littlereds10

iTrader: (10)

This build thread will document my Frankenstein Sonoma build
I finished the truck about 2 months ago and have been driving it for about a month.







Truck: 1998 GMC Sonoma Stepside truck
Engine: Stock $300 gen 3 5.3 with LS6 valve springs, stock head gaskets, etc.
Rear end: Junkyard $120 Ford Explorer 8.8 3.73 limited slip disc brakes. Custom driveshaft and transmission yoke
Transmission: CD009 Nissan 350z 6 speed manual transmission mated to the 5.3 with an adapter kit made by yours truly (pictures can be seen below)
Turbo: Cragslist $120 Holset HX55 Semi turbo
Exhaust/ Piping: eBay LS S10 headers into food-grade stainless 2.5" merged into a single 3" then up into the turbo (in the tool box). 4" downpipe down and over the axle into a 4" muffler then out the back.
Fuel system: Walbro 450 in-tank pump. Siemens 60lb injectors. Stock fuel rail with return.
Turbo oiling: Feed is 4an from the engine. Return is 12an into a custom made catch can, then 10an into an electric Tilton gear oil pump then back up into the valve cover cap.

littlereds10

iTrader: (10)

This is where it all started; a $300 5.3, 150k miles

HX55 semi turbo I found on Craigslist for dirt cheap:

Headers and flywheel installed:

littlereds10

iTrader: (10)

This is where it all started; a $300 5.3, 150k miles

HX55 semi turbo I found on Craigslist for dirt cheap:

Headers and flywheel installed:








This is the adapter kit I designed/ prototyped:

408GT

iTrader: (2)

I think you'll need some bigger holes in that toolbox.

littlereds10

iTrader: (10)

Engine installed:

littlereds10

iTrader: (10)

Catch can made by my cousin:

Mocking up the hot side:

littlereds10

iTrader: (10)

More piping mockup. Some of these may be out of order:

littlereds10

iTrader: (10)

Ready to be TIG welded:

littlereds10

iTrader: (10)

Hardest part was getting the cold side piping around the wheel well:

gsteele

You keep posting pictures faster than I can complain about not enough pics

littlereds10

iTrader: (10)

truckdoug

iTrader: (25)

What flywheel is that? or is it custom too?

littlereds10

iTrader: (10)

Flywheel, adapter plate, pilot bushing adapter and starter spacer/adapter are all custom. We will be selling it as a kit in the near future

ryeguy2006a

iTrader: (27)

I was wondering the same thing about the flywheel. Nice looking piece!

truckdoug

iTrader: (25)

PM me when you get a $$$ number for the kit.

aggie91

Nice work!

codyvette

iTrader: (24)

Excuse my ignorance. Why not a t56?

Jimbo1367

Great idea of toolbox turbo. Do you recall the P/N and dimensions for the airfilter?

thanks,
Jim

truckdoug

iTrader: (25)

the nissan tranny is stronger and cheaper

lizeec

iTrader: (57)

I get the stronger part, but is it going to be cheaper after needing the adapter kit which I imagine will be in the $500-$1000 minimum price range? My other concerns would be availability as the t56 is still able to be sourced used and brand new in varying forms, with a myriad of aftermarket support in parts and rebuild services.