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S5 V8 supercharger install DIY?

5.7K views 8 replies 4 participants last post by  deltav  
#1 ·
How feasible is it for a regular person to do an S5 SC install? I don't care if it takes me a couple weeks. I am no mechanic but I can take things apart and follow instructions. So far I've done mostly small mods myself: JHM short shifter (take out entire center console), auto folding mirrors (take apart door, A pillar), radar detector (take off front bumper cover, route wires through ECU box). Most of that was pretty trivial of course, at least compared to taking apart the engine. :)

I haven't decided on a kit. Does a particular kit have better instructions? I guess I would need instructions that are not vague and have nice, detailed steps.

What are the hardest parts of doing a SC install? Are there any gotchas that could cause problems for a noob? Are there special tools involved? Are there steps that are best left to professionals (checking for leaks or something)? Could I do the install and take it to a professional for a final look over or only if I have problems?

My motivation for asking about this is that the SC is very expensive so a DIY install offsets the cost, and also that I enjoy tinkering with my car and I've pretty much run out of easy mods. :)
 
#2 ·
My fist thought would be that the company that sells the kit would most certainly have a problem warranting the kit if not installed by a certified installer. So your warranty would be in question and from what I saw of my install this isn't the place to start becoming a mechanic although I get the feeling that there are much harder jobs in the auto world. I suppose you could call or email and ask aahnell@goapr.com good luck
 
#3 ·
To be honest I wouldn’t really see much of a problem as long as you are fairly competent and take your time while double checking your work.
The only 2 pitfalls I could see are 1. If you pull your car apart and find it needs a carbon clean then it’s not that easy to do without the right kit. and 2. Flashing the ecu if you don’t really know what you are doing. This is quite straight forward on the s5 though as flashing boxes are available as oppose to the rs4 where you need to have the correct software ect to do it. Or of course you could just send the ecu to the manufacture and they could flash it for you.

As mentioned above warranty might be an issue if you damage something due to incorrect fitment. But if you follow the manual then this should happen.

We have just sent a kit to the states and although the guy is well experienced Its still the first time. I guess it all depends how good the manual is. our rs4 manual is over 80 pages long and makes every effort to walk you through everything step by step. (s5 manual is being written at the moment)
 
#4 ·
You'd need to be mental. From a warranty point of view how would you stand? We're not talking about a bit of wiring or swapping out some mirrors. This is probably one of the most comprehensive mods on a core element of the car's system (i.e. the engine).
 
#5 ·
deltav, your kit is TTS, yes? What is your opinion on problems with the TTS kit's warranty if a noob such as myself does the install?

I'm not sure warranty should be much of an issue. Sure, if I cock up the install and ruin the SC, they might be able to deny warranty. But if it isn't my fault the warranty can't be voided just because someone without a certification turned a wrench. Of course, I would check with the kit manufacturers first.

An 80 page in depth installation manual sounds nice! Hopefully the S5 TTS manual is as detailed. Does anyone know how detailed the PES and APR manuals are? Is there a list of tools needed?

My car only has ~3500 miles on it, so hopefully carbon build up isn't an issue.
 
#6 ·
I applaud your enthusiasm, but I'm not sure that you are aware of what you are getting yourself into. I'm a bit of a DYI myself and I wouldn't attempt this on my car. Someone else's that is another story.
 
#8 ·
While the kit is essentially simple in its operation, there is a fair amount of plumbing, placement of the new cooler for the charger, replacing the intake,running all the fuel rails and of course tuning the ECU and on top of that that there is a distinct possibility especially if you go with the TTs kit of a need for an aftermarket clutch disc upgrade or didn't anybody bother to tell you that the TTs kit eats clutch discs for a snack.
 
#9 · (Edited)
That's not actually true, unless you go drag racing then the stock clutch would most likely hold for all road use.

I don't have experience of fitting pes or apr kits, but I would also disagree with someone being mental if they wanted to diy install. If your a newbi to spinning spanners then yes it's probably a bit in depth for you. But if you have the right mind set, take it steady, and read the manual to the line then I really don't see the big deal. I tried to write our manual for anyone to follow, not just accomplished mechanics. Regarding warranty, if the manual is followed then it should be very difficult to mess anything up. It would all come down to you having the tools needed to complete an install. If you have the right tools then what is the difference between a home mechanic fitting one or a new dealer fitting one for the first time?