Trying to decide if I should take the plunge into FI, but if I do the three above come to mind. The KB & Whipples are twin screw but non-tercooled. Supposedly KB is coming out with an intercooler. It's been "coming soon" for a long while.

I also heard the Whipple uses a piggy back fuel system and the KB seems a little better in that respect. Any suggestions? It seems most folks around hear run Whipple or Magnacharger.

 

I voted Magnacharger. I've not had a single problem since install. Anything I had questions on or wanted to upgrade, their customer service was all over it. It's intercooled which is the only way to go if you ask me. I've heard not so good things about Whipple's after sale support and don't know much about the Kenne Bells.

 

How much PSI can I push on the stock shortblock with the Magnacharger? How much power would I gain just by adding the kit? I just saw where someone gained 150 hp with 8 PSI (3.0" pulley). I thought that was pretty good.

 

How much PSI on a stock block is a question that will start some fights. I was pushing 9#'s on the 5.3. Some guys are pushing 12#'s on a 4.8. It's got a lot to do with your tune. An intercooler makes more boost safer and a meth injection kit would be great to. Out of the box a Magnacharger will give you about 6psi. This will get you a pretty good increase in hp/tq. I never dyno'd with a 6# pulley but on the 9# I got some numbers.
Stock truck w' flowmaster 236rwhp/283rwtq
Sam truck w' Radix @ 9#'s 417rwhp/447rwtq
Gain over stock--181rwhp/164rwtq

Oh yea, that was on a 5.3L

 

I could live with a 181hp increase. I have a 6.0. I'd like to go no higher than 8-9 # if I could. Don't want to risk anything. Does the 4.8 have lower compression so those can run higher?

 

I'm not sure on the compression rates. I think they are all the same (9.5:1)except for the LQ9 6.0 which is 10.5:1 if I remember right. If you have a 6.0 find out if its a LQ4 or LQ9. The LQ4 will handle boost a little safer but a LQ9 is fine as well. The tune is probably the most important part to avoid engine damage. 8-9 pounds on a 6L will put a smile on your face. I hope to speak from experience soon. I just completed (Yesterday) dropping a LQ4 into the Tahoe. I have to get a tune before I can see what she will do.

 

Good luck on your swap and thanks for your replies. I definately have the low compression, iron block, iron heads so I think mine is the LQ4. I thought it was 8.5:1. I don't think the LQ9 was out yet and only started coming in the Escalades in later years.

 

kenne bell customer support isnt the greatest in the world i can tell you from experience. i would go with a radix

 

I'm very happy with my Radix. Runs strong, looks very cool under the hood. Lots of fun.

 

i have a pro charger .. it's intercooled .. and i love it ..tons of power ..

So let hear it for pro charger ... very , very easy install too ....