At Graveyard Performance, we've installed thousands of aftermarket parts in our Syracuse shop. After watching customers tackle everything from simple boost controllers to complex engine builds, we've learned one thing: setting proper expectations is everything.
That's why we've created this comprehensive installation difficulty guide for our entire Gravedigger product lineup. These aren't manufacturer estimates - these are real-world times and difficulty ratings based on actual installations by our certified technicians.
Whether you're a weekend warrior or seasoned mechanic, this guide will help you make informed decisions about DIY versus professional installation.
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Our 5-Level Difficulty Rating System
Level 1 - Basic (🔧) Hand tools only, 30 minutes to an hour, perfect for beginners
Level 2 - Intermediate (🔧🔧) Basic tools plus specialty items, 1-3 hours, some mechanical experience helpful
Level 3 - Advanced (🔧🔧🔧) Multiple specialty tools, 3-6 hours, solid mechanical knowledge required
Level 4 - Expert (🔧🔧🔧🔧) Professional tools recommended, 6+ hours, extensive experience needed
Level 5 - Professional Only (🔧🔧🔧🔧🔧) Specialized equipment required, professional installation highly recommended!
Level 1 - Basic (🔧)
Gravedigger Electronic Boost Controller
- Installation Difficulty: Basic (🔧)
- Estimated Time: 1 hour
- Required Tools: Basic hand tools
- ⚠️ TUNING REQUIRED: Professional tuning needed after installation ($250)
- Special Considerations: Plug and play hardware installation, but vehicle must be tuned to run properly
Gravedigger Mazdaspeed 3 Battery Tray
- Installation Difficulty: Basic (🔧)
- Estimated Time: 1 hour
- Required Tools: Basic socket set
- Additional Parts Required: 51R Battery (not included)
- Special Considerations: Simple swap, but requires purchasing specific battery size
Gravedigger Returnless Fuel Line Kit
- Installation Difficulty: Basic (🔧)
- Estimated Time: 30 minutes
- Required Tools: Basic hand tools
- Prerequisites: Requires existing fuel system modifications
- Special Considerations: Quick installation for vehicles already running returnless fuel systems
Gravedigger Power Steering Reservoir
- Installation Difficulty: Basic (🔧)
- Estimated Time: 1 hour
- Required Tools: Basic hand tools, drain pan
- Special Considerations: Direct replacement, drain existing fluid first. Use ATF for new fluid.
- Installation Difficulty: Basic (🔧)
- Estimated Time: 1 hour
- Required Tools: Basic hand tools, drain pan
- Special Considerations: Direct replacement, system bleeding required after installation
Gravedigger Mazdaspeed 6 Catback Exhaust
- Installation Difficulty: Basic (🔧)
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
- Required Tools: Socket set, jack and stands
- Special Considerations: Bolt-on installation, no cutting required
Level 2 - Intermediate (🔧🔧)
Gravedigger Mazdaspeed Carbon Fiber Grill
- Installation Difficulty: Intermediate (🔧🔧)
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
- Required Tools: Basic tools, cutting tools (Dremel recommended)
- ⚠️ CUTTING REQUIRED: Permanent modification to vehicle
- Special Considerations: Measure twice, cut once - this modification cannot be undone
Gravedigger Ethanol Content Kit
- Installation Difficulty: Intermediate (🔧🔧)
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
- Required Tools: Basic tools, wire strippers, electrical connectors
- Wiring Required: Some electrical work needed
- Special Considerations: Follow wiring diagrams carefully, test connections before final assembly
- Tuning Required: This kit does not require a tune to be ran, but running an ethanol content higher than E20 will require custom tuning. ($250-450)
Gravedigger Mazdaspeed 3/6 4" Intake
- Installation Difficulty: Intermediate (🔧🔧)
- Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
- Required Tools: Basic socket set, screwdrivers
- ⚠️ TUNING REQUIRED: Professional tuning needed after installation ($250)
- Special Considerations: Vehicle may run poorly until tuned, check all connections
Gravedigger Gen 1 Mazdaspeed Crash Bar
- Installation Difficulty: Intermediate (🔧🔧)
- Estimated Time: 2 hours
- Required Tools: Socket set, jack and stands
- Special Considerations: Direct replacement for OEM crash bar, alignment critical for proper fitment
Gravedigger Gen 2 Mazdaspeed Crash Bar
- Installation Difficulty: Intermediate (🔧🔧)
- Estimated Time: 2 hours
