I am wondering how come there are no more small Turbo kits like a Stage 2? I have a 2011 Chevy 5.3L as a daily driver and I want to add a turbo kit for when we tow our trailers, but I can't find anything like a Stage 2 Kit anymore.

 

I tow with my stage 3 kit. I can begin to make boost down at 1800 rpm and it spools so quickly, I wouldn't want a smaller turbo. You don't need to, but I turn the boost down to 5psi when towing. I'm sure the cost difference between a stage 2 and stage 3 kit would be so small that they probably dropped the stage 2.

 

Thank you, I appreciate the info!! So Stage 3 but turn down the boost when towing! I have the Flex Fuel, so I'm looking for a simple bolt on turbo setup and tune and be done!

 

I love my stage 3 kit and it tows well on 5 psi. There is nothing magic about 5psi and you can easily tow with more. Three months ago I turned it up to 8 psi and it pulled the trailer very well, although I had just built my 4L80E myself and was not ready to push it too much. I took out the stock cubby hole in the dash to the right of the radio and put a 60mm eBoost 2 electronic controller there. Just tap a button and go from 5psi up to whatever you want. The other option is to control boost with your right foot. The turbo kit was the best mod I ever made to the truck, towing is transformed. I have not towed in high heat yet (COVID killed racing this summer), but I can't imagine a problem with the boost set low. I wouldn't want to scream up a long hill at 15+ psi and melt everything under the hood.

 

Ahhh gotcha. Everything on our 2011 is still stock, hence why I want just a little extra help in towing instead of buying a new truck. It's a 2011 Chevy Avalanche 5.3L Flex Fuel with the upgraded factory tow package ( Tranny Cooler, Brake Controller, Rear End.)

 

Which turbo kit do you have?

 

If you're telling me you can't find a stage 2 turbo kit, I'm going to tell you you're not looking hard enough.

There are 2 well known vendors on this site that make turbo kits for our trucks.

@kbracing96 and @TrickTurbo

 

Since you stated I'm not looking hard enough, on either of their websites, do you see any mention of a Stage 2 kit? The answer is no. Do they offer kits, yes but I was looking specifically for a Stage 2 which neither website shows.

 

A quick google of "TrickTurbo" yeilds the first hit link:

https://trickturbo.com/shop/ols/prod...b-kit-for-2011

"Stage 3" right off the bat.

Kyle's kits @kbracing96 - While he doesn't list a "stage" number, one could surmise that by the below information (on the site nonetheless) what a given "stage" would be:
$3200 for intercooled Borg Warner S366mm (up to 550hp),

$3600 for intercooled Borg Warner billet S369 (up to 650hp),

$4000 for Intercooled Borg Warner S475, T4 or T6 (up to 800hp)

$4400 for Intercooled Borg Warner S480, T4 or T6 (950hp+)

I would interpret that as "stage" 2-5.

The term "stage" is a catch phrase really. A WOW factor if you will. What you want to ask yourself is what HP level do I want or need for my given goal. Then go from there.

 

Thank you for clarifying about the term "Stage." All I'm looking for is just a small bump in power when towing our 6,000lb travel trailer, since we travel cross country. The Avalanche is heavy enough as it is ya know.