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junkyard 4.8 turbo thirdgen build

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Old 06-26-2012, 01:41 PM
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Default junkyard 4.8 turbo thirdgen build

Now that I finally got it started, I think it's a good time to start a build thread.

My project is an 89 Camaro with a 4.8 with ls9 cam and a masterpower t76 turbo. I changed the interior from red to black and installed leather seats from a 99 Camaro. I also put a 99 Camaro dash in it. I upgraded the front brakes to "ls1 style" brakes and put a 3.73 posi w/ disc brakes out of a 2000 camaro in the back.

I got most of my parts from users on here and Thirdgen.org so thanks to anyone who has helped me out with parts or advise throughout the build.

I'll tell a little about the build and insert all the images I can find. If anyone has any questions just ask. I will also be needing help from you guys to finish up. The the gauges in the dash I installed are not working so I will prolly be asking questions on here.

About a year ago I picked up a complete (engine, harness, computer, all accessories, and even a torque converter) from a local pull-a-part for $140. I started reading forums and writeups about the 4.8s and came to the conclusion that this engine would be great for a turbo.

I decided a wanted to do something different so I installed an ls9 cam. When I took the engine apart I checked the cylinder walls and they looked and felt fine. I installed a ported oil pump, ls6 valve springs and ARP rod bolts. Put the engine back together and flipped it upside down to paint it and found a sticker that said Jasper Engines. Needless to say, I lucked out with this engine for the price.



I bought a built 4l60e because the autos hold boost better and a build 60e is much cheaper than a built t56 (I'm a poor college kid). I also found a 3400-3600 stall converter in the summit scratch and dent sale so I grabbed that as well.








my cousin and I had to make a stand alone harness:



Fabbing up the hot side:



got some zo6 rims:




Turbo is in there and hot side is wrapped:








here are some startup videos:
http://s1116.photobucket.com/albums/...t=27ce8667.mp4
http://s1116.photobucket.com/albums/...t=27ce8667.mp4


I will be adding more to this as I go and as I can find pics.. if you have any questions feel free to ask. Any input is appreciated.

Last edited by littlereds10; 06-26-2012 at 01:46 PM. Reason: pics added
Old 06-26-2012, 04:36 PM
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Nice build. Are those flipped truck manifolds?
Old 06-26-2012, 09:46 PM
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nice hvac guages ..lol.. let us no how the it goes when u get it tuned.i have same turbo on my chevelle.
Old 06-27-2012, 10:53 AM
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Did you use Fbody accessories or the ones from the truck (4.8)?
Old 06-27-2012, 10:53 AM
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Shawnc16- thanks! yes they are.
Chevellepowered- haha I know right.. I didn't feel like messing with swapping everything over. And will do!
Old 06-27-2012, 10:55 AM
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Maxpower_454- truck accessories
Old 06-27-2012, 03:57 PM
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Ok do I went to drive it for the first time and it goes into gear but won't move.. Any ideas?
Old 06-27-2012, 04:10 PM
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Originally Posted by littlereds10
Ok do I went to drive it for the first time and it goes into gear but won't move.. Any ideas?
Awesome looking build!

I would say check your shift linkage first. Are you 100% sure the torque converter was fully seated in the trans? I've seen where if you bolt the engine and trans together and the torque converter wasn't fully seated, you can destroy the pump and you'll be going nowhere fast.
Old 06-27-2012, 09:19 PM
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Originally Posted by fat tony157
Awesome looking build!

I would say check your shift linkage first. Are you 100% sure the torque converter was fully seated in the trans? I've seen where if you bolt the engine and trans together and the torque converter wasn't fully seated, you can destroy the pump and you'll be going nowhere fast.
I'm hoping it is the torque converter. I'm going to unbolt it and put washers between it and the flex plate
Old 06-27-2012, 10:31 PM
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Build looks great. Are your wheels 18's?
Old 06-27-2012, 10:59 PM
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Originally Posted by littlereds10
I'm hoping it is the torque converter. I'm going to unbolt it and put washers between it and the flex plate
About how far away was the torque converter from the flexplate when you initially mated the trans to the engine?

Which flexplate are you running? I have a 4.8 with an ls1 fbody 4l60e in my truck. The fullsize truck 4l60e flexplate was the only one that would work for me.
Old 06-28-2012, 03:30 PM
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Originally Posted by fat tony157
About how far away was the torque converter from the flexplate when you initially mated the trans to the engine?

Which flexplate are you running? I have a 4.8 with an ls1 fbody 4l60e in my truck. The fullsize truck 4l60e flexplate was the only one that would work for me.
Are you talking about the welded on pieces that the bolts go or the actual converter?
Old 06-28-2012, 04:17 PM
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Originally Posted by littlereds10
Are you talking about the welded on pieces that the bolts go or the actual converter?
Between the surface of the flywheel and those welded on pieces.
Old 06-28-2012, 05:56 PM
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Originally Posted by fat tony157
Between the surface of the flywheel and those welded on pieces.
There was barely any clearance at all. It even skimmed the surface when turning the converter

Camaroking1996- thanks! Yeah they are
Old 07-02-2012, 12:10 PM
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Should the torque converter have been sitting deeper in the transmission?
Old 07-27-2012, 01:33 PM
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Just a little update.. Turns out the torque converter I got was labled wrong and I need to get a new one in order to continue my build
Old 09-19-2012, 01:42 PM
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Got this thing on the road, but still need a tune to keep it from stalling. Also need to fix the gauges because none of them are working
Old 09-19-2012, 01:57 PM
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updates?
Old 09-19-2012, 02:24 PM
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That last post was my update lol
Old 10-09-2012, 03:26 PM
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Attached is a pic of my new custom gauges that I had to make because my gauge cluster was out of a v6 and I couldn't figure out how to make it work with my ecu signals.
Attached Thumbnails junkyard 4.8 turbo thirdgen build-gauges.jpg  


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