**OFFICIAL** STS C5 owners/installers thread
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 2
From: Crooks SD
**OFFICIAL** STS C5 owners/installers thread
I'd like this thread to be a discussion of STS C5's by owners/installers. I'm officially taking on this project in 2-4 weeks and I'd like to know what to look out for.
There has been some failures in the oil system. Should I even attempt to run the oil pump or simply call STS and request their replacement pump? Is anyone having any luck with the original supplied pump?
Who's using the Predator tune? I plan on putting my 6.0L heads on and having it dyno-tuned later. However, for the time being, I'm going to run the stock LS1 (maybe the LS6 intake) with the predator tune from STS. I'm told Rick from STS will look at data-logs and make corrections to the tune from there.
The kit I bought has 60lb/hr injectors; who's running these and how far will they take me? Goal is 500 with the base STS kit and 600rw with 6.0 heads additiona boost/fuel.
Does anyone have the installation in PDF or and digital form? I'd even take a fax, if someone has time to send me one. I want to start studying.
There has been some failures in the oil system. Should I even attempt to run the oil pump or simply call STS and request their replacement pump? Is anyone having any luck with the original supplied pump?
Who's using the Predator tune? I plan on putting my 6.0L heads on and having it dyno-tuned later. However, for the time being, I'm going to run the stock LS1 (maybe the LS6 intake) with the predator tune from STS. I'm told Rick from STS will look at data-logs and make corrections to the tune from there.
The kit I bought has 60lb/hr injectors; who's running these and how far will they take me? Goal is 500 with the base STS kit and 600rw with 6.0 heads additiona boost/fuel.
Does anyone have the installation in PDF or and digital form? I'd even take a fax, if someone has time to send me one. I want to start studying.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,550
Likes: 6
From: Now in God's Country, the Big Sky, Montana!
Cruise-In 7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
I'm actually doing an engine swap right now and while I have the driveline out I am running as much as I can fo the STS kit so it is a nice neat install. So far I've put the rocker pipes. Last night I put in the KB BAP and the Racetronix kit. Tonight I ran the STS wiring harness and pulled the tranny of the torque tube so I can install a LGM coupler but can't find any snap spring pliers so I'll pick up some tomorrow. I'll put in the STS oil lines and pump tomorrow night as well as some boost lines if they come in. I am replacing all the rubber hosing with stainless braided hose.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,556
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From: SoCal Twin Turbo, Any Questions?
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I installed the kit with the help of a few forum members 
you wont need anything bigger than the 60's from what ive read.
im currently running teh predator tune but ill be retuning it with HP tuners. Doug at ECS checked the tune and said it was safe, but not perfect at all. im still running the first tune that rick sent me, im using that to get around till i get my clutch done, methanol system all hooked up, new tires ETC.
My oil pump failed already, its a PITA and the first one was loud when it worked. now the swich to the different levels on the pump doesnt work and under boost oil leaks out the seams in the turbos and it is smoky and oily as H*ll back there. ECS is going to Fix that for me as soon as i Get a new pump from STS. Under warrenty, also Ive heard of at least one of the oil return fittings breaking, so im having ECS tap my valve covers for the oil return.
also the engine temps are way high because the radiator isnt working right without the shroud over it, so ECS is Fabbing one of thoes too.
Synergy motorsports was working on a few mods to the kit as well, but I havent heard anything from them recently.
Its about time someone consolidated the other STS threads its hard to keep tabs on all of them
you wont need anything bigger than the 60's from what ive read.
im currently running teh predator tune but ill be retuning it with HP tuners. Doug at ECS checked the tune and said it was safe, but not perfect at all. im still running the first tune that rick sent me, im using that to get around till i get my clutch done, methanol system all hooked up, new tires ETC.
My oil pump failed already, its a PITA and the first one was loud when it worked. now the swich to the different levels on the pump doesnt work and under boost oil leaks out the seams in the turbos and it is smoky and oily as H*ll back there. ECS is going to Fix that for me as soon as i Get a new pump from STS. Under warrenty, also Ive heard of at least one of the oil return fittings breaking, so im having ECS tap my valve covers for the oil return.
also the engine temps are way high because the radiator isnt working right without the shroud over it, so ECS is Fabbing one of thoes too.
Synergy motorsports was working on a few mods to the kit as well, but I havent heard anything from them recently.
