Between a Magnacharger and a Trick turbo kit, I need opinions on which way to go for a 2005 VHO LQ9 daily driver. I already know the advantages of a turbo over a supercharger and all things being equal I'd pick the turbo every time. I also know that Magnachargers have been out for a long time. Their kits are complete and pretty reliable.

So here are my concerns for a turbo that are making this a tough decision for me:

1) Reliability: How will either do in 115* Phoenix temps. Is it going to be harder to find someone to tune a turbo properly, keep it tuned correctly, and is it more maintenance than a TVS.

2) Cost: Will the cost of other stuff like fuel system upgrades not included in turbo kits end up costing more than a supercharger and set of headers would. (and yes I know I'm gonna blow my 4l60 either way)

3) Ease of installation: How bad is it having to drill oil pan, move stuff so I don't fry $hit like the heater hoses and AC lines, and route a intercooler through the radiator core support on a turbo kit.

4) Resale: if I decide to ever sell my tuck and wanted to go back to stock which would be easier to remove and have a better resale value.

If none of these things are that big of issue I'd like to go turbo. I just want to know what I'm getting into before I pull the trigger on either.

 

I have both and I prefer the magna over the turbo for a daily driver. the magna is very reliable and some what easy on/off and you don't have to fug with the exhaust unless you just want headers.
cost will be about the same when finished....
dont get me wrong I love me some turbo but I just prefer the magna for a daily.

 

Pretty much no matter what a turbo will be more work to put on. If youre good at a little fabrication routing the cold pipes around the front isnt that hard. But with a supercharger you dont have to mess with that at all

Turbo also has greater potential, a maggie can be maxed out where as when you get the kit you can just buy a new turbo when you max out the current one

 

As far as a trick turbo kit goes. It is a turbo kit as if gm theirselves put it on the truck. Very high quality and awesome workmanship.

 

Really depends on the type of driving you do. I love the low end grunt my maggie makes, and Im usually driving my truck between 2-4000rpm, unless im going wot. If i had to do it again, Id do the same thing allllll over.

Both TVS kits ive done took 8 hours start to finish. I cannot say enough good things.

Ive also owned 3 turbo cars in the past/present, they are a lot more finicky with my experience. Wastegates and bypass valves need to be adjusted properly to maintain max power.

 

A Maggie or other roots/screw style charger will be the way to go for you. Much more simple for DDing. Install and removal is also more simple. If you were shooting for 9s or 10s I would say turbo, but otherwise its just more simple to go roots charger.

 

Thanks for the replies. If anyone else has had both please share your opinion.

The practical side of me thinks the TVS would be best, the rest of me wants the turbo.

BTW I hope nobody feels ripped off.

 

Okay so I know this only complicates things, but have you considered a pro charger? The gains being seen now are putting them close to the turbo world for potential. Hell blown06 is playing with the big boys now. Deep 9s on low boost. No doubt its got 8s in it either. A pro charger setup would be even easier to remove come time to sell or trade.

 

I had both a Radix and a Trick setup on my 05 VHO. With the Maggie i made decent power but the IAT's were horrible. Once I pullied down and started trying to spin the crap out of it I was getting belt slip and loosing boost. The TVS will be an improvement over the Radix in both heat and amount of boost you can get out of it.

I made more power and went faster with the turbo but that was because I was making more boost and didnt have to worry about belt slip. I did screw with the truck more when I had the turbo. Tricks quality is awesome and he has great customer service.

Both are fairly easy to put on if you are mechanically inclined. If you are just looking to slap on something and drive it and never pop your hood to mess with it go with the TVS. If you dont mind a little more maintenance and tinkering then go with the turbo.

 

I have had my Maggie on for approx. 9 yrs at 8 1/2 psi on a stock LQ4 and have never had a problem (Other than a broken boss for a C Clip in the tranny) over 90,000 miles of effortless FUN