I am oscillating between the GM Stage kit and the Trifecta tune. With the stage kit, I have the additional burden of trying to find a dealer to install the kit correctly and then finding time to get the car in to them for a few hours to install the kit.

Warranty and costing aside, which performance path would you take and why?

 

I would go the GM route so that I don't have to worry about and warranty issues.

 

I have no experience with Trifecta, but I do with STG1. Would do it again in a heartbeat, I drove 45 minutes out of my way to a dealer with experience with the install. Cost me $110 for install.

I would then (and am) looking to Trifecta or another for extra tuning of the STG1 kit, since I figured GM had to worry about emissions, safety, SAE, etc. So we know there is more to be gained ontop of the STG1 performance gains. I will wait a little while for all the tuners to iron out their bugs, so I plan/hope to install ADM down-pipe back (DP, cat, exhaust) to gain more in the meantime. Then focus on intercooler piping.

To recap, my planning is this:
- STG1 (completed)
- TurboTechRacing Swaybar (completed)
- ADM turbo back exhaust
- Intercooler piping
- ADM, HPTuner, or Trifecta tuning of the STG1

 

I also have the stage 1 kit installed, big improvement from stock, on Thur I'm having my charge pipeing and turbo back exhaust installed by Clear Image then I'm going to have Trifecta tune on top of that, so I'd say both IMO

Byron

 

Do the stage kit and then a custom street tune on top of it haha

 

Stage Kit for sure and then you'll have a much easier time modding later. You need these map sensors as well.

 

I don know how true it is, but you may not see any increase in torque with Trifecta until you install the ST1 kit anyway. As per the GM Tech Link:

In addition to the increased torque and horsepower, the kit raises the maximum RPM to 6500 and also disables the "torque learn-down" feature of the ECM. In the programming of the factory ECM, torque learn-down constantly monitors engine torque and limits it to 260 lb-ft, even when non-factory-authorized torque increasing components are installed (such as air cleaners, exhaust systems, etc.).

 

Dyno chart for the 2008 SS/TC is completed. The Trifecta Performance Tune raised from 249WHP to 301WHP and brought the torque from 260TQ to 334TQ. Gains of 52 HP and 74 TQ. Boost levels have been raised from 16-18 psi to about 21.5 psi.

I guess a raise from 260 to 334TQ is a small gain.

 

Just so that everyone is clear, the Trifecta Performance Tune is also effective in disabling the "torque learn-down" feature of the ECM?

If so, there is an increased edge of value in this upgrade when considering it against the GM ST1 kit.

My personal plans is to do the Trifecta as soon as disposable funds are available, since I have already done the GM ST1. You can never have too much torque (except for when it comes to steer control and axle shafts).

 

Thanks everyone for your input. I understand the reasons for a stage kit but I decided to go with Trifecta. The deciding factor was I do not have to deal with a dealership. I am not looking for the best of the best results, just more fun and it looks like the Trifecta solution delivers this.

Thanks again.