Which one

[Black1987]

I've been trying to decide on a Vortech low boost kit or On3 Turbo kit for Christmas. The On3 will run me around $2,600 after the initial kit, fuel kit, and other small things. While the Vortech runs about 2k with bypass included.
The growth potential of the turbo is huge compared to the Vortech; however I only wanted to run 6psi. Not really set on a specific horsepower, just wanted something a little more. I’m a fan of both, but leaning towards the Vortech because I can run on the FMU until I get it dynoed tuned. I don’t know just looking inputs, personal experiences, etc. Thanks!

Mod list,
Cobra intake, 70mm throttle body, 24lb injectors, A9L, 255 lph pump
Gt40p heads ported and polished (compression 8:7:1)
Cam lift .575/.575, Duration: 224°/224° @ .050, Roller rockers
Tremec, aluminum driveshaft, and 3:73 gears

[NC STANG GUY]

I've been trying to decide on a Vortech low boost kit or On3 Turbo kit for Christmas. The On3 will run me around $2,600 after the initial kit, fuel kit, and other small things. While the Vortech runs about 2k with bypass included.
The growth potential of the turbo is huge compared to the Vortech; however I only wanted to run 6psi. Not really set on a specific horsepower, just wanted something a little more. I’m a fan of both, but leaning towards the Vortech because I can run on the FMU until I get it dynoed tuned. I don’t know just looking inputs, personal experiences, etc. Thanks!

Mod list,
Cobra intake, 70mm throttle body, 24lb injectors, A9L, 255 lph pump
Gt40p heads ported and polished (compression 8:7:1)
Cam lift .575/.575, Duration: 224°/224° @ .050, Roller rockers
Tremec, aluminum driveshaft, and 3:73 gears

How did you come up with lower than stock compression with the GT40P heads? Have dished pistons? What is the lobe separation on the cam?

I'll argue that the growth potential is huge with a Vortech setup also. Even a base SCi trim head unit can support 725hp...and a Si,T or even YSi(1200hp) will fit the same brackets down the road. That's roughly the same potential as the baddest T4 based turbos out there.

I would say it should also be considered whether you still have a/c and all the accessories as to which you choose. Either can be used with a/c,p/s,etc but it's really packed in there when you do a turbo on a car that still has a/c,etc.
On a car without everything there's just a lot more room to work with.

Don't get me wrong a turbo is awesome and the part throttle torque is sweet.
Just a lot more involved install.

I guess I'm just a penny pincher but I wouldn't buy a new Vortech kit. Not when there are so many good used kits out there. Sure a kit with a S,Si, or T trim,8 rib pulleys and possibly already with injectors,mass air,powerpipe etc can be found for around $1400-1800. First Vortech kit I had I pieced together for about $1300

Same goes for a maf and injectors. Common to find 42's and a maf for $250-350.

FWIW I've had a Vortech on my 89 LX vert and currently has a BG turbo kit with a Precision T-70.

The "just 6psi" thing wont last for long ;)

[Black1987]

Thanks NC STANG GUY for the info. The car has all the accessories and is stock bore. The Lsa is 110 and my compression ratio estimate was wrong (I was thinking of my dad's 85 gt).

I can't recall the cc of the chambers or find the part number of the speed pro piston (4 valve relief, probably flat top, hyper) . I have no clue on the compression ratio for this engine. Though I have been beating on her for three years now feed by 89 octane, with no problems.

As far as buying a Vortech new; well I know there are some pretty good used ones for sale, but I wanted to get new in this case. Nothing wrong with used parts, just knowing my luck. Still kind of green in power adders.

Thanks for the help!

[89stang1]

How did you come up with lower than stock compression with the GT40P heads? Have dished pistons? What is the lobe separation on the cam?

I'll argue that the growth potential is huge with a Vortech setup also. Even a base SCi trim head unit can support 725hp...and a Si,T or even YSi(1200hp) will fit the same brackets down the road. That's roughly the same potential as the baddest T4 based turbos out there.

I would say it should also be considered whether you still have a/c and all the accessories as to which you choose. Either can be used with a/c,p/s,etc but it's really packed in there when you do a turbo on a car that still has a/c,etc.
On a car without everything there's just a lot more room to work with.

Don't get me wrong a turbo is awesome and the part throttle torque is sweet.
Just a lot more involved install.

I guess I'm just a penny pincher but I wouldn't buy a new Vortech kit. Not when there are so many good used kits out there. Sure a kit with a S,Si, or T trim,8 rib pulleys and possibly already with injectors,mass air,powerpipe etc can be found for around $1400-1800. First Vortech kit I had I pieced together for about $1300

Same goes for a maf and injectors. Common to find 42's and a maf for $250-350.

FWIW I've had a Vortech on my 89 LX vert and currently has a BG turbo kit with a Precision T-70.

The "just 6psi" thing wont last for long ;)


great info!:thumbsup1:

[mymastifftucker]

How did you come up with lower than stock compression with the GT40P heads? Have dished pistons? What is the lobe separation on the cam?

I'll argue that the growth potential is huge with a Vortech setup also. Even a base SCi trim head unit can support 725hp...and a Si,T or even YSi(1200hp) will fit the same brackets down the road. That's roughly the same potential as the baddest T4 based turbos out there.

I would say it should also be considered whether you still have a/c and all the accessories as to which you choose. Either can be used with a/c,p/s,etc but it's really packed in there when you do a turbo on a car that still has a/c,etc.
On a car without everything there's just a lot more room to work with.

Don't get me wrong a turbo is awesome and the part throttle torque is sweet.
Just a lot more involved install.

I guess I'm just a penny pincher but I wouldn't buy a new Vortech kit. Not when there are so many good used kits out there. Sure a kit with a S,Si, or T trim,8 rib pulleys and possibly already with injectors,mass air,powerpipe etc can be found for around $1400-1800. First Vortech kit I had I pieced together for about $1300

Same goes for a maf and injectors. Common to find 42's and a maf for $250-350.

FWIW I've had a Vortech on my 89 LX vert and currently has a BG turbo kit with a Precision T-70.

The "just 6psi" thing wont last for long ;)

Great info X2!!

Billy should have his own section for engine questions!!

[NC STANG GUY]

Thanks NC STANG GUY for the info. The car has all the accessories and is stock bore. The Lsa is 110 and my compression ratio estimate was wrong (I was thinking of my dad's 85 gt).

I can't recall the cc of the chambers or find the part number of the speed pro piston (4 valve relief, probably flat top, hyper) . I have no clue on the compression ratio for this engine. Though I have been beating on her for three years now feed by 89 octane, with no problems.

As far as buying a Vortech new; well I know there are some pretty good used ones for sale, but I wanted to get new in this case. Nothing wrong with used parts, just knowing my luck. Still kind of green in power adders.

Thanks for the help!

If it has the basic 4 valve relief pistons and the GT40P's haven't been shaved down it's pretty safe to say your compression is slightly more than stock. GT40P's have a few cc smaller chambers than E7's. It's not enough to really matter though. Might be 9.3:1 or something.

I can understand you wanting a new one. Base Vortech kit doesn't come with a way to retard the timing,inline pump,8 rib pulleys,aluminum discharge pipe or bypass valve though.

I know at least one of our vendors is a large Vortech distributor so check with them on prices :thumbsup1:

[Silver Sleeper]

i have an on3 kit and im just down the road from you...i helped a buddy in Fremont not too long ago with his on3 install....

you are more than welcome to come over and check out my on3 kit installed on my car...i think once you see it in person you wont want a SC...:thumbsup1:

Trevor