I don't know what direction to go...I want/need more power out of my truck and am going to go the FI route, but I don't know which one...

I have liked the idea of the RADIX since it came out but I have read that it is pretty much tapped on PSI and there really ins't any growth. I like that the power is right off the line and stays constant

The whipple suposedly is a bigger compressor and can handle a little extra PSI, but I don't know if I like the idea of the injector pod and their stand alone ECM thing that they use. Is there a possibility of a "tuner" kit that can come with just the compressor and brackets?

I was skeptical of the STS kit when it came out, but it seems as though people are seeing some good numbers from it and it is about $1000 less than the RADIX. My only question with this is how will it perform on a heavy Avalanche with a 6" lift and 35's? Will I get the power down low where I need it?

Based on the info. of my truck:
2003 Avalanche 1500
6" lift with 35" tires
3.73 rear (could/might change in the future)
Mods so far: Airaid intake, JBA headers, B&B catback

What do you think would work best for me? Obviously, I don't plan on this things being a drag truck by any means, but I want some extra power to spin the 35's, and I need it down low.


I know there are a lot of questions here, but I have looked through pages and pages of stuff on all the kits and most people are using them on lighter RC trucks. My truck won't be going on a diet any time soon, so what do you all think? I plan on beefing up the trans already, just to be safe, so I am not too worried about breaking things...

TIA,
Troy

 

Anyone?

 

Radix, no question, on a truck like that you're not going to be running a whole shitload of boost, a radix can do 10 or 11, which is more than what you'll need. besides the fact that it is a complete intercooled kit, which the STS is not, and comes with injectors, and you can't beat a 3-year warranty on your drivetrain, although that means you have to use their tuning. if it were me I'd get the radix, use their tuning until you can replace the tranny and then get a custom tune it makes a pretty decent difference.

just my .02


but look out there are some good front mount COMPLETE truck turbo kits coming out so you might want to see whats instore for the future.

 

Just my 2cents... but the STS at 5psi is doing 100 hp and torque over stock!!!!! Radix needs a little more boost then that to create those numbers with no intercooler or alky!!!

 

All the questions that you have asked can be better answered with knowledge of your power goals...If you dont know exactly then even a ballpark figure will do. Cause no matter what you do a turbo in the long run will make better numbers!! Alot better really, what you have to remember with superchargers is that it takes power from the engine in order to create the power it gives back!!! The turbo works off the waist product, if you will, of the motor therefor doesnt require a whole lot of power to get it spooled!!! Now also consider the fact that you ave a much larger vehicle then most and turbos work, IMO, more efficient with larger vehicles because of the amount of load on the motor. The more load the more dense the exhaust, which means faster turbo spooling. But im no expert so maybe someone else will chime in.

 

blackerado made a valid point and it makes sense to me. I would love to see the debate on this one. I am by no means a FI expert. so come on folks lets hear your thoughts.

 

i have a 2k ecsb silve 5.3 with 6" and 35's, i have the radix on mine with stock pulley and easly turn the tires, but i do have 4.56 gears

i don't think the turbo would be your best choice due to the lag, the radix has great solid gains right off idle and through the rpm range, also the fact the sts air cleaner is mounted under the truck in the back so i would be worried about offroading especially water crossing, if you sink the intake tube in the middle of a river

 

Aaaah yes a very valid point but most of those issues have already been addressed in other posts... Fact is STS makes a snorklekit or if you'd like to, most people have been snorkeling it through the bed so its even higher than it is in the engine back!!! Second have you seen these trucks on the dyno with that sts setup the turbo lag almost doesnt exist! And even if it did thats nothing a 2000stall vertor wouldnt handle...and you keep your low end towing cap!!! The radix is awesome dont get me wrong but it cost more and it does significantly less!!

 

Aaaah yes a very valid point but most of those issues have already been addressed in other posts... Fact is STS makes a snorklekit or if you'd like to, most people have been snorkeling it through the bed so its even higher than it is in the engine bay, especially with a 6"lift !!! Second have you seen these trucks on the dyno with that sts setup the turbo lag almost doesnt exist! And even if it did thats nothing a 2000stall vertor wouldnt handle...and you keep your low end towing cap!!! The radix is awesome dont get me wrong but it cost more and it does significantly less!!

 

almost? how does almost or a 2k stall work when crawling up a rock face? and how will that turbo like being covered in mud or buried in a nice muddy gritty puddle?

well it does depend on what he is looking for and how he is going to use it, he said it would not be a race truck and i am assuming he is a off roader, but i could be wrong alot of guys do lift and tires and never take there rigs off the pavement.

personaly i was looking for a complete (radix is defenitly a complete kit), dependable (eaton has proven record plus magnuson gives a 3yr 36k warrenty), easy (i thought the install was very easy) power adder that would give me good low end gains for on and off road use and think the radix was the best choice for my needs.