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I have a 1973 nova ss that i have owned for the last 12 years. Currently as it sits it has a skip whites performance sbc 383 stroker 10.5 compression 210 pro-comp heads, howard's hydraulic roller cam and lifters 550inch lift, eagle rotating assembly forged rods and pistons, 1.6 comp rocker arms, 850 quickfuel carb dyno'd at 330 hp and 409 TQ. PATC 200r4 and a 12bolt built rear with 3.73s. For the last couple years I have been tossing the idea of swapping the 383 to an LS I have come to the conclusion that day has come I also would be putting a single turbo on this ls. Power goals 500-600hp on pump gas 93 octane, the plan is to use junkyard LS either gen 3 4.8 or 5.3 iron block engine I would be keeping my 200r4. Change out the cam lifters valve springs to summit racing brand. Currently looking at t4 gt35 off cx racing. I plan to run a terminator x set up and holley retro fit in tank fuel pump 90 gph. I currently have the factory tank with a fuel sump welded in. I have no plans to take this car to the track its street driven car and will remain that way. I am new to LS motors and I am just looking for a little insight on what some of you have done and what works and doesn't work. I know there is a lot of work involved with this swap so i apologize in advance for my lack of knowledge with Ls engines and what is needed. If there is any other info you guys need just ask.
Gt35 is too small. Gt45 used to be a good budget turbo but I’d avoid it.
find something from vsracing in the 67-78 range. A 7875 is a good start but wouldn’t go bigger.
unless the 4.8 is way cheaper or all that’s available, go with a 5.3.
I am going to use my current 200r4, it is currently cable operated and has a B&M magnum street bandit shifter on it. I know there is an adapter that is required to mate the trans and engine.
For the 5.3 ls Have you ever put a single turbo on a 100,000 plus mile motor?
Many, many people have turbocharged or added nitrous oxide to the LS junkyard engines that have way over 100,000 miles. Watch some Sloppy mechanics video's online
Many people look for ultra high mileage LS engines with hope the rings have enough wear so the rings won’t need to be opened up any more. Plus because they are cheaper.
Thanks for the info, since reading this i have watched several of his videos very informative. It is impressive the engines he puts together and the numbers he makes and it holds up still.
Checking ring gap on a relatively high mileage LS engine for boost really depends on a couple of things...
What is the max boost/hp goal ?
Power level of engine before boost.
Gas or E-85?
Usage of the vehicle. Street, racing, what kind of vehicle.
You get the point. Hundreds, probably thousands of LS engines have been boosted without additional ring gap on junkyard engines. Some don't live very long. Some do!
Hahaha, life is full of choices! Have fun with it
Checking ring gap on a relatively high mileage LS engine for boost really depends on a couple of things...
What is the max boost/hp goal ?
Power level of engine before boost.
Gas or E-85?
Usage of the vehicle. Street, racing, what kind of vehicle.
You get the point. Hundreds, probably thousands of LS engines have been boosted without additional ring gap on junkyard engines. Some don't live very long. Some do!
Hahaha, life is full of choices! Have fun with it
Hey there,
The HP goals I am looking to achieve are in 550-600 rwhp 6 to 8psi nothing more then that. I wont send this car down the track have no plans for that. For me its a street/car show cruiser. I will be running 93 octane E-85 is hard to find in my area. That is why i plan to keep max boost in the 6-8psi range not to sure how much boost you can run on pump gas.
Do not buy cx racing, I bought one of there kits for my truck and I've just about changed out every part that came with the kit. Manifold were junk, turbo was junk. I made 1 trip to the track and went home and took it off
Just an update, I purchased this 5.3 from my local salvage yard. Its out of a 2005 chevy suburban. 8th number of the vin is Z so i am guessing that this is an 5.3 L59? I will post more photos when I start stripping it down. I will most certainly need some advice and guidance from all of you, Thank you in advance.
For your goals I’d open it up as little as possible. Leave the heads on, you can swap cams by flipping it upside down on the stand to keep the lifters up.
these motors really don’t need much, camshaft, pac1218 springs, good fuel supply, injectors and boost. Stock oil pump with a washer added to the bypass spring. Don’t over complicate it.
That is the plan as of now not trying to over complicate it. I am going to change the drive by wire to drive by cable throttle. Can the throttle body be changed from DBW to DBC or should I try to find an LM7 intake DBC throttle body?
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1973 nova ls swap 
