FMIC or not?

[black97spyder]

Okay so my dad just bought a '90 tsi awd 5 speed a week ago. Well I was driving the car with him in it, not boosting, and the turbo inducer nut backed off and tried to get sucked through the turbo... luckily it didnt get sucked through but it completely trashed the 16g that was on the car.


My 97 tsi awd is down for several months and getting a new turbo setup on it. He is wanting to buy an ebay 16g..... I told him that is definitely not the way to go and that instead of wasting his money on an ebay turbo, I offered to let him use my FP mani, FRESHLY rebuilt MHI 20g, oil feed line and j-pipe and told him to buy a VRSF FMIC with the money he was gonna use on an ebay turbo.... well he thinks it would be better to buy the ebay 16g and everything needed to run it, instead of buying an FMIC, "modifying the car" and using my great turbo setup. (And I will be doing 100% of the work)


He said he just wants the car to run... which a new turbo will cost the same as a FMIC pretty much, plus he would get to use my complete turbo setup. Which would save him lots of money for now (which he said he doesnt have much of)

so this comes to my advice question... is my advice the better advise for this situation or is his way the better way to "just get it running"??

Thanks for your opinion guys!

 

[ErikTande]

Check the classifieds, there are several MHI 16g turbos in awesome shape for less than a FMIC. I'd go that route.

 

[eDeclpse92]

You could find a good used replacement turbo for the same amount of money if not less on the classifieds here or craigslist as it would cost for an ebay turbo. Does this car have everything else to support your turbo set up? For example, fuel pump, injectors, AFPR, tuning software and sensors...etc?

It sounds like the best route to go would be just to get a replacement turbo from someone. You said he doesn't want to put a lot of money into the car so I would say get a used 14B (always pretty cheap and very reliable) and check the side play and if need be rebuild it or if the play is fine, just put it on there.

 

[VtecvrsTurbo]

Check the classifieds, there are several MHI 16g turbos in awesome shape for less than a FMIC. I'd go that route.

+1^^^

Iv'e been in the market for about two weeks looking for a 16g (jut got one) and theres tons of them for sale. I paid $250 and is near perfect. A 14b can be found cheaper, but harder to find in good condition (as it seems).

Post in WTB and about 5-10 people will text you everyday, competing against each other to sell theirs.

 

[jkeesee21]

If he isn't looking for the performance it is more worthwhile for him to do what everyone on here is saying, check the classifieds. Or like VtecvrsTurbo said, post a WTB ad. Win-Win.

 

[black97spyder]

He is looking for some performance. He is looking for 13's in the 1/4 mile. Already has a bluetop 450cc injectors, tubular o2 housing, full 3" exhaust, cometic mls head gasket and ARP head studs.... with the same amount he would spend on an ebay turbo or turbo from the classifieds he could buy a fmic and then for FREE get my FP mani, freshly rebuilt mhi 20g turbo, jpipe and oil feed line
So that would give him pretty much everything he needs for his goal except dsmlink, a wally 255 and some 850cc injectors (currently has the upgraded stock 1g fuel pump).

 

[wdbagger]

So, you're upgrading from your 20g, or is the 20g your upgrade? I'd only offer up the 20g if you weren't planning on using it. I wouldn't "lend" the turbo, it's your dad. There are a few turbo rebuilders here on the forums with excellent reputations. Check out what they can do for you, or see what they have for sale. You could always check out the classifieds, craigslist, etc. I myself, would go to someone with a good rep I can trust.

 

[VtecvrsTurbo]

If the turbo is free from you, then why would he buy a different turbo? I was under the impression you would want the setup back in the near future.
If thats the case, why wouldnt he just get the FMIC and rock your old setup?

 

[gieri002]

My brain hurts.

 

[Spoolingaround]

He is looking for some performance. He is looking for 13's in the 1/4 mile. Already has a bluetop 450cc injectors, tubular o2 housing, full 3" exhaust, cometic mls head gasket and ARP head studs.... (currently has the upgraded stock 1g fuel pump).

I would recommend just picking up a 14b for cheap. I believe someone is selling a 14b, mani and o2 for like 200 on the classifieds right now. I would trust a used 14b over an ebay 16g.

14b will put you in the 13s.

