Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my sts. However, I would not have made the same choice if I lived in a harsh winter environment (maybe i'm just picky). I would sure advise you to use the snorkle kit just because of the disadvantage of it being exposed to the elements. Can't argue with the price...for the money the sts AND the 6.0 would be a bargain. Upgrade to the intercooler later, you can do without it in a cool environment anyway at low boost. If buying new, get the Trick!

 

I am still undecided on the whole setup. If I had to go through all the work of swapping out the 5.3 for the 6.0, i might as well do the tranny at the same time. Or just throw the turbo on for now, and down the road do the swap, not 100% sure yet.

 

I have a 2004 with the 5.3. I opted to go all the way on the first kit to prepare for the second. The only prob I have with it is water on the Mass Air Flow Sensor. Part of my problem is condensation from the Intercooler. The other is From the Air Filter. I have had some great Ideas from the guys here on the forum and Have come up with my own solution. I am currently putting a bed cover on and will pipe my Air Filter straight into the bed. As Far as power. I LOVE it. Haven't run at the track yet, but ran a lightning that runs 12.90's and we stayed lockd together. I put the kit on at 50,000 miles and 20,000 later everything is still good. The tranny is a little tweaky and can tell it's gone prob in another 10,000. but all in all I love it. Good luck with the decision. Either one is good but the tranny is a definite. me personally when i upgrade I'm going with a built 4L80E and prob change from 3.73 to 3.96 gears but only when I do the tranny. Oh yeah when I put the turbo on I switched to Fully synthetic motor oil and have had excellent oil life and zero metal anywhere. I changed to Mobil 1 10w 40 the same i ran in my racecar's.

 

well if you decide against the kit.... my pm box is always open

 

so you would like a look at the kit. well it is on another site, but wont post up the link for obvious reasons. But if you are interested, I can pm you on it.

 

I think you would be happy with the stock STS kit. the location shouldn't be a problem for winter driving. at least I havn't had any issues. Moving the turbo up would help lag times, but I don't see the point. I don't mind the lag. The 80 will be your best bet. if you can grap the 6.0 now. it does make a pretty big differents. Plus the pistons are stronger...

 

cory, i don't want to step on your toes, if you want it get it, otherwise, definetly pm me, sounds like a really good price