ATI vs STS vs Standard TT vs ??? - Which one would/did you choose?

[Z06TN]

First let me say "Hello!" to everyone here. I've been reading this forum for a week or so, and I been impressed by the attitude of the members. Everyone seems to get along pretty well and respect each other.

I am new to Corvettes. I'm not new to performance cars though. I've had many (mostly Ford) including several high horsepower (500 - 700HP) Mustangs.

Anyway, I was deciding between a 2005-2006 Mustang or a Corvette for my next project. After much research I believe the Corvette is much better suited to make a fast street/strip car, especially in the chassis and traction areas.

I will be getting a 03-04 Z06 in the next several months, and I am a big fan of forced induction. I have never had a turbo car, but I am very interested in playing around with one.

I am experienced in engine and transmission building and custom engine management tuning (mostly with AEM's EMS using MAP/speed density). I have a shop with a lift and all the tools I need, so install complexity and tuning is not a concern.

I want to use the stock engine at first, then later build a 400+ cid forged engine. I will need something that I can easily turn up the boost on, probably around 14-16 lbs max.

What I am looking for eventually is 700+ RWHP.

I've been looking at different options, and here are the ones I am leaning toward:

(1) ATI Procharger
(2) STS Twin Turbo
(3) Standard Twin Turbo Kit

There are advantages and disadvantages to all three. My car will just be driven for pleasure and also see the drag strip on a fairly regular basis. I've also been considering doing some autocoss as well, but I'm not sure.

I would especially like to hear from people why have one of these systems installed or installers that have experience with them.

Here are some of the questions I have:

Can I use the stock GM computer, a boost sensing MAP, and tuning software to eliminate to MAF and tune using speed density?

What do you like/dislike about the system you have?

Would you choose something else next time?

I look forward to seeing what everyone has to say.

Thanks for your time!

[Pakisho]

Wow.

Tought one. All of the above mentioned will hit your goal of 700rwhp without much trouble. Its hard NOT to make power with these cars.

The rest depends on your preference. There has been a lot (and I mean a TON) of hype about the STS lately. Time will tell but it certainly is a budget TT kit that merits consideration for now. The other TT kits range from poorly designed cheapo stuff to hyper expensive Lingenfelter setups that I secretly lust after when the Centrifugal Gods arnt looking.

Procharger (or vortech/paxton) will get it done as well. I love my centrifugal setup, and wouldnt ditch it for anything short of a lingenfelter TT.

But keep in mind that any of these power adders are a significant undertaking and will demand time and money to keep at 100%. Supporting mods will also be required, and that can cause the bill to escalate beyond what you may be envisioning.

[IT L GO]

Kenne Bell, if you don't mind having a big bulge. :oo:

[Z06TN]

Originally Posted by IT L GO

Kenne Bell, if you don't mind having a big bulge. :oo:

Yeah, I did look into the KB, but I'm not a big fan of the hood change. Other than that it looks great.

[Z06TN]

Originally Posted by Pakisho

Wow.
But keep in mind that any of these power adders are a significant undertaking and will demand time and money to keep at 100%. Supporting mods will also be required, and that can cause the bill to escalate beyond what you may be envisioning.

Yes, I am all too aware of how expensive it can get. My current Mustang, which I am in the process of selling, has a Vortech. I've spent over $30K on the engine and drivetrain.

[Don Benson]

I suggest you also look at the ECS-Paxton Novi supercharger kit. ECS is getting 725-775rwhp on forged 346's (using LS6 heads) with their kit...pretty stout numbers.

Don

[silvertp]

The STS has my attention. I like the additional weight spread low and to the rear; keeping much of the heat out from under the hood; and the simplicity of no belts to align, shred and replace.

All methods will require forged parts to reach your hp goal...and Im sure all will put a smile on your face.

Silvertp

[BMERETR]

I went with the sts kit
more boost than a stock motor can handle
very little mods to car
good feadback
local tuner to install and tweek system
very happy
549 rhp
543 lbft
8 lbs boost
on meth

[Z06TN]

Originally Posted by BMERETR

I went with the sts kit

Any issues with ground clearance using the STS?

[MikesZ06]

Procharger is not a bad option to consider either

Frankly, any of the FI systems you mentioned will probably make you happy. It's all a matter of preference.

Mike

[BMERETR]

no more of a issue than the car itself

[ZO6 AL-X]

I would go with a TT setup. Since I'm in California, I would have to pick the STS.

Like other said, it's just a matter of preference, since these are all good FI choices.

Alex

[Pakisho]

Waitaminute.

Why does being in CA influence the choice? The STS isnt carb legal yet?

[undertaker]

Originally Posted by BMERETR

I went with the sts kit
more boost than a stock motor can handle
very little mods to car
good feadback
local tuner to install and tweek system
very happy
549 rhp
543 lbft
8 lbs boost
on meth

8 pounds....I'm jealous I'm only at 6.5 I think and doin more power less torque.....I'm jealous......maybe its time to change the springs...

[Termin8r27]

Originally Posted by Z06TN

Yeah, I did look into the KB, but I'm not a big fan of the hood change. Other than that it looks great.

You could cut the stock hood.

STS is great, moves all the crap out of the engine bay as well. The big nightmare of most FI is all the piping/parts filling up the engine bay so God forbid you have to do any regular or irregular maintenance...