Its about time someone consolidated the other STS threads its hard to keep tabs on all of them
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,851
Likes: 1
From: San Bruno Ca
I did my own install with a couple of friends to giving me a hand. I am running the original oil pump every day since Thanksgiving weekend.
I am having crankcase boost issues, but that's really about it. I have everything else sorted out. Rick at Synergy Motorsports did the tune and I'm running a Racetronics pump for the fuel.
The biggest pita is the 2 tubes that run through the rocker panels or sill panels if you prefer to call them that.
Nothing is too hard, but it's time consuming.
I am having crankcase boost issues, but that's really about it. I have everything else sorted out. Rick at Synergy Motorsports did the tune and I'm running a Racetronics pump for the fuel.
The biggest pita is the 2 tubes that run through the rocker panels or sill panels if you prefer to call them that.
Nothing is too hard, but it's time consuming.
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 326
Likes: 1
From: Palo Alto CA
I am no expert, but I have personal interest in this subject 
In my opinion, you definitely should get a second wastegate. Having a professional tune is also very important. This is especially true if your motor is not forged. You may also consider upgrading fuel pumps as well.
As for Synergy, you haven't heard much new because Rick H has been conducting several secret experiments...
Good luck to you Jesse. I am glad you did not offer to buy my STS that I put up for sale for 4 days at a loss earlier this month.
Lewis
In my opinion, you definitely should get a second wastegate. Having a professional tune is also very important. This is especially true if your motor is not forged. You may also consider upgrading fuel pumps as well.
As for Synergy, you haven't heard much new because Rick H has been conducting several secret experiments...
Good luck to you Jesse. I am glad you did not offer to buy my STS that I put up for sale for 4 days at a loss earlier this month.
Lewis
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 2
From: Crooks SD
scuba: any noise or anything unusual from this pump?
what's causing the crankcase boost issue? rings? It's not STS related, is it? I mean, would you have the same issue with any FI (issue is with the motor, not the kit).
what's causing the crankcase boost issue? rings? It's not STS related, is it? I mean, would you have the same issue with any FI (issue is with the motor, not the kit).
NCM, WSCC &amp;amp; SCC Member
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,900
Likes: 1
Count me in as an owner.
Rick has a couple good/inexpensive fixes for relieving CCP. You would have the same issues with any F/I or even N/A. More prevalent in F/I.
Jesse, I think all your questions were answered above.
Brent
Rick has a couple good/inexpensive fixes for relieving CCP. You would have the same issues with any F/I or even N/A. More prevalent in F/I.
Jesse, I think all your questions were answered above.
Brent
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 2
From: Crooks SD
you betcha!
I'm going to have my FRC dyno'd before the install, so i'll know where exactly I started. Planning on doing a compression check as well, just to verify the condition of my motor.
<--- couldn't be more scared and excited at the same time!
one last thing... is there a digital copy of the installation instructions floating around? That'd be very helpful.
I'm going to have my FRC dyno'd before the install, so i'll know where exactly I started. Planning on doing a compression check as well, just to verify the condition of my motor.
<--- couldn't be more scared and excited at the same time!
one last thing... is there a digital copy of the installation instructions floating around? That'd be very helpful.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 2
From: Crooks SD
I'm not sure if anyone with an STS kit has cracked/ruined the stock air bridge, but I'm told it's only a matter of time if you're running more than 6psi. The general solution has been to buy an aluminum unit by BBK (#17260, I think), but they are on back order for atleast 2-weeks!
You can find them at this link and they'll match Summit Racing's price of $270. Simply tell them you'd like the same deal I, Jesse Boyer, received.
NOTE: I checked www.thunderracing.com and www.tbyrne.com and neither had it. If any sponsor actually carries this, I'd like the mods to remove this link. Please replace the this link with the appropriate sponsor's link!
http://performance.speedycarparts.com/bbk~tb.html
You can find them at this link and they'll match Summit Racing's price of $270. Simply tell them you'd like the same deal I, Jesse Boyer, received.
