OK before I start, I know a lot of people will tell me that if I'm gonna do a S/C go with a Radix, but I've already decided I don't wanna go with a Radix.

I'm thinking about either doing a Whipple (2300AX or 3300AX) with bigger injectors and a tune from Allen or doing a basic STS Turbo setup.

The way I figure it, the price will basically be the same.

What I wanna know is the performance, maintanance, and installation comparisons. Will the STS kit cost me an arm and a leg to have installed compared to the Whipple w/ injectors?? Is the STS kit harder to maintain than the Whipple??

I've also only seen big gains from guys who have an STS kit with mods... 13#'s of boost, meth-alky injection, etc... is this the only way to see considerable gains out of these things??

Keep in mind I'm working w/ an '01 5.3 and the best I'm looking to do is a low 12 high 11... Just to make sure I can whip almost any lightning or SRT-10's *** up and down the road if I want to...

 

if you run a turbo. you almost gonna have to have some sort of intercooler setup. (any amount of high boost needs this) And installing an aftercooler is a heck of alot easier on a turbo vs a whipple. the way the whipple mounts leaves no room for directing flow to a intercooler. Of course you can always alky inject it, but if you want real good gains, it would be better to have a aftercooler and probably alky too. just my 2 cents. however,, i have seen my whipple hit the popoff valve at 12 to 14 pounds before. It impressed me actually!

 

I am running a Whipple. but, to be honest, if a turbo or Radix kit had been available back when I bought it I would have gone a different route. The whipple compressor is probably the best out there. Only draw back is no intercooler. If my finances allowed though, I would back up and either go turbo or with a Radix. If you have the money, go with a radix kit or a good intercooled turbo setup. A non intercooled forced induction system is not as consistent with track times or horsepower levels year round as a good intercooled setup.

 

remember a radix has an aftercooler already. you will have to come up with one if you go the other routes.

 

Tell ya what.....you buy a new turbo kit and I will trade you a Whipple. I will do the install, provide the bigger injectors and also tune it for you.

 

TURBO- the only way to go.

 

hey Ranwalk, did you weigh your truck in at the track? Just courious.
Thanks!

 

Why not use the Radix??? The whipple will cost you more in the long run.

 

Build your own turbo kit with low carbon stainless steel headers.

 

I thick ryan23's whipple setup is the sickest thing out there.