guys, i have a question on stage 3 pulley. i tried to swap my stage 2 for stage 3 pulley but the damn bolt won't come out (the one that is actually holding the pulley). i am at a loss what to do short of cutting the darn thing and putting a new one after the install. does anyone have/had any issues like that? any help is much appreciated.

 

You may need to get a pulley puller to keep it tight while you take off the bolt. It can be a PITA.

 

When i had mine that damn pulley was a biatch to get off.I used a large pair of channel locks with strips of rubber(as not to damage the grooves) and squeezed as hard as i could on the pulley and the bolt finally came loose.Just wait to you get the bolt out....cause that,s not the hard part,you must use a pulley puller to get the old pulley off and that little sucker dosent want to come off.

 

that's exactly the problem. i ended up taking the entire assembly apart with the exception of the actual pulley that was still tied by the bolt/screw. i must have spent hours and tried just about every available tool with no success. i'm contacting stillen to see if I can just order replacement part where the pulley sits and put the new (stage 3) pulley there. that way i don't have to worry about taking the darn thing apart.

just wanted to see if anyone had similar issues and it looks to be the case. thanks guys

 

Well its alot of you guys on the fence. I have a 05 6speed coupe. Seriously looking at the Stillen for a REV-UP...PM if you want to migrate over to the TT side like Super G.

Super G.....is holding out on that hood. When he decides (if he decides) to let it go...I will be hard pressed to buy a Stillen SC. at least stage 2 for the Rev-Up...not looking for more than 340-350 wheel. If you drive like me...thats already too much power! Id rather go sideways at 50pmph than to go 160 in X# of seconds....lol

 

1. 2004
2. Coupe
3. 6MT
4. unknown
5. unknown
6. none yet
7. in processing of installing used stage 4, need some help

 

I'm trying to see if I can improve on that idler. anybody wants to donate the one you removed? the used SC kit I bought didn't come with one. I will post what I can do. it is not desirable to make the belt too tight. the rest of bearings will not last as long.

thanks!

 

I always kept the one I had on my car in place with no issues. I think having it is a very good idea, even if you have to get one from Stillen.

 

can you send me a picture of the pulley in the car?

 

I've got a STG2...What's involved with the "upgrade" to STG4?

And what is the "end result" compared to STG2?

Thanks Guys!
-WoW

 

You get a new fuel pump,larger 7th injector,smaller pulley and a different fmu control unit.It is a lot stronger then stage 2.

 

^ What do you questimate the diff would be to the Wheel for HP and TQ?

I guess I'm asking this:

STG2
WHP: = ?
WTQ: = ?

STG4
WHP: = ?
WTQ: = ?

What do y'all (Stillen SC owners) suggest?

What I'm looking for is power, but one that doesn't 'over work' the engine too hard.

Is STG2 "good enough" for ME, do y'all think, or maybe go to STG4? before even installing.

Oh!
Another good question:

How HARD would it be to upgrade from STG2 to STG4 *AFTER* the STG2 kit is fully installed and is up and running?

Thanks Guys!
-WoW

 

FMU is easy to install; Plug and play.

Fuel pump would require some labor and technical abilities to replace.

Pulley, seems to differ in how hard it is to pull; but generally, probably a PITA to do too... depends on your level of skill.

Injector; I thought was easy to do.... its in the back... Again, depends on your access to tools and your mechanical ability.

I can't remember what most shops charge to install it all. I want to say around $300-500 in labor... someone that has a quote jump on it and correct me.

In terms of HP/TQ gains.... have you dyno'd your car yet? I think you can realistically expect at the min. around 320 HP and Torque. Is your car a manual or automatic? You may get a few more ponies and torque from car to car especially if its a manual.

Motorwise, I think you're fine. I know of friends running a stage four for the last 15K miles with no issues. The Stillen setup is conseravative and reliable... its always the lust for more power that leaves the Stillen user "starved"... but if you'll be satisfied with the numbers it gives... then its a reliable unit.

Oh, the end result.... I don't know why they made a stage 2. Reliability doesn't seem to be compromised at all at Stage 4. Stage 3 though, I'd take a second look at before I would consider doing... seeing how there is no supplemental fuel being added with the trust that at Stage 2 you're already "rich" enough.... The Stage 4 pulls hard down low and continues more powerfully to redline. Stage 2 pulls good down low, but pretty much seems to die off around 5000 to 5500 rpm. The stage 4 seems to give you a way better "curve" to use throughout the power band....

Hope that helps!

 

^ Best "overall" information I've received to date bro - Can't thank you enough!

More Question(s):

1.) I have received a quote from Z1 Motorsports in Georgia ($800) - Is that bad?

2.) Should I invest in upgrading (purchasing parts from STILLEN) to a STG4 *BEFORE* having someone install? - I personally think this would be most logical, right?

3.) What kind of MPG drop can I expect from a STG4 with the added 7th injector etc etc?

4.) When I called and talked to STILLEN AND a member here that has STG4, they both said that I should NOT upgrade my HEADERS/CATS etc etc, that the STILLEN SC kits work best with the OEM setup. They did BOTH say that a cat-back exhaust is fine and will help, so I went with the STILLEN true-dual exhaust and already have it on and LOOOOVVVVEEEE it! So my question is: Why not upgrade the Headers/Cats etc etc. Does it KILL THE BACKPRESSURE too much? What's the deal? I thought it would give MORE power not less?

5.) What fuel should I put in the coupe once the SC kit is installed? With STG2 say keep with 93 Octane? What about if I go up to STG4?

6.) Would a fuel injector kit improve performance any or hurt?
http://www.intensepower.com/poenvq35in38.html

7.) What about new CAMS - HURT OR HELP?
http://www.intensepower.com/sojwtca35.html

6.) Does anyone here have a Silver Coupe (any variation other than dark slate or whatever) with the CF STILLEN hood. I was curious how mine will look?


SORRY for all the questions - just looking to get the MOST out of the VQ with the STILLEN setup is all.

Thanks Guys!
-WoW

 

^ I've read up to page 11 of this fantastic thread and seem to hear that the BELTS are a real issue.

Could y'all give a STG2 newbie some advise on the belts *BEFORE* I have the blower installed!!! Please!!, I would HATE to have issues with squeaky, torn, ripping belts!

How hard is it to replace yourself?

Could you find a 'tougher' belt?

Sorry for yet another question guys!

Thanks!
-WoW