Hello everyone! I have recently purchased a 2012 black, 2wd, Silverado crew cab with the 5.3 flex fuel engine. It is a Z71 with the towing package, heavy duty cooling,3.42 gears with locker. It is also a Goshichi/Mobility SVM wheelchair conversion. Both drivers side doors are welded together and telescope out from the truck. A vertical lift lowers a platform on which my wheelchair sits. I haven't weighed it yet but I'm gonna say right about 7000lbs. It has a 3 inch body lift and 20"XD hoss black wheels and 295/55-20 Nitto trail Grapplers.

I've installed a Trinity programmer and currently am running a modified Diablo tune. This along with the Magnaflow side exhaust and K&N cai have helped the truck alot. Unfortunately not enough. I am currently weighing two options, one is an upgraded STS kit with a coated ball bearing turbo, intercooler and methanol injection set up for 5 and 10 psi. The kit is ready to ship and I have a buddy that is qualified to help me install it. The second option is to have Mike at New Era Performance essentially duplicate their GMC Sierra Whipplecharger build at a lower boost level than the 15psi they are running. This would be a drive the truck to their shop and leave with the truck fully tuned and ready deal.

I have quotes in hand from both and am having trouble deciding. I'm not really interested in racing, I just want a very powerful street truck. I will be taking the truck off road lightly and pulling a lightly loaded enclosed trailer (2000lbs).
The primary issue is reliability. This truck is massively expensive in stock form and I don't intend to replace it until it's unrepairable. It is also my only form of independent transportation. I am a double amputee, lost my left arm and right leg in a motorcycle wreck. I cannot feasibly maintain a temperamental or unreliable vehicle.

I would like feedback from members, specifically regarding boost lag on the STS and maintainence issues with the Whipple set up. I can fill the Methanol tank myself on either but I would not be able to replace a belt if I got stranded. Also how susceptible to damage is the STS off road? One random question also, a buddy that messes with turbo cars says to use winter windshield washer fluid in the Meth tank not pure Methanol?

Thank y'all in advance!

 

STS puts turbo on the bottom. Not the best place for off road.
I like the instant toque of a PD blower.
W/W fluid : 30 percent meth (if it is the -20f stuff)
Advantage: cheaper. Will not ignite/burn
Disadvantage: not as good at cooling or adding fuel to mixture. But it helps quite a bit with knock.

 

Based on the way you talk the roots blower is going to be the way to go. As said the turbo being on the bottom, out back is not the best place for a off road vehicle. They do have filter relocation kit for it. With a proper sized turbo, lag will not be a issue. But again sounds like the roots would be what your looking for. Also plan to beef up the trans a bit if you plan to beat on the truck or run more then 5psi or so. Have you got any pricing on the TVS blowers? Oh and welcome

 

What he said ^

 

Thanks for the responses guy! I was for sure going to fabricate a filter relocation setup if I got the STS kit. I've read and been told conflicting things about their system, low quality components and corner cutting along with bad customer support being the typical complaints.

As far as the New Era spec system it's definitely a quality system and quiet capable of what I want. The primary issue is the 2000 mile round trip to get it installed and tuned. As far as beefing anything up, they are running a completely stock drivetrain so far. Mike says it is his daily driver and is dead nuts reliable. My vehicle has 2300 miles on the clock and just got it's first oil changeover to Amsoil synthetic. Judging by their set up and talking to them, running my system at 10 psi or less should be a huge hp/tg increase with minimal driveline stress. That being said I am aware that my warranty goes bye-bye and you must expect breakage in this game.

 

I used to be a STS dealer when they first came out and had a couple on various cars and trucks. Since then I had a Magnacharged TBSS, Procharged Denali and my current Trick Front mount Turbo systemed Silverado. For your case I would hands down recommend a Magnacharger style kit. It will cover all your needs with ease. The STS has great marketing but fails to deliver the customer the best bang for your buck. Plus with a Magnacharger system,if anything goes wrong you can return your truck back to stock for warranty issues. I'm not a dealer for anything right now. Just my .02 cents.