I installed a turbo oil drain fitting into the aluminum stiffener on my 96 2.0L this evening. The install went fairly smoothly, just alot of work. I have spent just under 4 hours and I still have to hook the exhaust back up and tighten bolts down. Run down of procedure: Disconnect downpipe from manifold, remove oil pan, remove the fan for additional working room, drilled and tapped the stiffener for 1/2" NPT thread, cleaned with carburator cleaner, then epoxy'ed a 1/2" NPT - 10AN fitting to the stiffener, cleaned old silicon gasket off stiffener and oil pan, reapplyied new silicone reinstalled oil pan after thoroughly cleaning, then put everything back together. Everyone claims making an oil drain fitting for the turbo is the hardest part of a turbo install. I sure hope so, because that was very fun. 8-) I have a couple photos, which will probably be developed in a few weeks Enjoy, Bryan Pendleton www.probenet.com

Bryan, I'm interested in the 'custom' turbo that you've been working on, roughly how much $$$ do you think you'll have spent at finish and how many psi's of boost are you intending to run? Thanks, Will Hauser

Hey Bryan I am like this guy. Is it cheaper to do it this way instead of buying the whole kit from Knight racing.What are you going to use for a intercooler also I heard the ones of the 90 gt turbos are pretty good to use also. Dont know if that is true or not though.

I have never done anything like this, and I will tell you it is very intimidating, particularly just as the pilot bit breaks through to other side of the aluminum stiffener. 8-) No turnig back now. Seriously, I have spend countless hours researching turbo systems, visiting shops are town looking at other cars, and have "sat" and dwelled on the subject for over a year, I am considered by many to be skilled with my hands (at least with wood), am very meticulous, I have minimal welding experience, some machining experience, a degree in mechanical engineering, and I am still intimidated by the whole project, but it mov'n now. I am hoping for completion around the middle of the year. I didn't decide to do a custom install to save money though. While I am sure you could do a custom install on a tight budget, mine is not. If you are not planning on doing the install yourself, just buy Knights kit. He is very flexiable in out you set up the kit, and you will save yourself alot of work/time/$. I personally like building things, and I get alot of satisfaction from completing projects, hence why I chose to do it myself. As for cost, it is well in excess of $4000. A ceramic ball-bearing turbo is not cheap. As for other details, they can be found on the project 2.0L on probenet.com, but for a recap, I plan to run 12 psi on stock motor, controlled with a Greddy Profec B and Turbonetics Deltagate. I am looking for 200 or more ponies at the wheels, with the stock motor. Bryan Pendleton www.probenet.com >