NOTE: I checked www.thunderracing.com and www.tbyrne.com and neither had it. If any sponsor actually carries this, I'd like the mods to remove this link. Please replace the this link with the appropriate sponsor's link!
http://performance.speedycarparts.com/bbk~tb.html
Last edited by Jesse_Boyer; Jan 26, 2006 at 02:23 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,285
Likes: 2
From: Crooks SD
Also, I intend to wrap the entire exhaust from the collectors back to keep as much heat in the pipes as possible. I figure anything that'll help spooling the turbos is worth it.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,921
Likes: 1
From: Minburn Ia
Originally Posted by Jesse_Boyer
Also, I intend to wrap the entire exhaust from the collectors back to keep as much heat in the pipes as possible. I figure anything that'll help spooling the turbos is worth it.
How much of a rise in exhaust temps do you expect from using thermal wrap?
Check with STS .. bet they did it already and will tell you what they found.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Silverdale WA
Originally Posted by Jesse_Boyer
I'd like this thread to be a discussion of STS C5's by owners/installers. I'm officially taking on this project in 2-4 weeks and I'd like to know what to look out for.
There has been some failures in the oil system. Should I even attempt to run the oil pump or simply call STS and request their replacement pump? Is anyone having any luck with the original supplied pump?
Who's using the Predator tune? I plan on putting my 6.0L heads on and having it dyno-tuned later. However, for the time being, I'm going to run the stock LS1 (maybe the LS6 intake) with the predator tune from STS. I'm told Rick from STS will look at data-logs and make corrections to the tune from there.
The kit I bought has 60lb/hr injectors; who's running these and how far will they take me? Goal is 500 with the base STS kit and 600rw with 6.0 heads additiona boost/fuel.
Does anyone have the installation in PDF or and digital form? I'd even take a fax, if someone has time to send me one. I want to start studying.
There has been some failures in the oil system. Should I even attempt to run the oil pump or simply call STS and request their replacement pump? Is anyone having any luck with the original supplied pump?
Who's using the Predator tune? I plan on putting my 6.0L heads on and having it dyno-tuned later. However, for the time being, I'm going to run the stock LS1 (maybe the LS6 intake) with the predator tune from STS. I'm told Rick from STS will look at data-logs and make corrections to the tune from there.
The kit I bought has 60lb/hr injectors; who's running these and how far will they take me? Goal is 500 with the base STS kit and 600rw with 6.0 heads additiona boost/fuel.
Does anyone have the installation in PDF or and digital form? I'd even take a fax, if someone has time to send me one. I want to start studying.
No shortage of helpful DIY STS installers here! Count me in.
Get lots 'o lube on those rocker panel pipes!
I spoke to Rick Squires about digitizing the manual, but he was adamant about someone utilizing it for developing their own system. Not sure why that would be an issue, I mean geez, someone could photocopy the printed one...
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,550
Likes: 6
From: Now in God's Country, the Big Sky, Montana!
Cruise-In 7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Originally Posted by ramfromhell
someone could photocopy the printed one...
I'm anxious about the air bridge solution, I like the BBK but don't like all the crap they have written on it. Need to figure out something because I will be running more than 5 lbs.
Oil pump? I wonder if the ones that had problems with theirs are doing the proper break in.
Finally, if ya have problems mounting the pump around the power steering hard lines, just makes some spacers. Pics in another thread.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 13,550
Likes: 6
From: Now in God's Country, the Big Sky, Montana!
Cruise-In 7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Originally Posted by Jesse_Boyer
already bought the wrap... it's going on
Besides, I'm not worried about the power output, I'm trying to improve spool time.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 0
From: Sparta NJ
Originally Posted by Jesse_Boyer
I'm not sure if anyone with an STS kit has cracked/ruined the stock air bridge, but I'm told it's only a matter of time if you're running more than 6psi. The general solution has been to buy an aluminum unit by BBK (#17260, I think), but they are on back order for atleast 2-weeks!
Looks like its built with pretty heavy duty resin, looks similar to stock, and you can clamp down on it. So far so good on my ride.
Stock air bridge won't hold up to boost very long. STS should include a decent air bridge as part of their kit
.
Originally Posted by Jesse_Boyer
Besides, I'm not worried about the power output, I'm trying to improve spool time.
.
Last edited by Tenderfoot; Jan 27, 2006 at 10:05 AM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,285
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From: Crooks SD
Originally Posted by Cajundude
Jesse, I wouldn't do it. That wrap will rust your headers to chit. As me how I know.
If it matters, i was only going to wrap the h-pipe back... headers will stay unwrapped.
still undecided... If nothing else, i'll have to re-coat the h-pipe later.