So I am picking up either a HKS kit or a kraftwerkz base kit for my fit this week. Hopefully getting a good deal for black friday sales.

I wanted some input from people with these kits and are on a budget. I currently stations in rapid city sd, so the closest tune shop in a few hrs away in Denver. Also its snows alot here but I drive around snow banks . Looking for a kit i can put in an pretty much install, forget and enjoy. Reliablity is also key because its my daily and a plan on driving home to Wash DC in the spring.

KWSC : 5 psi of constant power, less strain on motor and runs cooler, keep fogs, cant really increase boost without upgrade. less power than turbo. gods like JDMChris have been running it for years!

HKS: pure jdm and offers more power. Tune for increased gains (plan on around 7 psi once i get it tuned). no fogs (though i do have an idea to use silicon tubes in part of the intercooler pipping to try) seems to be the most reliable turbo kit out there

I am not looking for a 12 sec gd3, juts a bit more balls and fun. Also advice on gauges I need an placement would be great. Installing this myself and want minimum clutter on my dash.

Thanks for the help guys, been reading input on these kits for along time, but since its my time to buy i wanted a bit more specific advice.

 

What you described for your needs is pretty much the KW kit. "Easy install, forget and enjoy - just a bit more balls and fun"

For gauges just get a boost gauge and a ScangaugeII for temp readings.

The HKS will be a pain in the ass if you want to get it retuned as you said the closest tune shop is hours away, and HKS has to be tuned by people who have the right software for it (F-con or whatever, someone correct me).

If you're driving a M/T, you always have the option of upgrading to 10psi high boost with the intercooler & Hondata reflashed ecu - everything you can still do at home instead of driving out to a shop. I recommend getting the top mount intercooler kit even if you're getting just the 5psi kit, it's taken out 40-50F intake temp for me here in socal.

 

I agree with Koi... My car has never had a wrench put on it by anyone other than my ancient self and never been to a tuner.. I installed the KWSC 5PSI base kit 20 months ago and upgraded to the 10PSI high boost kit about 6 months ago.. The only maintenance has been an adjustment of the belt and cleaning and oiling the intake filter.... The power comes on early and pulls as if you've installed a larger engine...I believe it is quite a bit cooler where you are than it is here so the base kit is going to feel great and make plenty of power. When you decide that you need more power you can upgrade to the high boost kit, go to an all after market exhaust and watch V8 powered Mustangs get small in your rear view mirrors ..... Plan on rotating your tires frequently because the fronts won't last long and you will never have to let a tuner touch your car.