 

[Bud92gsx]

Your dad must not realize that ebay is not the place to skimp on a turbo..Ebay is the place to cheap out on intake and exhaust stuff like that.

Also unless the car is an automagic the blue top 450s are the stock 1g injectors.

He wants the car to be able to tun 13s wellllll http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-miscellaneous/60008-how-run-12s-close-stock-1g-awd.html

 

[dsmspick]

Your in Independence KS? Someone in the KC area probably has a turbo for you. I sold all the 14bs I had. We have a FB group called Kansas City DSM. I would never buy an ebay turbo ever! Just find a used 14b and you will be good to go. Your idea with letting him use your setup is fine until your car is now ready for the setup and you have to take it off and install it. Not hard to do just more work then if you just found a 14b and put it in. With the nut backing off the 16g you could also get that rebuilt, but with the nut backing off it doesnt sound like it is a true mhi, I could be wrong though.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Dad is listening. Has anybody put the VRSF FMIC on their 1G car? I would like to retain my fog lights as I do alot of driving for work and there are deer everywhere that I need to see, would hate to hit one in this cute little car, so any input on the fog light issue will help me make decisions. And son, if you are donating the parts to the car, lets get it running again. If they are a loan, then I will need to just get a replacement, be it a 14b or 16g like is on it right now. I am listening. Thanks to all!!! Since I am new, please be kind and maybe someone has a good used turbo that would do the job.

 

[Bud92gsx]

Dad is listening. Has anybody put the VRSF FMIC on their 1G car? I would like to retain my fog lights as I do alot of driving for work and there are deer everywhere that I need to see, would hate to hit one in this cute little car, so any input on the fog light issue will help me make decisions. And son, if you are donating the parts to the car, lets get it running again. If they are a loan, then I will need to just get a replacement, be it a 14b or 16g like is on it right now. I am listening. Thanks to all!!! Since I am new, please be kind and maybe someone has a good used turbo that would do the job.

Thank you for listening.Were just trying to save you a major headache down the road.

Theres a few threads on keeping the fog lights let me see if i can find the big merged one for ya.EDIT All i can find right now is the 2g with fogs thread right now ill keep looking.

 

[GRAVEDIGGER]

Dad is listening. Has anybody put the VRSF FMIC on their 1G car? I would like to retain my fog lights as I do alot of driving for work and there are deer everywhere that I need to see, would hate to hit one in this cute little car, so any input on the fog light issue will help me make decisions.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/new...-install-1ga-possible-keep-oem-fog-lamps.html

http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/newbie-forum/390888-vrsf-punishment-racing-fmic-question.html

PUNISHMENT RACING FMIC KIT: 1990-94 ECLIPSE/TALON - Punishment Racing

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

Thank you very much. I am wanting to try to keep a stock appearance and follow some of the advice at the same time so my ears are open and mouth shut.

 

[95DsManiac]

If your wanting to keep it stock looking then the 14b or 16g used is all you need like very one has mentioned. Now if your son is literally going to give you these parts (which he still hasn't mentioned to us if it is a loan or gift) the It would make for a fun little car with a. Couple more supporting mods. But if your only looking for 13s and stock looking appearance then you would be ok with the 14b or s16g, and your sidemount. 13s are easily attainable with 300awhp or even less than that with your side mount. It does have its boiling point though. Why also is he set on VRSF? You can get them cheaper then that for your power goals. It not like we're pushing 30-40 psi through this thing. At tops 20-24psi can be had with a used Fmic for under 309.99 vrsf list price. Honestly there's little we know to what you want but you want a stock is appearing 13s car. What is you budget, or what exactly do you want for/from your Dsm?

Anthony B.

 

[Boostdriven]

Dad is listening. Has anybody put the VRSF FMIC on their 1G car? I would like to retain my fog lights as I do alot of driving for work and there are deer everywhere that I need to see, would hate to hit one in this cute little car, so any input on the fog light issue will help me make decisions. And son, if you are donating the parts to the car, lets get it running again. If they are a loan, then I will need to just get a replacement, be it a 14b or 16g like is on it right now. I am listening. Thanks to all!!! Since I am new, please be kind and maybe someone has a good used turbo that would do the job.

