JRSC install - do it myself or.....?

[Sonnyballs]

Hi Guys,

With most of the supporting mods now in place (pump, Safeguard, gauges, clutch, etc), the JRSC install is only a few months away.

I'm debating whether or not to install the kit myself or have a shop do it.

I think I have all of the necessary tools and over the last 5 years or so, I've done 3 different engine swaps, replaced several clutches, a rear axle, a couple of tranmissions, several heads, etc on various cars. On my Honda (2000 Civic Si), I've had the head off twice, done 4 different cam set swaps, several intake manifold swaps, headers, ECU's, etc. I think I know my car pretty well and am not afraid to touch it.

I am afraid to do this install myself because I've never done anything like this before and it looks like a pretty major operation. In particular, I am quite intimidated by section of the installation instructions (I've read them several times and can pretty much visualize everything) surrounding the alternator. From what I've heard, this part of the install is a big pain in the butt. I'm also worried about getting the belt tension correct.

Several local Honda dealers will install the JRSC and if done by them, you keep your warranty (which is about half expired at this point). The warranty thing isn't a big deal for me. That's why I bought a Honda and I figure that if the install is done correctly and the car is properly tuned, it becomes a non-issue. I've taken the necessary safety precautions. Additionally, cost for a Honda dealer install ranges from $750 to $900 or another shop (non-dealer) will do it for about $600.

What do you guys think? Cost issues aside, I am very anal about who I let touch my car. I've seen dealers screw things up before and sometimes, the only time I don't worry is when I do it myself and know that I did it right. Like the X-Files say, Trust No One.

Sonny


[This message has been edited by Sonnyballs (edited February 06, 2001).]

[acracing]

Hey Sonny,
I've followed your posts over on the ClubSi board, and if anyone is capable of doing this install, it's you. After reading these boards and absorbing the info, I think that a capable "shade tree" mechanic can handle the install. I share the same views and philosophys as you, particularly when it comes to letting someone else work on my car. So, with that said, I say do it yourself!

One thing though, like you said, make sure you get the tuning right. Be conservative at first, until you know how your car will behave. I say this, because a guy I know here in UT had his JRSC installed by a shop that didn't retard the timing correctly. Sure enough, his motor didn't last. This shows that even an experienced shop can mess up. At least when you do it, you can triple check the details and know it's done right.

[This message has been edited by acracing (edited February 06, 2001).]

[BlownAway]

If you do it yourself, you can take a few extra steps that a shop may not take the time to do. Such as:
Installing a new intake gasket.
Unwraping and rewraping wire harnesses that are too short.
Installing heater hoses long enough that they don't push against the oil filter.
Zip tieing hoses together that might rub holes in each other.
Mounting the pressure switch on the firewall- you're going to "T" up a boost gage anyway.
Holding the SC belt tensioner bracket in your hand so you can see how it works and gets adjusted.

Of course there's other neat stuff like being under the car with your mouth open and finding a little more antifreeze in the hose you just grabbed. Tasty stuff!

[blowncivic]

Oh my god!...motor swaps, cAm RePlacMeNtS, CLUTCHES!?!

DO IT YOURSELF!

If you've done the above, it'll be a piece of cake! I've done it before and it looks tons harder than it actually is.

Anyways, if you've got questions, that's what we're here for.

Good luck. Tom

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'92 Civic Si H/B B18C1 powered and lovin' it!...J&S Safeguard, custom 2.5" B-pipe, Tenzo-R muffler.

Lookin' at turbo kits...

'99 Goped (X-ped) Fully modified, 14.0:1 CR, 17k rpm, 32 mph!

[email protected]

[zip]

Do it yourself dude. It'll be too easy for you.

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Mods

[fastfour]

I'm with these guys. You should do it yourself. I am not sure how the JR warranty is affected if you do it yourself though. It sounds like it hasn't been a problem in the past with some of the guys on this board.

Good luck and have fun. I love mine!

Zach

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94 Civic Coupe/LS Hybrid
JRSC@6psi
Turbo Convert
Import Specialty Automotive (253) 473-2606

[BoostedEX]

Follow the instructions step by step and label all hoses and lines that are taken off or replaced and you should be fine. You'll need a new Throttle Body gasket and Intake Manifold gasket and possibly one step colder plugs. If you have a lot of miles on the car you might want to look at a new timing belt too. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck with the install.

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95 civic EX coupe, JRSC@6psi, BTC set at 3 clicks, 8psi coming soon with all the goodies.......

[Holden]

You'll have no problem with that resume!

Check out my site if you haven't been there before.

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Greg Holden
96 GSR, JSRC @6psi, AEM CAI/RSR 4-2-1/Greddy PE, Cartech 20005/Walbro GSS-342/TPS Mod, JR BTC, KYB AGX/H&R OE Sport/ST 19mm Rear Swaybar
Best 1/4 ==> 13.937 @ 101.41mph
My JRSC Install Site

[Tom Civic]

Who do your trust more them or yourself?

I'm thinking about installing a turbo for a friend and the most I've done is a radio and intake!

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Houston, TX
1999 FBP Civic EX auto SUPERCHARGED Performance: Jackson Racing Supercharger w/fuel pump
Air Intake w/ Hiper Filter, Heat Shield Thermal Research & Development Cat-Back Exhaust, Accel Thundersport +300 Plug wires, Nuespeed Sport Springs, APC Rear Strut Tower Bar, APC Breather Filter, Piaa Platinum Superwhites, Cuzo Hyperwhites Turn Signals
Side Markers with Polarg Superwhite Bulbs Hyperwhite Map/Dome/Trunk light bulbs, APC Hiper Reverse Lights, Generic Clear Bulbs For Rear, Hypwhite License Plate bulbs
Strobe Lights in headlights
VTEC Light
www.geocities.com/tom_civic99

[blwncvc]

Do it yourself, save your cash that you would have spent for the install, and spend it on more toys for your car.
The hardest part of my install ('97 EX Civic) was getting the dern crank pulley off. After I broke some of my cheaper tools, I got it off, I needed to clean the tool box out a little anyway. ;-{)