Tax return = STS turbo = :) ?

[LS1 TA]

Do you guys think that the STS turbo system is a good $4000 investment. I want to do something simple to the TA with out having to extract the engine, but I want a great gain in HP. Do you guys think this may be the way to go?

[ryan34]

i'm not sure how good that thing is, but remember to also take into consideration the installation cost(unless you do it your self) and also a custom tune...I don't think STS provides one.

[Joe 1320]

Do you guys think that the STS turbo system is a good $4000 investment. I want to do something simple to the TA with out having to extract the engine, but I want a great gain in HP. Do you guys think this may be the way to go?

Rarely is any modification a good "investment".

Once past that, STS turbos has come a long way. The design has some merit and some things to be advised of. Moving the turbo to the rear removes alot of heat buildup from the engine compartment, but it adds heat to the rear area. I'll probably get one myself, and when I do the installation there will be lots of thermal shielding added to the surrounding area around the turbo. There is also the potential for additional turbo lag, this is well suited for v8s but not really the hot ticket for V6s and smaller. The intake air is of concern......It's not really protected from road debris, water, etc. I think I would duct the air from a more shielded place which may create it's own set of problems.


I will also have the intake air ducted from an area more shielded from debris.

[ConElite]

I might be wrong but for $4000, it would be better to go head work, Cam and roller rockers. That should be Less than $4000 and its alot more reliable. im sure u can get into the 400+hp Range with that.Maybe its just b/c I have always been an N/A kinda guy.

[LS1 TA]

Rarely is any modification a good "investment".

Once past that, STS turbos has come a long way. The design has some merit and some things to be advised of. Moving the turbo to the rear removes alot of heat buildup from the engine compartment, but it adds heat to the rear area. I'll probably get one myself, and when I do the installation there will be lots of thermal shielding added to the surrounding area around the turbo. There is also the potential for additional turbo lag, this is well suited for v8s but not really the hot ticket for V6s and smaller. The intake air is of concern......It's not really protected from road debris, water, etc. I think I would duct the air from a more shielded place which may create it's own set of problems.


I will also have the intake air ducted from an area more shielded from debris.

Very excellent points, especially about mods never being a good investment, I guess I meant most bang for the buck.
I have heard alot of concerns about getting water into the intake, luckily living in BFE New Mexico this won't be a problem. They say you can do it yourself, with medium automotive knowledge, in eight hours. I think I will try it out, assuming my tax return is about $4k. When the time comes, where is the best place to get a custom tune?

[ryan34]

I know mail order tunes are pretty popular (i got one), and i know they can tune for cams/heads/headers etc. But i'm not sure about boost...try www.madz28.com or www.pcmforless.com. I would call them to see if they can do turbos.

[LS1 TA]

I might be wrong but for $4000, it would be better to go head work, Cam and roller rockers. That should be Less than $4000 and its alot more reliable. im sure u can get into the 400+hp Range with that.Maybe its just b/c I have always been an N/A kinda guy.

This is probably a very accurate statement, but I have rebuilt alot of f-body 350's here in the past and I am tired of pulling them out and rebuilding them etc. I just want to bolt something on, get the computer tuned, and be happy with the car like that. If you do the heads and cam, you might as well pull the entire thing out and rebuild it while you have it that far apart.

[Mark B]

Use the 4k and buy a bike!

[LS1 TA]

Use the 4k and buy a bike!

I am responsible enough to know I am not responsible enough to own a bike.

[LoudLT1]

what about a supercharger?
might run more than $4,000 but with a good tune you might be close to 450 hp...just a thought

[LS1 TA]

what about a supercharger?
might run more than $4,000 but with a good tune you might be close to 450 hp...just a thought

Great Idea, but I like the sound of the spool and the blow off valve. I just realized you were from El Paso, are there any dyno's down there? I live in Alamogordo

[Joe 1320]

I am responsible enough to know I am not responsible enough to own a bike.

Now there's some wisdom in those words.


Back on the original topic, turbos are just so convenient for the street. Adjustable boost with either the twist of a knob or the adjustment of a wastegate, exhaust driven instead of off the crank for better gas mileage at cruise, it really is a great system that becomes a killer system with a well built and matched auto trans. That's when a turbo car can really rip ya a new one. The ability to keep it at full boost during shifts.

[Mark B]

Not me!! I plan on getting one with my return. haha
Its going to be a cruiser though... Even I can say I would kill myself on a crotchrocket.

How much boost can a stock engine take? I have heard that you shouldnt go past 4-5psi without beefing up the internals. (Maybe im thinking of LT1's though)

[Joe 1320]

Not me!! I plan on getting one with my return. haha
Its going to be a cruiser though... Even I can say I would kill myself on a crotchrocket.

How much boost can a stock engine take? I have heard that you shouldnt go past 4-5psi without beefing up the internals. (Maybe im thinking of LT1's though)

Lt-1s can only take 5-6 tops or the ring lands crush. On LS1s I have no idea.

[LoudLT1]

ls1 ta,
i dont know if there is a dyno in town.
let me ask around..over the weekend...
eddie