Welcome to the community. You made a good choice of car, yes DSMs require attention but if you maintain it, it will last you a long time.

I've been friends with your son for some time now and he actually told me about your broken turbo, I've seen pictures of it and its not pretty I spoke with him a bit ago and it looks like he made a mistake assuming that the turbo on your car was a 16g, its actually a 14b which is factory for your car. I have a 14b turbo sitting on a shelf collecting dust. It's in good shape, it came off a running car with about 115k miles on it. Exhaust housing does not have any cracks. It's missing a wastegate actuator but the one on your turbo right now will work just fine. $50 dollars with put that turbo at your door step

Your son said that he is going to give you his FP manifold, definitely take that if you were going to spend $300 dollars on an eBay 16g I would just spend that and buy a 1g intercooler kit, that will be money better spent then eBay 16g. If you're not going to buy bigger injectors or some kind of tuning device I would stick with a stock 14b turbo, for now anyways. Get a 2.5" down pipe and a get rid of the cat and you should have a nice daily driver.

If you're going to do any more mods to the car, wideband should be a priority on your list, plxdevices make a good unit and its very compatible with ECMlink, that's for the future of course

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

What a generous offer. Let me talk to him and see if he is donating or loaning because I don't want to have to take it back off when it is time for him to use it, so if its a loaner, I will take you up on it. The car already has cat delete - 3" exhaust all the way back. This car has had every bolt that could be loose, loose. All I am really wanting is a stock looking dd but a little more horse's under the hood. I have build SBC's and Camaro's, Chevelle's, Nova's...you get the picture, for almost 40 years and taught him the nuts and bolts of cars when we built his 86 Z-28, now he is one of the most knowledgable mechanics I know and very good with DSM's and I am the learner, but I know my way around any car very well because I have always had to build them, never bought one. I will stay in touch and let you know about that 14b as soon as I get a chance to talk with him (i work days and he works nights). I am excited to learn "new" things and am willing to listen. Thanks for being "kind" to a 50 yr old "newbie"!

 

[black97spyder]

Yes its gonna be a gift. All I expect is to be able to drive it to work until my 2g is running in the spring. I figure its alot better to buy a fmic and get several upgrades at once until he is ready for more upgrades in the future(wideband, dsmlink, 850's). .... in my heavier 2g awd with the same turbo and mani setup at 14psi on stock injectors and no tune I ran 14.20 @98 mph without being able to launch my auto, so Im sure he can easily hit 13's with my old setup at around 14psi with his 5 speed

vtecvrs turbo- yeah that's the point I was trying to make with him. Beacuse I have a t3 hx40 setup im going to use on my 2g now. So I think he will easily be able to run 13's with my old setup and a fmic

edit - see dad, now is a good time for this
http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/ven...2g-fmic-fall-group-buy-now-free-shipping.html

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

What about a good used FMIC or the PR model, what do you think? They need to fit and retain the fog lights and I know you had problems with yours and had to remove them all together. The VRSF model is 24" wide I believe and I'm not sure if there is two feet of room between the fogs.

One more thing, I don't want to remove my overflow tank like the VRSF model requires is why I am asking about the other options. Thanks.

 

[Bud92gsx]

The overflow dont worry about..You can easily move that.

With a used fmic your gonna run into the same issues with the fogs most likely..So unless the person you buy it from has the 1ga fogs installed with the fmic.Your fog light issue will remain the same.Since the 1g has a metal crash bar.You actually could drill new holes and move the fogs out further..Thats just a thought tho.

 

[Boostdriven]

If you have a hard time finding something that will work with stock fog lights then I would just get whatever intercooler kit works best for you and just replacing those 20+ year old fog lights with some after market ones. You will have to custom mount them, and if you get good ones they will put out more light then the factory fog lights.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

This is getting off topic for the thread but Tiago Viera at VRSF says there new kit WILL work with the fogs per his email to me yesterday. Just so everyone will know. All the info is really appreciated guys (and gals).

 

[Bud92gsx]

I have not heard of that brand..

The vrsf is the cheapest dyno proven fmic there is..

You could tho keep the fogs if u went with like a supra intercooler..Keeping the total stock appearence and good for what300/350 hp..its an option if u dont want people to see a big ole fmic on there.