LS4 Performance - ls4 question

i was curious what all was needed for a turbo to run on an ls4...(besides trans) like parts that make a turbo work. and do you need to do some motor work or anything? sorry for the stupid question, just curious

thanks guys

Rather than answer the question directly, I suggest you look into one of the two available off-the-shelf kits. It winds up costing less than cobbling something together yourself, and it's designed for the car.

If you keep the boost down and/or use an intercooler, no engine upgrades are needed.

Why would you need a trans?

Trans is rated at 285hp and the LS4 puts out 303hp stock. Throw in the cartuning turbo kit and you're at 600hp roughly on a transmission rated at 285hp. That's why you need a beefed up transmission.

Trans is rated at 285hp and the LS4 puts out 303hp stock. Throw in the cartuning turbo kit and you're at 600hp roughly on a transmission rated at 285hp. That's why you need a beefed up transmission.

Their are a few members on here with turbo kits and stock tranny, davidgxp had a fully built motor and had 50 plus track passes with the stock tranny.

Their are a few members on here with turbo kits and stock tranny, davidgxp had a fully built motor and had 50 plus track passes with the stock tranny.


He would be an exception to the rule. It's more than common knowledge these transmissions are pure excrement.

I'm pretty Brian was just messing around, as he's enjoyed the same trans problems that most of have.

And DavidGXP rebuilt his tranny quite a while ago, as I recall.

Anyone doing a major build on one of these cars and is not doing a tranny has to expect that they will need one eventually.

I'm pretty Brian was just messing around, as he's enjoyed the same trans problems that most of have.

And DavidGXP rebuilt his tranny quite a while ago, as I recall.

Anyone doing a major build on one of these cars and is not doing a tranny has to expect that they will need one eventually.


I had my trans upgraded back in October. A valve in the channel plate came lose and caused a little shuttering. Nothing broke though:angel:

I think the trans is pretty tough. It's the valves in the valve body, and lack of trans cooler that burns these suckers up IMO.

Unfourtunatly, these cars are not being built anymore and are racking up miles, so planing for a rebuild is a good idea.

I did put over 50 drag passes on my stock trans (shifting at 6800 rpm) with plenty of 2.0-1.8 60ft times. It held up fine running 12's

I have not raced my new engine or trans yet though:(

Well crap I sidetracked this thread. My sig lists the Cartuning turbo kit and stock trans, so yeah I was trying to make a funny.
Ok back on track. The Cartuning kit is bolt on. If you've never messed with turbos that would be your best bet.