- Required Tools: Socket set, jack and stands
- Special Considerations: Direct replacement for OEM crash bar, alignment critical for proper fitment
Gravedigger Turbo Oil Feed Line
- Installation Difficulty: Intermediate (🔧🔧)
- Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
- Required Tools: Socket set, oil drain pan, new oil/filter recommended
- Special Considerations: Drain oil before installation, replace oil and filter after completion
Level 3 - Advanced (🔧🔧🔧)
Gravedigger 2007-2009 Mazdaspeed 3 Triple Gauge Pod Kit
- Installation Difficulty: Advanced (🔧🔧🔧)
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Required Tools: Interior trim tools, wire strippers, electrical connectors, multimeter
- Wiring Required: Extensive electrical work needed
- Special Considerations: Dashboard disassembly required, follow wiring diagrams precisely
Gravedigger Tubular Exhaust Manifold
- Installation Difficulty: Advanced (🔧🔧🔧)
- Estimated Time: 3 hours
- Required Tools: Full socket set, torque wrench, engine hoist/support
- ⚠️ TUNING REQUIRED: Professional tuning needed after installation ($250)
- Additional Parts Recommended: New gaskets required
- Special Considerations: Remove passenger and rear engine mounts to move engine forward for firewall clearance
Level 4 - Expert (🔧🔧🔧🔧)
Gravedigger Mazdaspeed Returnless Fuel System
- Installation Difficulty: Expert (🔧🔧🔧🔧)
- Estimated Time: 5 hours
- Required Tools: Full socket set, fuel line tools, electrical tools
- Wiring Required: Extensive wiring and manifold installation
- Special Considerations: Complex fuel system modification, fuel safety protocols essential
- ⚠️ TUNING REQUIRED: Yes $250-450
Gravedigger Mazdaspeed 6 Transfer Case Caps
- Installation Difficulty: Expert (🔧🔧🔧🔧)
- Estimated Time: 8 hours
- Required Tools: Full socket set, transfer case jack, torque wrench
- Additional Parts Recommended: New seal kit strongly recommended
- Special Considerations: Complete transfer case removal required - major undertaking, consider professional installation
Gravedigger Mazdaspeed Built Long Block
- Installation Difficulty: Expert (🔧🔧🔧🔧)
- Estimated Time: 12 hours
- Required Tools: Complete engine tools, engine hoist, torque specifications
- Additional Parts Required: Basic gaskets not included, parts transfer from old engine
- Special Considerations: Major engine work, professional installation strongly recommended
Level 5 - Professional Only (🔧🔧🔧🔧🔧)
Gravedigger Stage 1 Engine Build Kit
- Installation Difficulty: Professional Only (🔧🔧🔧🔧🔧)
- Professional Installation Required: Machining and professional assembly required
- Special Considerations: This is not a DIY project - requires professional machine shop and installation
- Recommendation Prior to Purchase: Take your engine to a machine shop to make sure you can use an 88mm piston. If the engine needs sleeves, you will want 87.5mm.
Products Requiring Professional Tuning
Four Gravedigger products require professional tuning after installation:
- 4" Intake System
- Electronic Boost Controller
- Tubular Exhaust Manifold
- Port Injection Kit
Budget an additional $250 for tuning. Your vehicle may not run properly until professionally tuned.
Making the Right Choice for Your Build
Choose DIY if:
- You have the right tools and workspace
- Your time estimate matches our shop times
- You're comfortable with the complexity level
- You've budgeted for tuning when required
Choose professional installation if:
- You're unsure about any aspect
- The project exceeds your comfort zone
- You want warranty protection
- Time is more valuable than money saved
Why We Created This Guide
After 15 years in the performance industry and thousands of installations, we've seen every possible outcome. The customers who succeed with DIY projects are the ones who go in with realistic expectations.
This guide isn't meant to discourage DIY - it's meant to help you succeed. Whether you tackle the installation yourself or bring it to our Syracuse shop, we want your build to be everything you envisioned.
Get Expert Help When You Need It
Our certified technicians install Gravedigger products daily. If you're in Utah or the surrounding area, we're here to help. Can't make it to Syracuse? We work with installers nationwide and can recommend qualified shops in your area.
Questions about a specific installation? Call us at 801-769-6929 or email Sales@graveyardperformance.com. We'd rather answer questions upfront than troubleshoot problems later.