Engine Turbo Self-Install

Turbo Self-Install

Okay, I've seen a lot of people talking about the TSI turbo kit for the 1zz-fe like those
here http://www.prostreetonline.com/pso/pages/details.asp?productsku=TSI-TC26B1X
and here http://www.turbo-kits.com/corolla_turbo_kits.html#contact
My question is, they say that they're a direct bolt on, but has anyone on the forum actually bought one of these kits and installed them himself? Or has anyone installed their own turbo in general? I'd like to know if they really are a direct bolt on, since it seems like there would be problems with the intercooler piping making its way through our engine bay and getting stuff like the oil lines hooked up without fabricating. Thanks for any info.

When i had my kit installed...the only thing thats somewhat difficult to do was to tap the block for the oil return line. You cant tap the oilpan because its totally full at 4 qts, you have to tap higher on the block... other than that, it was some mounting of piped and stuff, but nothing extremely difficult. Nothing you couldnt do without a couple friends...but it would be much easier with access to a lift.

would installing a turbo on our rollas improve gas efficiency? would it void warranty?

yea, warranty will be gone, no doubt. And it will burn more gas because it takes fuel to make power, if you keep your foot out of it, there wont be a major loss of MPG, but driving like i do would def decrease fuel economy

i noticed an increase in mpg on the highway, but a definite loss around town...and when you step on it for long periods of time...ohhh boy. I managed 18 mpg one tank (I was racing around everywhere) but i also managed 38 mpg on a long road trip.

So if the block has to be tapped for the oil return line, how would the "direct bolt on" kits with "all the necessary hardware and fittings" do it? They say that you don't need to fabricate anything, that you can just bolt their turbo kit right up. Any ideas? Thanks for the info

drilling the block isnt exactly fabricating... and they probably havent actually tested the kit on an 03 because you cant tap the pan for the return line...so i dont know.

so crovax, do u have this kit?

nope, i bought a kit for the MR-2 and adapted it to my car...basically custom fabricated everything.