Good Turbo Kit?

Trixie5

New Member
Oct 27, 2011
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Hi! First let me start off by saying im new and if this is on the wrong forum I apologize.

Ive owned a 2004 Mustang GT for about 6 months now. I like it but it only has about 260HP and I'm looking for a boost. I was searching for Turbo kits for this model and had some luck but all of them were about 6 grand. I really don't want to spend 6 grand since I paid 6 grand for the actual car lol. Im looking to break 400HP if possible. Is this an achievable goal? I'd really only like to spend maybe 4000 max. Can I get a good turbo kit for that price? Oh and what els should I upgrade on my engine? Thanks, any help is much needed.:)
 
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Turbo cars don't run they sit on jackstands :nono:

Seriously though, you aren't going to find a good quality turbo kit w/o dropping at least $5-6K, because most require a tubular k-member, obviously headers, etc... Based on your budget you're better off buying a vortech kit ($3-4K) or trying to find a used PD blower (KB, Roush, Saleen, etc...). PD blower will give you massive torque off idle, centri (vortech) will not be noticed unless you bring the RPM's above 3-4K. Not only are SC's less expensive, they are much easier to install compared to a turbo kit.
 
Turbo cars don't run they sit on jackstands :nono:

Seriously though, you aren't going to find a good quality turbo kit w/o dropping at least $5-6K, because most require a tubular k-member, obviously headers, etc... Based on your budget you're better off buying a vortech kit ($3-4K) or trying to find a used PD blower (KB, Roush, Saleen, etc...). PD blower will give you massive torque off idle, centri (vortech) will not be noticed unless you bring the RPM's above 3-4K. Not only are SC's less expensive, they are much easier to install compared to a turbo kit.
So you don't think a turbo is the best route? Do you think my goal of over 400hp is achievable with a Vortech?
 
Yep, 12 PSI should put you close to 400 RWHP if not above it depending on your other mods (intake, exhaust, cams, etc...). Also if you add a set of 4.10 rear end gears with a vortech, it will help get you into the power band quicker.
 
Yep, 12 PSI should put you close to 400 RWHP if not above it depending on your other mods (intake, exhaust, cams, etc...). Also if you add a set of 4.10 rear end gears with a vortech, it will help get you into the power band quicker.

How much do you think all that will cost me? Basically im just trying to turn my stang into a BEAST with a modest budget. And will 12 PSI blow my engine? I got 120k Miles =/.
 
If you have a good tune, don't exceed 450 RWHP, and aren't constantly hot rodding your car you should be fine. I would most certainly recommend an intercooled s/c kit though. If you're patient you may find a kit on CL, ebay or in the classifieds. Regardless expect to spend at least $3-4K on all necessary parts and a dyno tune.

You can do a google search for "how to build a 4.6 vortech kit for cheap" and find some decent info.
 
Up around the 400hp mark is when forged internals are suggested. Tunes are getting much better with people pushing close to 450+ on stock internals, but for many years it was considered a number that lead to destroyed engines.

Some people are hitting low 12's with out power adders, look into what suspension mods would mean planting that power down. nothing is worse than dropping 4k and running mid to upper 12's
 
If you have a good tune, don't exceed 450 RWHP, and aren't constantly hot rodding your car you should be fine. I would most certainly recommend an intercooled s/c kit though. If you're patient you may find a kit on CL, ebay or in the classifieds. Regardless expect to spend at least $3-4K on all necessary parts and a dyno tune.

You can do a google search for "how to build a 4.6 vortech kit for cheap" and find some decent info.
Thanks for the info! I just want to smoke those fricken Ricers. Now if I wanted to exceed 500HP in the future what do you think I would have to do? Oh and btw can't you just buy a different sized belt for the superchargers to run more boost? Im sorry for my stupid questions.
 
Up around the 400hp mark is when forged internals are suggested. Tunes are getting much better with people pushing close to 450+ on stock internals, but for many years it was considered a number that lead to destroyed engines.

Some people are hitting low 12's with out power adders, look into what suspension mods would mean planting that power down. nothing is worse than dropping 4k and running mid to upper 12's

Funny you should say that. There's a guy in my car club with an awesome terminator. It's orange w/ flames painted on it. Anyways it makes 580 RWHP and he has run a best of 12.2 in the quarter. Numbers like that, this car should be deep into the 11's.

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If you want to exceed 450hp - you definitely need to start saving for a forged motor. Doesn't matter if you want forced induction or N2O. At higher power levels you must have forged pistons and rods or you will be building again very shortly - and sweeping up what's left of your old motor. Comparatively speaking though, there are a number of suppliers out there and a good build in the 500+hp range is not too bad - compared to an old pontiac, mopar, etc. You need to determine what your long term goal is now and purchase all parts moving toward that goal or you will waste money buying stuff twice. Some parts you will have to anyway - ie, you will not use the same injectors on your quest for 400hp as 500+.
Do your homework first. Save big in the long run.

Turbos are more efficient but blowers are easier to install by a mile. Even easier is nitrous -just keep it at or below 125 shot with a good tune on your stock internals.
 
You can make all the power in the world but, if you don't have the suspension to put it down you will be nothing but disappointed. I am a big believer in suspension. All too often I have seen guys with much less power beat guys that had much more power than them, all because of suspension/driving. I say build the suspension then, shop for a good intercooled s/c kit from CL, ebay, or clssifieds. That's just my .02 though.
 
Check out On3 Performance. They make a turbo kit for 2v's that is $1800 or so including the turbo. You can upgrade to a bigger turbo, etc., for a few hundred bucks. People are really happy with the kits.

You'll need a bigger fuel pump and injectors, tune, plus a tubular K-member and A-arms so the pipes can be routed. Even with all that, you can be in about $2500-$2800 with a nice kit.


Or, just go with a simple wet nitrous kit. That's what I did, by far the most fun thing I've ever done to the car. Gained 13mph and knocked off basically 1.2 seconds from my 1/4 time (if I could hook, it'd be more like 1.6-1.7 seconds). I have $416 into my kit... not including bottle fill, but that's only $30. It's comical to piss off your Vortech friends with a little spray...:D
 
I am intrigued. I might have to look into this as well.


That kit is very labor intensive. You need to have lots of tools, a lift, a welder, and lots of time/know-how to install that kit yourself. If you don't, and have to pay someone to install it, plan on at least doubling the total cost.

To the OP, honestly, if you want cheap effective power, you can't beat a wet nitrous kit. You can get a good quality kit with ALL of the safety features for less than $1000. You can make 350 rwhp pretty easily/safely with a kit like that, and I'd put money on it that you'd be more than happy with 350 rwhp for a good while.