the_pony_express

Hey guys,

I've been thinking hard lately about pulling the plug and getting the X-charger; I keep hearing nothing but good things about it and I'm ready for the upgrade. If I decided to go for it, would get the Hi-Po plus kit without a tuner and I would do a self install with my mechanic buddy. I just had a few questions about what costs I would be looking at.

With the specified kit, how much would it be for the shipping? Also, are gauges a necessity or can I hold off on those until I gather some more savings in the future?

Thanks for the help.

killdar

I def recommend getting an xcharger. Hopefully the intercooler for it will be coming out soon. Makes the car a blast to drive.

Torch_Vert

Gauges are "nice" but not required with the "X"

Call Dave at EE, I'm sure if you give him your zip code he can give you a shipping quote

tx_zstang

Gauges are not required but they can save you from destroying your engine.
Mainly you need to make sure your air/fuel ration and fuel pressures are in proper ranges. Running too lean under boost can lead to detonation, and major engine damage.
Gauges help alert you to possible lean conditions or lack of fuel (which results in a lean condition).

You also MUST have a good tune. You can't just slap it on and go. You'll probably be changing the fuel injectors, too; the tune has to account for that of course.

If you haven't upgraded the rear end, start looking at doing that. Search here for advice and ways to go. Most f/i peeps use a 8.8 rear end, as they are stronger. You can stick with a 7.5 if you upgrade the differential, but even that might not hold up to the extra power. It depends on how you drive it and on the tires, too; with sticky tires, the rear end will absorb more of the forces and the 7.5 tends to distort a little, tearing up the internal spyder gear teeth.

Otherwise, yeah, get blown!!!

the_pony_express

Ok good info, thanks.

What are some good gauges and gauge pods that are reasonably priced? I'm not looking for anything over the top, just something that will get the job done.

As far as the tune goes, I have the Xcal 3 and I'll have Doug at Bama send me some updated tunes. Don't worry I lurk around these boards much more than I post; I'm familiar with the NuclearMuscle incident

Thanks for the help.

JimC

I have the Xcharger and installed a boost and AFR wideband. Rather than a pillar mount or the on dash pod, I went with the Roush vent pods - I think they look good in the dash, still get air flow through them (just can't direct the flow), easy to install and at less than $30 each relatively inexpensive as well.



And I know my badge is off center, plan to work on it this weekend - got it level, but ended up too far left

the_pony_express

Wow that looks really good! I was looking at the dual A-pillar pod, but that actually looks alot better and more subtle.

What gauges are the best to go with? Obviously boost for one, but I've heard of some going with air/ fuel ratio and others with fuel pressure.

28HopUp

Thanks for the pics Jim, and congrats on your installation.

killdar

I think I'll go boost, afr, and speedometer, not sure if ill do the dash pod or three roush vent gauge pods

Torch_Vert

I like having fuel pressure and boost/vacuum monitored.