81chevyc10

Hello,
My name is Patrick. I just turned 16 in July. I'm not real new to the forum (I've been reading lots of threads doin research) but this is my first time posting.

First for some background on the truck.
My project truck is a 1981 chevy c10 single cab stepside. It is not my daily driver (I have a 1997 z71 as my dd) so I won't be in any hurry to complete the build. The truck was free because if used to be my grandmas but my grandpa never took care of it and always let it over heat (my dad said he didn't stop driving it until smoke was pouring out of the hood and finally quit runnin but I was too young to remember) and its been sittin in the field next to my grandparents house for close to 10 years.

Now that you have some background these are my plans.
I wanna build a turbo'd 5.3 lm7. My goal is only about 400-500 hp because it needs to be plenty street able because it will be my dd once it's done. This is where y'all come in, I need help choosing a turbo, intercooler, wastegate, etc. I am on a very tight budget so I'd like to do this as cheaply as I can and the truck will be worked on as money is available. I'd like to keep the engine build under 2k. I want an automatic transmission so probably a 4l80e or 4l60e but I haven't done much research on transmission so I don't know the limitations to either. And it will be gettin some suspension work as well. Most likely a new rear end because I'm sure the stock one won't handle much. I'm not worried about how the truck looks because it will be clear coated and eventually built into the ultimate sleeper, like farmtruck for those of you that watch street outlaws. And I'd actually like to set up a race with farmtruck once it's done. But that's later on down the road. For now I just need a reliable dd I can take to the track and have some fun in.

Now for a picture. (I'll have more soon)

Reject

iTrader: (24)

so your trying to do the whole build for under 2 grand correct?

damn man that's going to be a tough one.

Blackpanther99

iTrader: (8)

I think thats just for the engine. $2k for the WHOLE build will be tough!

81chevyc10

2 grand for the engine/turbo set up. That doesn't include tranny, rear end, suspension or anything else. But the turbo side of the build is the part I need help with. I'm pretty confident with the rest. I just don't know a lot about turbos and I know there's a so many variables to consider when doing a turbo build and I don't have the experience to know what turbo and other parts I need an I don't just wanna slap somethin together with parts that don't go together and pray that it works.

81chevyc10

You are correct. I wish I could keep the whole build under 2k but I think that's impossible if its gonna be even a little bit reliable.

BOXCHEV

iTrader: (3)

Sorry Had to.

LT1RAY

iTrader: (21)

I think you can do it pretty cheap.

GT45 ebay turbo $250
32x12x3 intercooler $100
60mm wastegate $75

You could make 500rwhp pretty easy on this setup using pump gas.

81chevyc10

I know it can be done. i just don't have the knowledge to do it and that's why I'm here. I don't want to make a 800+hp engine, not yet at least. but I also don"t want a 300hp all stock motor. I like messing with stuff too much. And that's why i want to do this build, to learn more about cars/trucks/engines etc and to have fun. I've always wanted to build a high performance vehicle, but I don't wanna build something with too much power and then kill myself with it afterwards. Keep in mind this is my first ever build.

Blackpanther99

iTrader: (8)

Agreed^

OP...As long as its done right you should have a reliable ride and setup for a good while. Planning on a 5.3? 4.8?

cpolaris502

iTrader: (2)

I do believe that the title of the thread says he's doing a 5.3...

This will be a sweet truck when it's done. Good luck!

Blackpanther99

iTrader: (8)

lol