Another Supercharging Question

[Andy348]

I have read and researched numerous threads about supercharging via AA/ESS/etc. Everyone talks about how reliable they are. However, a lot of people also say that they could easily bring the car to a local specialist if anything went wrong, thereby seemingly increasing potential reliability.

My question is, of those who have supercharged, how many of you would do it again if you didn't have a shop nearby to fix any and all issues that arise? Or, has anyone bought an installed a supercharger without any need to go to a shop to fix it, and are doing well?

It just seems a little bit intimidating when everyone goes 'they are very reliable, but if they're not, just take it to a shop and get it fixed' when in fact there might be no shops within a reasonable distance...

[mkPOTO]

Originally Posted by Andy348

I have read and researched numerous threads about supercharging via AA/ESS/etc. Everyone talks about how reliable they are. However, a lot of people also say that they could easily bring the car to a local specialist if anything went wrong, thereby seemingly increasing potential reliability.

My question is, of those who have supercharged, how many of you would do it again if you didn't have a shop nearby to fix any and all issues that arise? Or, has anyone bought an installed a supercharger without any need to go to a shop to fix it, and are doing well?

It just seems a little bit intimidating when everyone goes 'they are very reliable, but if they're not, just take it to a shop and get it fixed' when in fact there might be no shops within a reasonable distance...

I have been supercharged for a year now and its been a blast. I do it over and over again. The car performs really well and only thing that has been a issue is maintenance I did however has some issues with things failing after the supercharger went in, but that could happen to anyone. I am still happy with the end results. If you have any questions feel free to send me apm.

[Patrón]

it all depends on your mechanical abilities. how good are you with tools and instructions? if you can change plugs, oil and small upgrades like intake and exhaust you should be ok. it just depends on you and your tools.

[VF-Engineering]

Originally Posted by Andy348

I have read and researched numerous threads about supercharging via AA/ESS/etc. Everyone talks about how reliable they are. However, a lot of people also say that they could easily bring the car to a local specialist if anything went wrong, thereby seemingly increasing potential reliability.

My question is, of those who have supercharged, how many of you would do it again if you didn't have a shop nearby to fix any and all issues that arise? Or, has anyone bought an installed a supercharger without any need to go to a shop to fix it, and are doing well?

It just seems a little bit intimidating when everyone goes 'they are very reliable, but if they're not, just take it to a shop and get it fixed' when in fact there might be no shops within a reasonable distance...

Hey Andy!
I think conceptually those are two completely different points.

On one hand you have the satisfied owners of many different brands of superchargers who are happy with the drivability, reliability and service of their supercharger; and on the other end of that you have the disclaimer that if you are worried at all about reliability and service, then having a local "specialist" or shop to rely on should ease those concerns.

Anytime we sell a supercharger, customer satisfaction is paramount. We always begin the discussion by identifying the who/what/when/where is the system being installed. In order to guarantee the results (and subsequent satisfaction of our products) we need to qualify the condition of the vehicle, the installer, and the support system for that particular customer in the event that they need it.

[squartus]

I have over 19,000 miles on my ESS supercharger, not one issue and I had it installed over 800 miles away no shop close to work on it. I just change the oil every 7500 miles and filter ever 15k, and of course more frequent oil and spark plug changes.
If you can do basic fluid and spark plug changes on your car id say your pretty safe not being near a shop that can work on the kit. If any issue does arise it would prob because of a install issue so go over it and make sure everything is tip top before you take it home.

Cant go wrong with ESS, cant speak for the others since I have no personal experience with them.

[Longboarder]

Originally Posted by Patrón

it all depends on your mechanical abilities. how good are you with tools and instructions? if you can change plugs, oil and small upgrades like intake and exhaust you should be ok. it just depends on you and your tools.

This 100%. I'd never have a modified car if I didn't have a reputable shop close by. My M3 and Porsche are highly modified but I have piece of mind with MRF and BBI within a short distance.

I lived in a small town in Hawaii for a few years and while I had an ///M car, no chance was I gonna modify it even though I wanted to.

[W Cole]

Originally Posted by Andy348

I have read and researched numerous threads about supercharging via AA/ESS/etc. Everyone talks about how reliable they are. However, a lot of people also say that they could easily bring the car to a local specialist if anything went wrong, thereby seemingly increasing potential reliability.

My question is, of those who have supercharged, how many of you would do it again if you didn't have a shop nearby to fix any and all issues that arise? Or, has anyone bought an installed a supercharger without any need to go to a shop to fix it, and are doing well?

It just seems a little bit intimidating when everyone goes 'they are very reliable, but if they're not, just take it to a shop and get it fixed' when in fact there might be no shops within a reasonable distance...

How mechanically inclined are you? Installing the ESS kit is pretty straight forward and most of the work is done from the top side so no need for a lift. The instructions are extremely good. As a DIYer one of the most important things for me are good step by step directions and they also tell a lot about a company.

I have a two post lift in my garage and am the type of the guy that changes his own oil even if BMW will do it for free because I can change it in 20 minutes versus 2 hours driving to the dealer, dropping off, getting a loaner, etc so for me it was a no brainer.

If you are not one to want to turn a wrench and don't have a good shop nearby I would say its a no-go.

[JEllis]

I always say this. Read the installation instructions for the SC kit you are looking at. Some kits are more invasive than others.

If your concerned about outside help, and are mechanically inclined, I would install the kit yourself. Which is what I did. After installing it, I was way less intimidated by it, found it very easy to work on (ESS VT2 and then VT1).

I would SC again without question. I have an SC'd 840 currently to satisfy my boost cravings. I am hours away from the nearest tuner.