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5.3 Turbo Build

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Old Oct 16, 2014 | 05:05 PM
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Default 5.3 Turbo Build

Okay guys so I am fairly new to the LS motor but I came from the traditional SBC motors. So I need advice on building my 5.3 to be a turbo motor. I paid $400 for the motor out of a 05 truck that was wrecked at 65,xxx miles. It has 862 heads, I'd like to keep everything as cost effective as it can be. I have a Holset H1C, can easily get my hands on a HX35, and S475's are everywhere around here. What turbos would you guys reccomend? What about cam and head set ups for turbo? It is going to be put in a 85 Z28 for a drag car so there is my intention so you guys have an idea of what I need. So let me know what you guys would do in my situation.
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Old Oct 16, 2014 | 07:13 PM
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S475. Stock heads. Look around for a turbo cam. There are a million of them out there so it's a bit hard to just point and say "that one there".
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Old Oct 16, 2014 | 08:03 PM
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Okay so what do I need to look for in a cam to match the S475? And should any porting be done to the heads or leave completely stock?
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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 12:02 AM
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Also I have the chance to buy a brand new Edelbrock Vic Jr. fuel injection intake, low profile 90 degree elbow, and fuel rails in all matching black for $450. Is it worth it for the turbo setup I'm going for?
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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 07:34 AM
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Pics of everything
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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 10:15 AM
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Get a different elbow on that
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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 11:16 AM
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Whys that?
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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 12:20 PM
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I'm on my phone so it's hard to see the pic but it looks like it's the edlebrock low profile one. Correct? If so that elbow doesn't perform that well compared to the 90 degree version.
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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 12:41 PM
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Its the Edelbrock 3847, but I already bought the set up for $425. Ill run with it for awhile until I get something better.
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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 12:48 PM
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the s475 is a great choice if you can get it for a good price only other thing i would do is buy some headstuds from arp for your 5.3 just for added security and make sure to get proper oiling to the turbo and you are golden
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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 12:49 PM
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pretty sweet set up on the intake for 400 bucks you cant beat it if its a budget thing that intake should be fine unless your aiming for crazy numbers previous poster is right about the elbow but no harm in running this one
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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 12:51 PM
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you could also probably pick up a set of 317 truck heads for cheap and just change the springs on em n get a mild turbo cam
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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 12:52 PM
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Yeah S475's are everywhere around here. We run them on all the diesel's around here. I'm trying to keep it on a budget too since I still have to finish my Camaro. I also was going to ask about the head studs. Thanks for help guys.
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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 12:53 PM
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Why the 317 vs the 862?
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Old Oct 17, 2014 | 10:29 PM
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Also how hard would it be to convert to e85? And what all would need to be done?
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Old Oct 18, 2014 | 07:50 AM
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Keep your 862 heads, add some springs, get some China head studs (there are threads on here proving their value), Headgasket and you are golden.

The whole 317 heads thing on a 5.3 has been discussed but no clear answer. Yes allow for more cc's but people also say that using them makes the setup a dog off boost. I would just use your stock heads.
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Old Oct 18, 2014 | 09:32 AM
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Why not the ARP?
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Old Oct 18, 2014 | 09:43 AM
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Because the ching chang head studs are ~$100 and pretty well proven.
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Old Oct 18, 2014 | 09:51 AM
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^^^^ bought mine for $70 shipped online and yes they have been proven to be a great bang for the buck.
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Old Oct 18, 2014 | 10:12 AM
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Guys got links? And I'm really thinking about the On3 78/75 turbo now too.
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