DIY Whipple install discussion, advice, tips, and lessons learned

[GhastlyTT]

My Ford Performance branded Whipple kit will be delivered tomorrow provided no courier delays . I intend to do my own install this weekend. I figured I'd start a thread where the self-installers on here can share their advice, tips, and lessons learned from doing their installs . Please, no posts why you think it's a bad idea or to lecture us for giving up our warranties. This is for the DIYers and we all have our own reasons for doing it ourselves.

I'll add my own experience post install. Does anyone that has already done theirs want to share? Cheers!

Sponsored

 

[Q6543]

Great idea and timing… I should start mine this weekend.

It’s been sitting in the corner for a few weeks now

 

[Magic88]

Great idea and timing… I should start mine this weekend.

It’s been sitting in the corner for a few weeks now

will be following this to see how it goes for you. I've watched a couple videos on it, doesn't seem too complicated and you save yourself what, 10k?

Good luck, can't wait to hear what you think after install and first drive!

 

[roadpilot]

No, it doesn't cost $10K to have an ASE certified technician install it. If you pay that much for labor for an install, you're an idiot.

 

[Zig]

No, it doesn't cost $10K to have an ASE certified technician install it. If you pay that much for labor for an install, you're an idiot.

Intelligence doesn’t indicate outstanding traits.

 

[Q6543]

I was quoted 2k for install, but I have been wrenching for decades now. Just needed to free up some time.

should be fun actually!

 

[GhastlyTT]

Same, Ford estimated a $2k install for me as well. I asked out of curiosity when I was sitting in the lobby waiting for them to return my car after their 3rd attempt at getting the alignment back to FSM spec after I installed all of my suspension upgrades. Regardless of how representative the failed alignments ordeal is of why I hate going to the dealer for service, I bought the car to upgrade and wrench on myself. It's my current hobby car and the satisfaction I get working on it and feeling it perform afterwards keeps me feeling young

 

[Magic88]

Same, Ford estimated a $2k install for me as well. I asked out of curiosity when I was sitting in the lobby waiting for them to return my car after their 3rd attempt at getting the alignment back to FSM spec after I installed all of my suspension upgrades. Regardless of how representative the failed alignments ordeal is of why I hate going to the dealer for service, I bought the car to upgrade and wrench on myself. It's my current hobby car and the satisfaction I get working on it and feeling it perform afterwards keeps me feeling young

Is there any benefit by paying that 2k to have a dealer install it? I'm assuming the engine blows up, there's no warranty. I've seen them listed for sale with warranty, but guessing it's just the supercharger that's covered?

Sorry, total newb on superchargers.

 

[GhastlyTT]

Is there any benefit by paying that 2k to have a dealer install it? I'm assuming the engine blows up, there's no warranty. I've seen them listed for sale with warranty, but guessing it's just the supercharger that's covered?

Sorry, total newb on superchargers.

For the stage 1 kits that offer warranty, Ford Performance or Whipple would assume, within limits, part of the 3 year 36k mile powertrain warranty. It's a great benefit if you want to go that route but of course it costs you that labor up front for the peace of mind that it would bring you. I just get greater peace of mind knowing I did it right rather than gambling on someone else, and if I do it wrong, well then it's an opportunity to learn why and a chance to do what's necessary to fix it.

 

[roadpilot]

Is there any benefit by paying that 2k to have a dealer install it? I'm assuming the engine blows up, there's no warranty. I've seen them listed for sale with warranty, but guessing it's just the supercharger that's covered?

Sorry, total newb on superchargers.

Based on the conversations I've had with some installers: For those kits purchased with a warranty: The SC is warranted for 3yr/36K miles from time it is installed. The vehicle itself remains covered under its own 3yr/36K mile bumper to bumper warranty and the 5yr/60K powertrain warranty. It must be installed by an ASE certified technician to have this coverage. If you install it yourself (assuming not an ASE certified technician) and it blows up, not only is the SC not covered, but if it damaged the vehicle, that won't be covered (under the mfg warranty) either.

 

[roadpilot]

... and a chance to do what's necessary to fix it.

Which is perfectly fine until that "what's necessary to fix it" costs you more than what it would have cost to have an ASE certified technician install it.

I've been wrenching since the early 1980s. I'm sure I could install this myself. However, I have a good friend who is an ASE certified technician. I'd pay him (likely less than the $2K) to install it (or help), and keep my warranties intact.

 

[Magic88]

Based on the conversations I've had with some installers: For those kits purchased with a warranty: The SC is warranted for 3yr/36K miles from time it is installed. The vehicle itself remains covered under its own 3yr/36K mile bumper to bumper warranty and the 5yr/60K powertrain warranty. It must be installed by an ASE certified technician to have this coverage. If you install it yourself (assuming not an ASE certified technician) and it blows up, not only is the SC not covered, but if it damaged the vehicle, that won't be covered (under the mfg warranty) either.

That makes it really easy for me, 2k to the dealer, and 8k to you for the explanation. What's your mailing address?

 

[Zig]

That makes it really easy for me, 2k to the dealer, and 8k to you for the explanation. What's your mailing address?

Hey wait, i’ll do some ‘splaining for 7.5k.

 

[roadpilot]

Hey wait, i’ll do some ‘splaining for 7.5k.

Too late, homie. All mine!

 

[Magic88]

Hey wait, i’ll do some ‘splaining for 7.5k.

Best 2 out of 3 on @roadpilot's Hockey game in his basement takes the cake

Sponsored