Hey guys,

I have an 00 FRC with 35,000 miles on the ODO. Its has been Vortech supercharged for 20,000 miles now without a single issue. I am thinking of going to the STS twin turbo set up. For those that have one, please let me know about the reliability, approximate cost, and complexity of the design. Thanks in advance!

Ray

 

I just installed my own sts kit this fall (see link below). I am hoping to get it back from the tuner in the next week. As for reliability I have yet to find out, although I did purchase a used kit so we will see. I think cost goes along with that topic as well. I did my own install which saved in labor, but cost me a lot of time, sweat, and patience. Do a quick search in this FI section for "sts" and you should get some other good articles. Good luck!

https://www.corvetteforum.com/c5-for...diy-build.html

 

I am also in process of installing an STS system. Did a lot of research and felt this was what suited my needs. I prefer turbos and wanted the heat away from the engine compartment.
To be honest though, If I already had a trouble free Vortec, I think Id keep it. I doubt you will gain that much without a lot of upgrades other than really cool sound effects.
The instalation is a bitch. Cuts have to be made in the rear WW and notches at front. I considered doing it myself, but after seeing what I was up aganst, I ended up farming it out to a local STS dealer, ST Pete Auto aids [TurboJoe] after checking out their work and other customers experiances.Will be done soon!
Cost: base C5 kit new will be ~$7400. You might be able to find one used as I did, but cavet emtor... Then there are the installation costs and upgrades and most importantly, TUNING.
It will get expensive. Ask me how I know...
NO ONE I talked to was happy with the STS mail order tuning, and most unhappy with the kits esp complaints of slow spooling, never went beyond that tune. Make sure the tuner you use has rear mount experiance. Another reason I went with Joe. He has done many, including his own Z06.
Also, the STS oil pump is junk and responsible for a lot of issues. Upgraded to Turbowerx pump, a boost a pump, 60# injectors, and Alky Control meth injection. I will only be running 6-8 # for now, but I will go higher once I build a forged engine. I also have upgraded BW bullseye turbos. What comes from STS seems to vary a bit.
Hope this helps. Ill be posting results later on.

 

I installed the STS kit on my 04 Z16 @ 5k miles, car now has 20k on it and no issues at all. Mail order tune from STS as well. Just wish it wasn't quite so loud. Getting old I guess!

 

FYI - 2000 FRC, stock engine, installed at 80,000 have 115,000 now at 6lbs. No issues, 42# injectors, BAP, STS oil pump, headers, upgraded valve springs, metal matrix cats, Dyno Tune from reputable shop. 489 hp to the wheels. Love it for my needs. Cost? Who cares, you only live once! Good Luck!

 

Wow, for the hit you are going to take selling your Vortech used then buying the STS and installling, It seems like you could do a lot with what you have. Sounds like about 10K. Why not pull your engine, forge it, get new heads, headers...ect. You would be looking at an easy 750-800RWHP. probably have money for rear fender flares and 335 35 tires.

....something to consider.

 

My buddy got an STS kit when first available and maybe it was a tune, but he couldn't keep up with my then 489/487 C5 with 3584 race weight with me in it.

I would also forge the engine and turn up what you got.

 

I had an sts setup... loved it. Reliable as hell and when I turned it up to 14lbs.... holy shiznit. I loved that little bit of lag that kept the traction strong...and then BAM....it took off great. Went Ysi ..... never did run for crap and blew a valve....on a built motor.

 

exactly my experience with sts. running 15lbs and over 720 rwhp. a little lag, no wheel spin and then you better be holding on. it is hell on super bikes.