Just to add in on the positive side. I had 150hp nitrous kit on before and was tired of refilling and monitoring pressure. I have owned and driven other turbo cars. Result was to go turbo on the Z. I have had no problems with leaks, lag, or damaging the system. At 5psi i put down just about the same power as the 150 shot. I have put down lightinings and cobras, both with +6# pullys etc. on 7psi, not that it matters. I have surprised alot of people. LS1 numbers coming very soon, as long as the weathers keeps up.
Jeepoo i am sure you'll find it worth the $.

 

Me stupid? Why, because I dont agree with this kind of setup? This is an OPEN forum and if someone post something he or she should be prepared to receive the opinion of other members. If this person dosent want to receive any kind of comment or opinion, then he or she is the one that should'nt write on it. Being this said, I have right to express my opinion whether I like or dislike certain post.
Badasscamaro; You said it yourself: "But some people are not looking for a ton of horse power"...
Yes this kit works, with tons of lag and some hp at the very top end of the power curve, but for $4000.00 its just not worth it.
You want to know why I did express my feel and opinion about this a$$ mounted turbo setup, because I have noticed that every time someone writes something about this kit it just sounds like the same old guys with different user names trying to convince, brainwash and hook their next victim to go and buy this kit. Why? this is no great kit that gives your car wings to fly to the moon.
I just hate to see new guys that are starting to learn about turbocharging being brainwashed about this setup, telling them how "great the kit is".
For you guys out there that want to turbocharge your LT1 or LS1, go get a real turbo kit or supercharger, at least those kits are worth the $4000.00

But if you still want to waste your money dont spend $4000.00 This s_it of a setup can be done for less than $1800.00 with new parts.

1)Garrett turbocharger which is one of the cheapest. Not saying that is not of good quality, Garrett is one of the best, but they do offer turbos for very little money; around $600 at the most, not concidering eBay.

2)Some connecting hoses; $50.00 at the most.

3)Oil return pump which is available from any industrial supplier; around $300.00 at the most.

4)Oil hose; $100.00 at the most.

5)Tial wastegate; around $250.00.

6)Aluminized muffler piping which a visit to the exhaust shop would do for $300.00 at the most.

7)And lets say an extra $100.00 for muffler hangers, bolts, fittings, etc...

For a grand total of $1700.00 if you build it yourself.
But will still end up with a less than mediocre setup.

Have a nice day

 

Hey jonny what do you drive?

Matt

 

an '95 LT1 Camaro.

 

No. It's because you're behaving like an ***.

You could make the exact same criticisms in a far more friendly way. Pity that didn't occur to you.

 

Seriously... I dislike the STS system myself. For my goals *power wise* it may have worked... But there were a few things that made me change my mind. Really minor too - I wanted to keep my Corsa muffler as a start...


Johny-
You do have to give it some credit. It is both unique and shows it puts out some power. It has advantages and disadvantages. I bet there are a lot of people on this board that would get header flange leaks because they dont realize there is a method to cranking down on the bolts. By this token they probably could install their own cat-back. An under-hood system is more cramped, involves moving things around and getting aware of the heat it generates under the hood. The Rear-mounted setup does not add this problem, and also by the same token install is a LOT easier. Also by the same token, you dont need a cat-back exhaust, which effectivly knocks $300+ off the price of your mods...

If you cant do the install at all yourself - then you certainly want the STS kit. Sadly with garage labor at $50+/hr for a decent mechanic, spending 15-20 hours to make sure every last little thing is done right tacks $1000 into the price of the kit. The rear mount is a lot easier to do, and would cost much less to have installed. (If you dont know how the system works though you shouldnt get a turbo, and a cheap price might get people in over their heads - like the civics that run 8psi on 87 octane and blow up their "super powerful" b16 engines...)

Also you cannot just go out and grab the turbo you want off the shelf from garrett. You'd need to realize that the rear mount has the differences in A/R, trim and such. Yes, the spools shown on the dynos recently were un-characteristic of an under hood design on an lt1/ls1 and had as much lag as a supra. That's one of two large downsides to this design - which is not "turbo lag"... The other is sadly the oiling system. As far as I'm concerned, keep it simple and go from there - but it's not a huge problem.

I dont know if you've read Corky Bell's book Maximum Boost, but it has enough information to point out STS's shortcomings and accomplishments. I know very little about turbo cars in general compared to the really harcore guys on here, but after working on a 700hp Grand National, owning several Turbo DSM's and working on a pile of others - I know for a fact that a slower spooling turbo can be a strong advantage for traction alone (on the street). There are some downsides, sure. But there are advantages, and you really need to understand what those advantages are and why they gain you what they do to make a better judgement call.

STS is a cheap and easy route to going turbo. It'll get better as it is around more, and will eventually be a more impressive contender. As it is now, it's more of a niche thing that gives some people an option. Yes you could do it yourself. But some people dont feel confident in that. I COULD build my motor. I COULD port my heads. But you know, sometimes having someone that has a bit more experience and knowledge is worth the cost.

And I'm going with a PTK based custom setup I'm building on my own - and I'm having someone that knows more in his eyebrows then I do in my whole body about 350's- build my engine. You say you'd build your own STS style kit for under $2000 - but I bet it wouldnt be that easy. It's the nickle and dime stuff that adds up and suddenly throws $1000 into the mix.

 

Well written Geoff

Jeepo