Supercharger DIY
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From: Shrewsbury MA
Supercharger DIY
For someone who has been challenged with a sparkplug DIY, how reasonable is it to attempt a TPC supercharger install over the winter? I have rebuilt a few engines in the past 30 years (Spitfire, Nova, Mitsubishi) but nothing as demanding as the Porsche appears to be. I have two reasons in support of this DIY, the first is most likely a reduced cost and second is the knowledge gained from the process itself. The cons are an increased cost in having a shop resurect my failed attempt or just not capturing all the available horespower benefit from the supercharger system. Any recommendations from those of you that have been down either road would be appreciated.
I have reviewed the TPC web site a number of times and from my perspective it does not seem to be incredibly difficult.
Dave
PS. TPC told me that their Water/Air Intercooler should be available in 2-3 weeks. The projected cost of the TPC IC is $2995.
I have reviewed the TPC web site a number of times and from my perspective it does not seem to be incredibly difficult.
Dave
PS. TPC told me that their Water/Air Intercooler should be available in 2-3 weeks. The projected cost of the TPC IC is $2995.
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I have no experience either installing a TPC setup or doing serious 993 work but have been hotrodding cars for a while. The biggest lesson I've learned is that there is almost nothing that truly bolts on.
IMO, unless TPC has done some exceptional engineering there will be fabrication involved,maybe substantial. Also, again IMO, the difference between an adequate install and a great one will be based on the installer's combination of fabrication skills and previous experience. Access to the 993 engine compartment isn't tremendous, it may like building a ship in a bottle. Finally, any errors made will be your own to fix or pay for.
But by the same token it looks like a cool project ;-)
IMO, unless TPC has done some exceptional engineering there will be fabrication involved,maybe substantial. Also, again IMO, the difference between an adequate install and a great one will be based on the installer's combination of fabrication skills and previous experience. Access to the 993 engine compartment isn't tremendous, it may like building a ship in a bottle. Finally, any errors made will be your own to fix or pay for.
But by the same token it looks like a cool project ;-)
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From: Spring Hill Florida
Dave,
I have installed two of the TPC kits now into a 95' C2 and a 97' Targa. This is definitely a kick a## winter project as that is the time I had designated to install mine. The install is fairly easy and if you ever have any questions about the install don't hesitate to contact me. Your 95' already has two pieces that are required for the install. You can get the installation downloads directly from TPC's website, and they also come with the kit. If you can do the sparkplug DIY you can definitely do this install.
Dale
I have installed two of the TPC kits now into a 95' C2 and a 97' Targa. This is definitely a kick a## winter project as that is the time I had designated to install mine. The install is fairly easy and if you ever have any questions about the install don't hesitate to contact me. Your 95' already has two pieces that are required for the install. You can get the installation downloads directly from TPC's website, and they also come with the kit. If you can do the sparkplug DIY you can definitely do this install.
Dale
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Geez, $3000 for their intercooler?? That sounds kinda steep. What is a water/air intercooler for a 993 anyways? Let me guess: you redirect your headlight washer lines to spray cooling water on the IC. That would be Kewl.
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From: Los Angeles
a n air to water intercooler is actually a superior intercooler then an air to air... instead of blowing some air through the cooling vains of the IC, it is enclosed in a... box... that has water, im not sure if it uses a coolent as well or not, that is circulated through... i know of such IC that end up with an air temperature at the throttle body of about 40 degrees F. Thats quite a cool of considering the air coming out of the turbo (I assume a SC creates simular temps) are way up there in the triple digit numbers, something around 500 give or take a hundred 
~Eyal
P.S. I think you should go for it, it would be a great project, and shouldnt be to difficult... try not to break anything, things really have a way of, uh... breaking a lot when your deep into such a project.
~Eyal
P.S. I think you should go for it, it would be a great project, and shouldnt be to difficult... try not to break anything, things really have a way of, uh... breaking a lot when your deep into such a project.
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From: FL full time
Dave,
I just had my 96 C2 Supercharged with the TPC kit, but installed by Euroquipe, Saint Charles, IL. They have done the install before and did what I would call a most exceptional of quality. The kit from TPC will require much thought and know-how to pick up where the instructions leave out. There are some areas that must be trimmed/modified or fabricated for proper trouble free operation. The basic kit can get you there, but prepared to spend a lot of time and exercise much care. The end result in my case is just totally unbelievable!!! The power/torque is awesome. The car is elevated to a much higher level. I paid $$ and got a super install. See my thread 'My baby is being supercharged'
Good Luck!!!
