True cost of FI

[jwible]

So what does a basic FI setup really cost when everything is said and done. Say a system that doesn't require any internals or head gasket.

Installation costs if it's not a DIY job.
Parts not included in kit -- Midpipes, exhaust, custom fab etc.
Dyno tuning
Driveline reinforcements if needed.
Gauges and installation.
Maintenance cycles and cost for FI system.


My goal is to do a 6-9 PSI system sometime and I'm trying to figure out what it will really cost me once I take the plunge. Haven't decided between Turbo or SC just yet, but for my goal (300rwhp emissions legal) I'm guessing SC would be fine. It also seems to me that SCs are the most bolt on ready kit. Especially the lower boost ones.

What's been ya'lls experience? Kit price plus nickle and diming here and there. Kit price isn't half the total cost. Kit + DIY = total price????

Just curious.

[dot communist]

I hate to be the asshole to say this but there is at least 2 or 3 stickies that answer all of your questions and more. Check out this guys build thread tho.
jordan's massive turbo writeup - 256k no - e30tech.com Forums (http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74816)

[m3saloon]

alot more than you think. Plan for 8k and be happy when its less

[stanksbeamen]

Which one are you thinking about more? I have a TT stg 1 kit and ill do my best to list it out.

-Stage 1 GB on here: $6000+325 for shipping
-Shipped (over-nighted) ECU to NickG in florida, can't remember how much it was but not more than $100
-Help from an experienced friend for install: $600
-Stock cats cut and welded to DP: $80
-Greddy Boost gauge: $150
-LC-1 Wideband: $230 (havent installed it yet but will, $10-50 for bung to be welded in, not sure...)
-Apillar gauge holder (or other): $25
-Boost controller Used Greddy profec b spec II: $150
-Beefed up cooling system: PWR rad, stewart wp, alum tstat housing w/ 80*C tstat DIY= i think it was like $900

This is a rough amount ($9000) of what i've spent so far, probably add another 200-300 for extra things. Oil, coolant, tee's, extra wires, tape blah blah blah. Now what i want/need to do in the future.

-Need to replace Clutch (probably going w/ southbend stg4 ): 750+ will try to DIY but prof. install ~$1000
-RSM's-need to be replaced, before i put my car in storage for this 6 month deployment i had a bad clunk sound from the rear. Hope its not too bad but could be an expensive fix.
-Gauges- oil temp/pressure water temp. I have the gauges w/ the sunglass holder but i have to purchase the senders and install all the wiring so not sure how much more i would need to spend.
-M50 mani conversion: ~$430 (m50manifold.com)
-3in exhaust: Not sure right now, dont want to spend more than ~$800 though.
-stg 2, possibly low comp pistons, rods and stock HG for reliability. $$$

I'm sure there are somethings i've forgotten to add but at the end of the day im happy. I'm sure my wife isnt always happy but i just dont tell her how much some of this stuff was. :) I wouldn't trade it for anything, idles well, drives perfectly and I'm very happy. I drive it pretty hard and haven't had any problems, 10K miles so far and its my DD. :buttrock:alright

[96bmwcosmosm3]

ya my 3k turbo budget build went out the door.... look at it this way, a tune, new injectors and maf of the tuners choice has a total between $1000-$1700..... sigh....

[Shuasha]

Which one are you thinking about more? I have a TT stg 1 kit and ill do my best to list it out.

-Stage 1 GB on here: $6000+325 for shipping
-Shipped (over-nighted) ECU to NickG in florida, can't remember how much it was but not more than $100
-Help from an experienced friend for install: $600
-Stock cats cut and welded to DP: $80
-Greddy Boost gauge: $150
-LC-1 Wideband: $230 (havent installed it yet but will, $10-50 for bung to be welded in, not sure...)
-Apillar gauge holder (or other): $25
-Boost controller Used Greddy profec b spec II: $150
-Beefed up cooling system: PWR rad, stewart wp, alum tstat housing w/ 80*C tstat DIY= i think it was like $900

This is a rough amount ($9000) of what i've spent so far, probably add another 200-300 for extra things. Oil, coolant, tee's, extra wires, tape blah blah blah. Now what i want/need to do in the future.

