Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Ok so I've decided on a putting a turbo LQ4 into my 96 Z with T-56. Need some suggestions on parts. I dont have a HP goal, but do have a goal of high 9's-low 10's.

Question is, what heads, injector size and brand, head gasket, and cam should I use? A lot of people are saying use LS6 heads but that would increase comp ratio so why wouldnt I just stick with LQ4 heads and have them reworked? Also, are the stock LT1 feed and return fuel lines big enough?

Already purchased a Huron Speed turbo kit. Know I'm using LQ4. Pretty certain I want the Edelbrock Pro Flow XT intake. I know I have to do cuting and remove wipers, thats fine. And Edelbrock fuel rails and 90mm throttle body. Also getting water/meth kit.

Just so you guys know so far I have as much weight removed as possible and almost everything that is not needed and accessories. So hope that helps factor in times/hp needed. Suspension is done, and running weld 15 x 10's in rear.

Sales@Tick

iTrader: (3)

Keep the 317s and stock thickness head gasket, 9.4-9.6:1 compression is a great middle ground for pump gas. Turbo selection will determine the camshaft profile as will the intake manifold being used.

club_xcursion

iTrader: (6)

goodluck with the swap. not trying to thread jack but im also doing a lq4 turbo setup with LSA heads and im confused on which head gasket and arp bolts i need.

bttlfed98gt

iTrader: (13)

what year block? Use LS9 head gaskets

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

@ Tick, thanks you're always a big help. I'm new to turbos but I've noticed many people are using a TC78 so I guess I'll go with that, if no objections from anyone.

@ club xcursion, you're good man, we both can learn a little

@ bttlfed98gt, are the LS9 head gaskets about the same thickness as stock LQ4? I havent bought the motor yet, still in afghanistan. What year do you recommend?

Anyone know what size injectors I should use? And any objections to using the edelbrock pro flow XT intake, fuel rails, and throttle body?

Camaro9969

iTrader: (12)

Stock heads upgraded springs LS9 gaskets s480 tu1/tu2 cam or have martin spec a cam, 80lb injectors twin 255s the proFlo intake is a great choice you will be very happy and parts are very easy to find. This will get you easily the 10s or 9s you want

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Awesome. Pretty much answered everything. That just brings up a couple more questions.

Would you do any porting to the stock heads? Stock ratio rocker arms?
And with fuel, as I mentioned its a 96. Are the LT1 lines big enough? And I've searched for a twin pump set up but cant find anything. Could I make it myself and any links to do this?

TheLS1Lover

No need to port the stock heads, it will help but is not needed; stock rocker arms are fine. Search MIGHTYMOUSE he has a write-up on how to do twin 255s, its an LS car so it might be different for you. If you go e85 it might be a good idea to upgrade the lines.

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Ok thanks. And I did a little research. So far I have, going to get trans converted and built by Tick, custom cam from Tick, LS9 head gasket, stock heads, 80# injectors, Edelbrock pro flo xt intake and throttle body, and stock ratio rocker arms. And I read that stock lt1 fuel lines are good for about 750hp so I should be good.

The questions that remain,

With all this, what size turbo should I run, TC78?
What size cc pistons should I run?
What gear ratio?
Stock size push rods?

TheLS1Lover

Borg Warner S480 with the 96mm Turbine, the TC78 is too small.
Deends on what compression ratio you want. Do you have a E85 available?
I'd run something like a 3.42 or if an aftermarket rear end a 3.50, no steeper than that.
Pushrods depend on camshaft, you will need to measure.

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Theres a guy on here running a 91mm with over 1000 hp. I believe you when you say 78 is too small but would 96 be overkill?

I dont know what compression I want. New to FI. I guess 9.4 sounds about good. Know what pistons I'd need to get that? Or would it be stock size. Thanks for the pushrod and gear info

Camaro9969

iTrader: (12)

I've got the same s480 on my car you can check out the thread and believe it or not it spools so fast I was surprised.

TheLS1Lover

96mm is the Turbine, its an 80mm compressor wheel.

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

oh wow ok. See, shows how new I am to FI. So stock cc pistons? Thats about the last question I can think of for now. At least I can have a number of parts waiting for me when I get back to the states

T76s10

iTrader: (6)

I would keep stock pistons and stock 317 heads. Should be around 9.5:1

Jc803

iTrader: (2)

Ok great. I've read stock is -7cc, correct? If so it would be ok to go -8cc?

Another question came up while I was serfing through my mags. On most of the builds, even on 9 second cars, guys are using stock ignition, stock coils, and some even stock wires, but aftermarket wires at the most. I'm prepared to purchase a MSD 6LS controller and wiring harness, and coils. But if you guys think stock is best then great, that will save me $1180 right there.

ren987

iTrader: (4)

Don't waste your time with the msd coils, stockers are fine. As far as good wires fire core wires are pretty much the best in the business. Good/reasonably priced injectors are siemens/deka 80lb/hr. I think I got mine for around $400 new, I also did the dual walbros but I am torn on whether or not I like them. If your car has a steel tank I would sump it and put an external magnafuel or a1000 pump.

Cam72aro

iTrader: (28)

If its a race car then a sumped pump with an external pump is fine. For a street car they are annoying and heat up quickly. I had a nasty tank with an a1000 and switched back to a stocker with dual walbros.

MillsMotorvation

Well you have all kind of ways you can go, but I just got a stroker kit just to upgrade when time to really fly. In the car now is a stock 5.3 LS6 cam kit, LS9 HG. I also tried the stock 6.0, but my poor tunning killed it sooner than it should. GT45 cheap turbo 60lb injt, LS1 intake, had truck intake first. Also got meth kit on it Snow. Stroker kit came yesterday Bal, and read to install. K1crank,K1rods,and Weisco pistons. Also have a Vic jr carb intake that I drilled to run injectors on. Good luck. For low boost 6.0, high boost 5.3.

ren987

iTrader: (4)

hmmm that is odd, my friend is using one in his 5.3 truck but he is using a fuel cooler. Has made a couple 4+hr trips and no problems so far.