From the Forums: Building a Super Cheap Turbo LS Mustang
LS1Tech member embarks on a monster build with a $450 New Edge Mustang. Next stop: 10-second passes.
The potential for cheap power makes the LS engine a feat of modern engine. Obviously, this comes as nothing new for LS1Tech readers, but one forum member’s recent thread about a very cheap Mustang build really highlights it.
RobertD posted his build on the forum here and by his accounting, he has about $160 in the bright-red ‘99 Mustang after selling off its original V6 engine and several other parts. Add to that a junkyard 4.8-liter LR4 from a ‘99 Silverado. That set him back the princely sum of $263.
The assorted costs do add up, naturally. There’s more to it than putting a $260 engine in a $160 car. That said, RobertD aims to make 500 to 600 horsepower for under $7,000, a figure he remains well under. That should be good for 10-second passes.
That this remains likely — let alone possible — reminds us what a great time it is for gearheads. Junkyards are littered with the General Motors trucks and SUVs whose Vortec LS engines fit the bill for cheap 10-second (or much quicker) builds.
A cheap Garrett GT45 knock-off turbocharger should build the power figures. At $175 for the turbo, that’s a great way to make real power. The plumbing — including wastegates and V-Band — and a $70 intercooler add to the overall budget. However, if you’re building cheaply, the options remain almost limitless.
You can weigh into the forums to talk about the life-expectancy of cheap turbos. However, well-known cheap builders like Sloppy Mechanics seem to keep their junk (mostly) alive without spending piles of money. A 10-second car represents just the beginning of potential, although things get more expensive quickly as you chase single-digit timeslips.
Nevertheless, we’re sure RobertD will have one fast, fun ride for less money than a nice fourth-gen Camaro Z/28. And he’ll have built it the way he wanted it.
Check out the Forum Thread for tons more photos and details!
[Photos: RobertD on LS1Tech]