As I am about to put a BBSC kit on my car, I don't really see these as deal breakers. Yes a pain in the ass, but how often are you getting into your fuse box? I have had my car almost 3 years now and I haven't accessed it once. And oil changes are what 2-3 times a year depending on mileage? You can make it work with an angled funnel neck or hose. Also, I think I recall some people just fill the crankcase from other locations that are more accessible.
You are right about the motors blowing up. Yea, I read a bunch of those threads. But those were all before proper engine management when they were using the homemade split second box. I don't think its any more dangerous than any other kit now with proper engine management. I will be running a piggyback AEM FIC on mine.
Bearings and spider gears are definitely not $500. Yikes! I definitely would not be doing this kit if the wearables were that much. I just bought all new bearings and spider gears for cheap. Replace as needed. I think most people stress out because you can't go to a single website and buy everything you need. But its not difficult to source everything. As far as consumables/wearables you only have:
Carrier Bearings (upgraded to sealed for $15 per, needed 3)
End pulley bearing ($10 needed 1)
Spider gear ($25, needed 1)
Gatorback belt (still need to buy this...maybe $15-25?)
My bbsc was a lot more fun to drive than my ctsc, but fuel management wasn't good back then.
I hope that is the case because I was looking for something different and I love the way the kit looks. Agreed, thats why I will run an AEM FIC.
