It's clear you're not a turbo fan
@slow84lx. I don't disagree a turbo's going to be more effort, but in the case of a well-fitted kit the amount of fabrication you have to do isn't quite as extensive as you describe. Let's be a little more fair.
Vortech
- down for a day or two while you bolt it in
- upgrade the fuel system
- tune
- gives you ok power from idle to redline, you'll still get beat by a modern Hyundai
- sounds like your alternator bearing is going out
Turbo
- down for anywhere from a weekend to maybe a week, biggest pain is removing and installing the headers
- some fabrication might be required on an ill-fitted kit, and it's a more complicated installation (easier than H-C-I though) but well within the grasp of DIY
- upgrade the fuel system
- tune
- gives you nothing from idle to boost, then gives you neck-snapping torque to redline, you'll keep up with the big boys
- makes cool sounds and stuff
I've been running a turbo reliably since 2009, never blown a head gasket or had any other problems. A good tune and reasonable boost settings and you'll have no problems. I've never had a supercharged v8, my old Grand Prix GXP was a blast to drive, they're cool too.