I just had my 96 C2 Supercharged with the TPC kit, but installed by Euroquipe, Saint Charles, IL. They have done the install before and did what I would call a most exceptional of quality. The kit from TPC will require much thought and know-how to pick up where the instructions leave out. There are some areas that must be trimmed/modified or fabricated for proper trouble free operation. The basic kit can get you there, but prepared to spend a lot of time and exercise much care. The end result in my case is just totally unbelievable!!! The power/torque is awesome. The car is elevated to a much higher level. I paid $$ and got a super install. See my thread 'My baby is being supercharged'
Good Luck!!!
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From: Shrewsbury MA
Dale Thanks for your offer of advice. I will be in Ft Lauderdale Oct 28-31 but it is quite a ride to Spring Hill. I will also be in Potomac MD Nov 3-5, Mr Bock, where abouts are you in NoVa? Near Merryfield?
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Dave - I say go for it and then you can help me when I’m ready.
As all back yard mechanics say I’m pretty handy around a car (well that goes for me too).
If you need an extra pair of hands let me know, I’m pretty close (Sudbury).
I also know some good fabricators that can make anything out of any kind of metal.
As all back yard mechanics say I’m pretty handy around a car (well that goes for me too).
If you need an extra pair of hands let me know, I’m pretty close (Sudbury).
I also know some good fabricators that can make anything out of any kind of metal.
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From: Shrewsbury MA
Sonny - your on! You obviously have great taste in cars! 
Another thought I had was to do the install and if need be - take it to an expert for a little final "calibration".
Another thought I had was to do the install and if need be - take it to an expert for a little final "calibration".
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From: Chicago, IL
I'll agree with of all the advice posted so far. I had mine installed by Euroquipe including a custom intercooler. Let me know if you want pics. I have tons of them, taken at various stages.
As some have mentioned the kit is of adequate quality. However for a truly professional install (which your 993 deserves) some fabrication will be required (brackets, etc.) If you are comfortable with that, I say go for it.
There are plenty of people on this board who have either installed it or have had someone install it, that should be able to help you out if you get stuck.
PS: Skip the IC from TPC, I don't think its worth it. My custom intercooler that was flow rated to 600HP was around $2K.
As some have mentioned the kit is of adequate quality. However for a truly professional install (which your 993 deserves) some fabrication will be required (brackets, etc.) If you are comfortable with that, I say go for it.
There are plenty of people on this board who have either installed it or have had someone install it, that should be able to help you out if you get stuck.
PS: Skip the IC from TPC, I don't think its worth it. My custom intercooler that was flow rated to 600HP was around $2K.
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From: Shrewsbury MA
Sachin, thanks for your input. I followed your install very closely and it turned out so well. If I was a bit closer to Euroquipe I would opt for them as well. I am researching the install until the holidays are over and them make a decision. I want to be SC'd by spring.
Dave
Dave
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From: Alexandria, VA
Dave,
I'm not sure if I'll ever take this project on but just in case ... could you please take plenty of photos during your effort? A write up would probably be way too time consuming but just a series of photos can be really useful for those of us who may follow in your path. Thanks either way!
Joe
I'm not sure if I'll ever take this project on but just in case ... could you please take plenty of photos during your effort? A write up would probably be way too time consuming but just a series of photos can be really useful for those of us who may follow in your path. Thanks either way!
Joe
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From: FL full time
Dave,
I am very near Potomac, as in Great Falls. I would be happy to show you my car and the professional install by Euroquipe. E-mail me at mr_bock@mindspring.com
I was thinking that as how well the SC turned out and how simple it is compaired to twin turbos, why Porsche did/does not do a production SC? Also no turbo lag!
I am very near Potomac, as in Great Falls. I would be happy to show you my car and the professional install by Euroquipe. E-mail me at mr_bock@mindspring.com
I was thinking that as how well the SC turned out and how simple it is compaired to twin turbos, why Porsche did/does not do a production SC? Also no turbo lag!