A standalone is really the way to go, you will end up getting the boost bug and get one later anyways.

The SoS and Comptech are nearly identical, there are only 3 real differences that I have observed: SoS uses thicker dampener bushings, they have a revised belt tensioner, and their after cooler sits along the X axis instead of Z. SoS upgrades are totally compatable with CT, I call my kit the Science of Comptech SC kit.

Even if extra, definitely do the Novi 1200 oil fed, self lubed is not something I would be willing to trust as the oil fed has a proven record of reliability.

Get yourself a Kpro to go with this if flash wont handle it and the SoS upgraded heat exchanger!

 

Fuel pump change is cake, only PITA is getting that damn plastic board out of the way

 

I'd choose CT. I think they are loosing a lot of support because they've never participated in any of the forum. The product is solid. They've been making solid products for a long time. The intake is beautiful. Everything is well thought out and they were the pioneer.

 

Didn't read throught the whole thing so if i repeat anything my bad lol. I have the CTSC kit non A/C with the novi 1000. I bought it used over 4 years ago, have since put over 60k miles on it with zero issues, installed it myself in 10hrs with no experience, just good at reading instructions and following them. Im at 290whp and love it. I have AEM EMS and I live in Ill as you do. I have a way of getting around emissions, PM me. You will get a great deal more power with the SOS kit, but if you want a cheap kit go with a used novi 1000 like I did. you can even have the blower rebuilt for about $300 i believe. There are always some in the for sale forum. recently a non A/C for an insane price of $1,8000 and an A/C one for $2,700. Im going to be maxing out my blower soon and adding a water/meth kit. If i destroy the blower I'll upgrade to the 1200. If ur not looking for massive power, a novi 1000 is great, and you can always upgrade. Hope that helped

 

I run the CompTech and I'm very happy with the unit.

 

That is a good point. Comptech did some serious engineering for all aspects of the car. Back in the day, there were fewer players in the game and everyone knew their stuff was rock solid. I've had their adjustable springs, strut braces, and sway bars on my car for many years and they're very well engineered. The CT SC kits have definitely stood the test of time.

On the other hand, SOS knows their stuff too and both companies use off-the-shelf blowers. The SOS kit seems to be "updated" with some improvements here and there.

If you just want a base kit, I agree with Drkphnx. Score a used kit for cheap and send it in to be upgraded / rebuilt to a 1200. It'll be better than new and half the cost.