How to decide on turbo setup

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Old 08-16-2011 | 02:14 PM
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Default How to decide on turbo setup

So in about 1 month I am the US Gov. is sending me a check for a rediculous amount of money. Some of which is going under the hood of the car as a present to myself. I have the engine in beautiful condition, and running a DIYPNP. Now that I am comfortable (to an extent) on tuning it, I am researching the turbo setup I want.

I'm debating between the FM "no electronics" package and the BEGI S4 with all the bells and whistles. Both comapnies have great reputations for quality, service and POWER!

For those of you who have already pulled the trigger, how did you decide whom to spend your money with?

FWIW, this is not another "I'm dreaming of a turbo setup but won't do it or if I do, cheap out" thread.
Old 08-16-2011 | 02:49 PM
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call each. who makes you more comfortable?

I like bits and pieces of both vendors.
Old 08-16-2011 | 02:54 PM
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I've heard great things about both. I would feel comfortable with either systems. I hear that the FM is a little easier on the install and a little more reliable, but the BEGI has more options and R&D into it. Just looking for some real world experiences that aren't biased, and if there are any real reasons to pick one over another.
Old 08-16-2011 | 03:08 PM
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Personally I'd want a BEGi kit with FM's silicone lower rad hose and silicone coldside IC pipe.
Old 08-16-2011 | 04:13 PM
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FM so far I have had great customer service for me. Can't vouch for begi. Don't have any experiance with them but heard good things.
Old 08-16-2011 | 04:21 PM
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I like the quality of the FMII. But the Intercooler is small and the DP is a bitch to do. Them vbands would be baller...
Old 08-16-2011 | 04:21 PM
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I'd love to offer advice but I like the buffet approach where you take a little of everything you want. There are some beautiful custom exhaust manifolds and downpipes being done by ARTech and ABSURDflow just to throw a couple of names out there. I also like the idea of a cheaper ebay intercooler, etc.

If you have to get a kit you can choose which pieces to source yourself. It isn't an all or nothing thing with FM or BEGi kits.
Old 08-16-2011 | 04:29 PM
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Definitely down for v-band exhaust from artech. That is one my list. The FM down pipe isn't that bad to fit. Just find someone with small hands and 14 wrists. The FM intercooler comes in two sizes. I've got the smaller one with no heat issues yet. It pretty efficient to my knowledge. Not an expert but daily driving with the hydra running on the lap top the intakes temps are only a few degrees up from ambiant. Just got mine going so we'll see how it goes when I start romping on it harder.
Old 08-16-2011 | 06:05 PM
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I've had 2 miatas with both with a FM kit. The install was easy, the parts are quality, and FM will back their products.

No experience with BEGi, I know at least in the past I've heard of issues (parts taking a while to be shipped, wrong parts being shipped, slow customer service), haven't really seen much lately. It did seem like eventually everything would get sorted out.

But if I do it again, I'm going to take bits and pieces from many companies.
Old 08-16-2011 | 07:20 PM
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What sixshooter said. Artech or ABSURDflow manifold and downpipe, churbo, ebay intercooler kit, rebuilt rx7 injectors, oil/water lines, and you're done.

If you want to go with a pre-made kit, I don't blame you. I don't have any BEGI experience, and only a few small parts from FM, and with that said I'd prefer FM with their fabulous customer service.



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