There are two things that...
There are two things that make the STS System unique. Number one, it's a true bolt-on turbocharger, as you can see from the hose clamps and eight layer silicon hose connectors. And number two is the location. This system locates the turbo remotely toward the rear of the vehicle. Looking at this picture toward the rear of the truck you can see a bit of the spare tire and the driveshaft.
STS Systems build good, strong power over a 1,200 rpm range which is essential to economical towing. You can run a conservative 5-6 pounds of boost and get significant horsepower and torque gains that are easy on the drivetrain. The bottom line when towing is that an STS-equipped motor doesn't have to work as hard as a stock one.
There are several pluses that the remote mounting of the STS system delivers. First and foremost, it's much easier to install than a conventional turbo system. Budget about 8 hours for a model-specific kit and get out your standard tools. Second, with the turbo out of the engine compartment, the operating temperatures of the turbo itself, the oil that is fed from the engine to the turbo and back to the engine, and the air the turbo is exposed to are all cooler. Cooler oil and air is better for both the turbo and engine and also eliminates the need for a turbo-timer, which allows the engine to run after the car is shut off in order to cool down the turbo and prevent oil and bearing damage.
The STS Turbo also utilizes the denser exhaust gasses which drive the turbo turbine wheel more effi-ciently. Plus with the turbo closer to the tailpipe outlet, there is a better pressure differential across the turbine wheel which promotes better flow across the turbine.
Finally, since everything in the system is basically outside the engine compartment, exhaust temps are 500 degrees lower than a conventional turbo system. Like we said earlier, the cooler air gives you the ability to generate more power. Another way that the remote mounting is beneficial is that the intake piping continues to cool the air as it makes it's way to the engine, meaning you don't have to run an intercooler.
One more thing we almost forgot. The turbo takes the place of the muffler and delivers a throaty aftermarket performance sound, then when you punch it, the turbo spool and rushing air from the blow-off valve make a unique sound that will turn heads!
Naturally, having a remotely...
Naturally, having a remotely mounted turbocharger means there's going to be some piping involved. STS features ceramic-coated steel piping. Steel delivers durability, while the proprietary coating offers excellent heat transfer properties. Moving out from the turbo, the pipe that goes to the intake snakes over the framerail and runs toward the engine.
So you've made the decision to install an STS System on your truck. There are really only a couple of items to address. "The main thing to consider is the current condition of your fuel system," says David South, STS' vice president of marketing and sales. "We recommend a new fuel filter, new spark plugs, and that you ensure that your ignition system is in good working order, other than that all you need is some simple tools and 8 hours of time."
The ease of installation is a big plus to the STS System. The 15 model-specific kits the company offers utilize the factory exhaust mounting brackets, meaning there's little to nothing to fabricate. Even so, you should tune the computer (using a computer tuner like Hypertech or SuperChips), especially if you run full boost. If you don't have one of those, STS offers a plug-and-play tuning solution.
No, we don't mean the Central Florida theme park. Most of the model-specific systems that STS offers are based on the late-model Ford, Dodge, and GM (LS) engine configurations. But if you have an older model, don't fear. STS makes a universal kit that will fit almost any vehicle. Like the model-specific kits, the universal kit comes complete with everything you need to do the install yourself. As you might imagine, however, there's some additional pipe bending and potential fabrication depending upon your particular vehicle application.
The STS Turbo System is a revolutionary way to add gobs of horsepower and torque. Better still is that the system will make getting to and from the racetrack more economical and more efficient. While the systems are easy to install, STS also backs up the purchase with a staff of engineers to walk you through any questions. But our favorite thing about the system has to be the detailed 45-page instruction manual that tells you exactly how to install it. Any newbie racer who has ever ordered a control arm, pull bar, or transmission knows exactly what we mean.