I had already ordered the Fast Intentions CF kit and ended up adding their test pipes to complete the turbo kit. Installed it all at once. The FI kit is AWESOME no doubt but next time I'd go for the GTM test pipes only because the fit would be more exact since they have the turbo there for mock up. I just worried that if it wasn't spot on you'd be putting pressure basically right on the turbo and an exhaust leak might be easier to come by. So far so good.

One thing about FI cf kit and test pipes, I can't cold start the car in the garage because it shakes the house...baby doesn't like that. Once it warms up the sound is much quieter but on first start it sounds like a full out track car.

With the resto history you mentioned, you'll have no trouble with the kit.

 

GTM gives you the tune. Since I'm not at the track competing for tenth's, their box tune is totally fine.

FWIW the only real MF'r of the whole entire job was the 1/2" nut on the back side of the turbo mount. You need a 90* open ended wrench (which I didn't have at the time) and I threw entire expletive dictionary at that nut during the process.

 

How do you rate the install?

10 being hardest.

 

Maybe it's like child birth and the pain fades (so they say) but I am thinkin around 6-7.

It takes time and you have to be patient. This is not my daily driver so it was down and I was okay with it. Also, my car has 1500 miles and there wasn't a stuck or rusted bolt in the entire job.

 

Good news man. My exhaust is pretty friggin loud as it is, and I will definitely get the GTM test pipes when I get the kit, so it might be too loud (if that's even possible. Lol)

Oh man this is way too tempting dammit.

Drive to GTM and pick it up? Or wait a lil bit. Decisions decisions.

 

Drop it off at GTM!!!!

 

I think Tainui's review is gonna create a whole bunch of garage techs! Great job!

 

wow that mini write up makes me wanna install my own kit now lol