aug 18, 2005 at 07:08 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,970
Likes: 20
From: San Marcos Texas
I did a IC magnacharger last weekend on my 2004. Took me about 10 hours for the Maggie including a few trips to the autoparts store. 3 hours to install a pillar pod, fuel pressure guage and boost guage. 2.5 hours to install an MSD fuel pump booster. I havn't put the hood on yet. The install isnt that difficult. I had more joy 
installing the guages and MSD. without wiring diagrams I had to dig around to find the right wires... 
installing the guages and MSD. without wiring diagrams I had to dig around to find the right wires...