-Need to replace Clutch (probably going w/ southbend stg4 ): 750+ will try to DIY but prof. install ~$1000
-RSM's-need to be replaced, before i put my car in storage for this 6 month deployment i had a bad clunk sound from the rear. Hope its not too bad but could be an expensive fix.
-Gauges- oil temp/pressure water temp. I have the gauges w/ the sunglass holder but i have to purchase the senders and install all the wiring so not sure how much more i would need to spend.
-M50 mani conversion: ~$430 (m50manifold.com)
-3in exhaust: Not sure right now, dont want to spend more than ~$800 though.
-stg 2, possibly low comp pistons, rods and stock HG for reliability. $$$

I'm sure there are somethings i've forgotten to add but at the end of the day im happy. I'm sure my wife isnt always happy but i just dont tell her how much some of this stuff was. :) I wouldn't trade it for anything, idles well, drives perfectly and I'm very happy. I drive it pretty hard and haven't had any problems, 10K miles so far and its my DD. :buttrock:alright
That's a bit high on some things, but pretty much the ball park.

If you want cheap, go with a supercharger. You can install it yourself in a day.

If you want more power and power potential, bit the bullet and go turbo.

[stanksbeamen]

That's a bit high on some things, but pretty much the ball park.

If you want cheap, go with a supercharger. You can install it yourself in a day.

If you want more power and power potential, bit the bullet and go turbo.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention that i rounded up on most things and i know some or most of the things can be done or gotten cheaper but thats what i have done so far or plan to do. :)

[BMWManiac]

Another cost is the "your ability" cost....

If you don't have the mechanical skills to sustain the kit, then those maintenance costs are hard to calculate and I think, for the average person, these are the costs that are not forcasted when deciding to go FI.

Obviously, if you can build, fabricate, tune, weld, etc. on your own, you are going to save a lot. If you can't, then there are trips to your local performance shop, rental cars, time down not enjoying your car, etc.

[cheechthechi]

Short answer: Make a list of everything you want and how much the setup should theoretically cost, then double that figure and you'll get what it'll end up at.

[RRdawho?]

-3in exhaust: Not sure right now, dont want to spend more than ~$800 though.


I have a nice 3" mandrel v-band exhaust setup available locally that all it needs is a downpipe for a reasonabe price :devillook

Oh and you don't even want to know what I spent on my turbo setup at this point :rofl

[jfdmas]

i had a spread sheet made for when i started doing my build. Its got alot of extras that arent needed and alot of smart shopping. if you need an installer/fabricator you can expect the list to 2x or even 3x the cost of diy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/turbociv/bmwupdatebudget.jpg

id say i didnt use about $500 worth of stuff listed but ended up spending 500bucs worth on other crap. I ran about 7-9psi on this setup before my clutch started to slip.

[5mall5nail5]

I hate to be the asshole to say this but there is at least 2 or 3 stickies that answer all of your questions and more. Check out this guys build thread tho.
jordan's massive turbo writeup - 256k no - e30tech.com Forums (http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74816)


hehe bro there are like 300 threads answering your questions about widebands and RRFPRs too

[jwible]

Thanks for the info guys.

[brycerichert]

VF v3 installed with meth injection for 7,000. This isn't 300 at the wheels though like you are looking for.. it's more like 305-310 at the crank. Good luck!

[SS Ball3r]

i had a spread sheet made for when i started doing my build. Its got alot of extras that arent needed and alot of smart shopping. if you need an installer/fabricator you can expect the list to 2x or even 3x the cost of diy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v371/turbociv/bmwupdatebudget.jpg

id say i didnt use about $500 worth of stuff listed but ended up spending 500bucs worth on other crap. I ran about 7-9psi on this setup before my clutch started to slip.i like the spreadsheet idea

[5mall5nail5]

I have a killer spreadsheet of my build but its nauseating to look at

[SiGmA]

I really need to update my spreadsheets into one. I have 3 from my 3 revisions, and they need things added to them all, and combined into one spreadsheet...

[zak]

You got a walbro for $20? Noice

[Danny318]

all of your extra money, pretty much

[5mall5nail5]

all of your money, pretty much

fixed ya

[rennteknik]

dont forget to add in for a second car..

you will need it..

a beater will make life infinitely easier...

[SiGmA]

A second car is a requirement. I made the mistake of just using my ex's car while we were dating when I started my project.. That made transportation difficult when I dumped her hah. My $250 e30 works great for it tho, and I like it so much better than her hahaha.

[RRdawho?]

dont forget to add in for a second car..

you will need it..

a beater will make life infinitely easier...

this

[jfdmas]

yep. like everyone said, do NOT try to attempt this without an alternate source of transportation.lol

[chikinhed]

There is no 'final co$t' when you are hungry for MORE POWER!

[Danny318]

Seriously, it will cost almost all of your 'extra' money. It never ends, especially when you love your car.