Paxton DIY...How Hard is Install?

[ViperRichRT10]

I was interested in installing a supercharger on my 2001 RT10 and wanted to do it myself. I have average mechanical ability when it comes to turning a wrench. If this is a "bolt on" system, why does it take so long to install and what is so complicated? Could those who have installed it give me/us your opinions?

 

[DChan415]

I wouldn't really call it a DIY kit. Theres a high probability of breaking something unless you have a very good understanding of how and why every part goes on the car.

What kind of toolbox do you have?

 

[LIVIPER]

I think the Roe kit maybe a better DIY.

 

[ViperRichRT10]

My tool box is not like one you would find in an automotive shop. Just your "basic" tools (wrenches, etc.) What is extensive or complicated with the Paxton SC? Do you have one or two examples? What would I "break"? I am interested in the Roe but emissions still have me a little concerned since I must pass them to get a tag. Sean from Roe indicated that his SC should pass emissions with the factory cats, but then there is the concern of them overheating and damaging my car. From the Paxton pictures, it looks less involved on the surface so I was wondering if there were some examples of why it is complicated and not a DIY project.

 

[Mike Adams]

Here is a link to a pdf download of the instructions if it doesn't work go to www.paxtonauto.com and the downloads section and download the instructions

http://www.paxtonauto.com/pdf/manuals/4809643.pdf

 

[RedGTS]

Use the search function and read some of the recent threads on the Paxton kit. Several DIY people have had tuning problems with it as well and aren't happy.

 

[ViperRichRT10]

Mike,

Thank you very much for the link. I just printed the info. off and appreciate your help! By the way, with all your experience installing these, approximately how long does it take you to install one?

Rich

 

[Mike Adams]

About 12 hrs if you have experience with vipers

 

[2002_Viper_GTS_ACR]

The kit *****, I am telling you, use the damn search function and see what kind of mess your getting into if you buy this kit, and do the install yourself

I want you to know, I have an extensive tool box, and an even more extensive knowledge of cars. I single handedly/personally installed a 550hp V8 into my Porsche 944S back when I was in college (IT would eat most Modded vipers alive). Worked great for 5 years until I got tired of it. So basically I can fit 50 lbs of [******] in a 5 lbs bag and make it work like a charm. The problem is The paxton kit is just 50 lbs of [******]. PERIOD.

Jon

 

[ViperRichRT10]

Well...No one seems to be saying it's a piece of cake! Rather, some seem to think it's a piece of X*#^! I certainly don't want to end up with a bunch of parts on my garage floor and spend twice as much money later fixing my problem. That usually doesn't go over well with my better half when I do these things. I'll keep researching the best way to cure this HP addiction I seem to be getting!

 

[DChan415]

Its not a piece of cake, but I don't think its a piece of as;dasdkjfh either. I think its a nice kit and has alot of potential. The problem is the install isn't finished after everything is bolted on. Theres some tuning to be done. And I wouldn't consider a rising rate fuel pressure regulator to be "fuel management" for anything over a few PSI. If you take the time to piece together a real fuel management system you'd have a real nice setup.

 

[FE 065]

Do those of you who feel the Paxton kit is not so DIY, think it could have been, but Paxton under-engineered it?


Would using the correct parts have made the kit cost much more?


Or regardless is it just not DIY at this horsepower level?


..Somehow I'm thinking they just blew it by not doing it right the first time for basically the same money, or at least the same ballpark.