Hey everyone,

I'm new to this board and I've been reading for the past week on all of the awesome trucks here. I recently sold my 1999 Camaro SS which was a really great ride, but wouldn't tow my boat. I still have that desire for performance, but I need something that can drag me and my friends back and forth to the lake as well. I've pretty much settled on a Yukon/Tahoe because of the good looks, practicality, and short wheelbase.

I want to add FI in the future and wanted some opinions on what would best suit my application. I like the turbo kits I've seen here (STS, Livernois), I also like the ATI and the Radix kits. What setup would give me good performance similar to my Camaro SS, good towing manners (4000 lbs), and possibly an increase in overall mileage (towing + commuting). I won't be taking it to the track at all, but it would be nice to be able to punch it on the highway occasionally and keep up with the FBods and Rustangs. Also, I've seen the temperature here in Austin get as high as 110!! on my commute home from work, any of these kits not like that high of an ambient temp?

Last question, what are the benefits and drawbacks of getting 4WD/AWD vs. 2wd? I noticed that the fastest truck on the list is a 4WD, but most of the ones behind him are 2wd. Is traction that big of an issue?

Sorry for the long post.

 

If you are looking to tow I would go with the Radix system.

As for what truck to buy for taking friends to the river/lake, get yourself a new 1/2 crew cab! I love mine!

Oh Yeah, welcome!

 

If you are looking to tow a boat I would NOT recommend the rear mount STS. Imagine backing down the boat launch to the waters edge with with the turbo in take just in front of the axle... . . O_O

 

I second that! Best kit, and best customer service!

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I have thought quite a bit about the dangers of backing down the ramp with the turbo. On all 3 of the ramps that I use, I only back in to where the water is maybe 2-3 inches up on the rear tires. From the pictures that I've seen of the STS, it's mounted up around the level of the top of the differential. Occasionally, a big wave can wash in from a passing boat and the water will reach the level of the rear bumper but probably not the top of the differential. I would equate it to driving through a 2-3" deep water puddle at low speeds. Do you guys think it would still be safe, or do I just have "turbo goggles?"

 

As much as I loved my STS kit I would still recomend a front mount like the Livernoise kit for your needs or at least a Radix. I'm partial to turbos

 

You could always use the remote filter mount for the STS if you were worried about a wave coming ashore went the engine was running and for an added safety measure.

 

I think you want a radix -- you'll want intercooled boost for sure, and you'll want extra torque down low. A radix will work for you during towing and during those go fast moments.

 

I agree. The Radix is all around the most versatile, efficient, and easily enjoyable FI system out there.

 

Will the Livernois kit bolt right up the the stock exhaust? I've been doing some reading about this kit (I like turbos !!), and it seems as if it's not a complete bolt-on like they advertise. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you have to take it to an exhaust shop after you're done and have a Y-pipe or something fabbed to bolt to the new downpipe?