C5 Twin Turbo System: Stage X and Stage X Lite
Fits Z06 and base models
The Corvette turbo system has been around for some time now. We originally started with two small T28 platform turbochargers but that just wasn’t enough for some. Then we swapped out the two T28 turbochargers with a two small T3 turbochargers built by TEC and customers still wanted more. Finally, we put two one of a kind t3/t4 ball bearing turbochargers from Turbonetics on and upgraded from the dual intercoolers to one single front mount intercooler and have yet to have anyone max out this kit.
(Stage I kit shown)
The first two kits listed above were called the stage I, II, and III. These kits are no longer available. That last kit mentioned is called the Stage X system. The Stage X kit is offered in two different formats; one with ball bearing turbochargers and one with journal bearing turbochargers. Also, the two kits have different coating packages. The lite kit comes with coated hot parts and intercooler ducting, but is not polished. The standard X kit has everything coated and polished for the show and go crowd.
(C6 Z06 Cermachrome Shown)
Stage X: Retail: $8930.70
Ball bearing turbochargers, cast end intercooler end tanks, grey ice ceramic coating
Stage X Lite Retail: $7695.00
non ball bearing turbochargers, cast end intercooler end tanks, grey ice ceramic coating
Freight, depending on your location starts at $225 on all kits.
Bigger turbocargers, add $300 (400+ CID motors)
Sheet metal intercooler end tanks, add $300
Chromex coating (polish), add $300
Both kits will make the same peak power and the coating difference is just cosmetic. The difference between ball bearing turbochargers and journal bearing turbochargers is spool time and longevity. The difference is minimal and worth the savings if your on a budget. That’s why we decided to start offering the lite kit. Below is a few samples of what the Lite kit coating. This particular kit is a for a C5 or C5 Z06:
The Turbonetics turbochargerscome with an unconditional 1 year warranty. That means no matter what you mange to do, if those turbochargers go out for whatever reason, Turbonetics will replace them at no charge. Even if your oil gets contaminated and you think something might have happened, send them back, and we can get them inspected and repaired if necessary. We have had many people ask us “Why do you use Turbonetics turbochargers over Garretts?” This is why:
“Turbonetics ceramic ball bearing turbochargers utilize an angular contact ball bearing with silicone-nitride ceramic balls. Yeah, yeah, it sounds fancy but what does this mean? It means that our unit can withstand between 1000 to 2200 lbs of dynamic thrust load vs. conventional unit’s 60 to 80 lbs. Turbonetics uses a single ball bearing instead of two, BY DESIGN. The angular contact bearing is the loading surface! The turbine-end bushing bearing acts as a shock absorber to prevent destructive rotating imbalances. The imbalance can damage the turbocharger from inside out. Through computerized modeling and high-speed rotor dynamic analysis, the floating turbine end bearing was found to be the very best way to absorb and dampen critical frequencies that are transmitted through the turbine shaft. On top of all this, Turbonetics design allows the unit to be rebuilt. Try finding a source that will totally rebuild a typical “dual ball bearing” setup. You will get the same answer every time – “buy a new cartridge”.
Turbonetics offers an unconventional warranty in the industry. We’ve been doing this since 2003. This warranty is offered on our products because we are confident in our design and performance. We don’t cover stupidity… ok, maybe just once. The warranty is part of our attractive product offering - Solid performance, extreme durability, competitive pricing, and that extra margin for safety; even for stupidity (or honest mistake, whatever, we don’t care!). We are not going to offer something we’re going to lose money on. We know units are not coming back; if they do, it’s a rare occurrence.”
These turbo systems are both capable of making upwards of 1000hp on modified engines and turbos but still capable of making 500-600hp (safely) on stock engines. Depending on the year of your C5, usually injectors and a license to HP Tuners or LS1 Edit will be sufficient for the fuel management and programming.
Fuel Upgrades/Methanol Injection
Those that are looking for more power then 600hp should invest in a similar fuel setup shown below. This setup is not included with the price of the turbo system but gives you a good perspective on such a fuel system. This was a one off system that we did for a very close customer of ours.
We have also had a very high success rate with methanol injection. On a C5 Z06 we were able to make 650RWHP+ on a stock motor and over 900RWHP+ on a 427″ C6 Z06. With the after market scene flooded with different styles and variations of kits, I would recommend you discuss with your installer or tuner which methanol kit is best for you.
Installation
We do recommend that you have a professional shop install any of our turbo systems. This turbo system takes approximately 24-32 hours to install for your first time depending on your mechanical ability. If your close to Michigan, Phil Hoefler is the man of choice for installation and consulting needs; unless of course, you closer to Seattle, WA which in that case, you would come and see us. Please check out our dealerpage to find a certified dealer in your area.
Components:
The Stage X and Stage X Lite kit both come with the following premium components:
- Twin manifolds which are high content nickel for durability, sand casting CNC machined for perfect port alignment and exhaust & balance distribution.
- Custom Turbonetics T3/T4 ball bearing or non ball bearing turbochargers available in your choice of exhaust housings for your driving needs.
- Turbonetics 38mm stainless steel Evolution wastegates are mated to each down pipe discharge flange for optimal exhaust flow. TiAL 38mm wastegates also an upgrade optional available.
- Two of America’s #1 air filters, K&N, are mounted on each 3” mandrel bent ceramic coated intake inlet pipes.
- TiAL 50mm by pass valve w/aluminum CNC mounting flange pre-welded on the intercooler for installation ease, designed so compressor surge is never an issue.
- 2.5” mandrel bent, ceramic coated down pipes w/ precision machined CNC flanges, mated with 1.5” ceramic coated, wastegate inlet/outlet discharge dumps tubes, precisely re-routed back into the down pipes for perfectly distributed exhaust flow, all professionally tig welded.
- Turbonetics bar and plated intercooler cores, are utilized for an overall core dimension of 3.5” W x 6” H x 27” L, to get the coolest intake charge temperatures as possible. 6061 aluminum end tanks, tig welded complete this single front mount intercooler. (This is included with BOTH kits but can be purchased separately for $1200 if you wanted to upgrade an earlier Stage I, II, III kit.)
- Hot side intercooler ducting starts at 2” and steps up to 2.5”, just before the dual 2.5” inlets to the intercooler, for maximum velocity. Bead rolled ends ensure your never stuck with a blown charge pipe. From the intercooler, a 3.5” gigantic outlet matched up to a quality K&N air bridge, delivers the boost instantaneously.
The Stage X kit on a 2003 stock Z06 engine made an impressive 529rwhp and 480trq on pump gas and only 7 psi. On a modified engine, we’ve seen a handful of cars make over 800 and even 900+ horsepower.
Here are a few dyno graphs to show you that this kit is not only capable of making this power, but its proven. These aren’t the highest/loweset but they are some of the average results. Don’t forget to check out “Customers Ride’s” for more media on our C5 kits.
(Click images for a larger view)
