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Supercharger or turbo Info

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Old Nov 20, 2014 | 11:05 AM
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Default Supercharger or turbo Info

Hi Guys, just purchased an very low miles 1999 trans am ls1, with the 6sp manual. Im very interested in adding forced induction. I'd prefer a supercharger, but am open to turbos since the kits appear to be more available. Im really looking for safe moderate boost to make the vehicle a little quicker. Its not my daily driver, nor is it a track car. Just want to have a bit more fun. I've done my searches but still dont seem to find the answers Im looking for. Im really looking for a drop in kit or one that'll fit with minor modifications. I know procharger makes a kit, but not excited about spending 6k plus for a kit that still needs injectors and a tune. Im really looking for the most cost effective way to add boost to this motor. All ideas are welcome and appreciated
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Old Nov 20, 2014 | 11:31 AM
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If you're even slightly worried about a $6k price tag you might want to rethink forced induction. I think the Procharger kit is the cheapest "packaged kit" you'll find. You can piece together a turbo kit cheaper but you'll need to do some fabrication yourself. You might consider checking the classifieds.

As far as superchargers go, I would choose a kenne bell but it's also 6k+injectors
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Old Nov 20, 2014 | 11:41 AM
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Give Huron Speed a call and let them tell you about their turbo kits. That's the way I would go if I had an Fbody.

toytech93 is right though. If you're afraid of 6k, it might be better to sell the car and buy one that is already boosted. Even with a kit, the dollars can add up fast when you're going forced induction.

Jack
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Old Nov 20, 2014 | 03:04 PM
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Agree with above posts. Checkout this thread ; https://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-in...induction.html

If 6k is scarring you, then the cost it will take to actually do it will terrify you. Besides just the cost of the FI kit, you'll have to upgrade your fuel system (bigger pumps, plus injectors), you'll need an intercooler and or meth injection, a tune, plus an upgraded clutch.

Long story short, the absolute cheapest you'll go will likely be north of $10,000. If you want your car to last, hookup to use the power and be safe, you are talking a substantial amount more.

If you want to spend a few thousand to see the biggest bang for your buck, I would recommend a good H/C/I combo, or if you need more, then Nitrous. FI is going to be the most expensive route.

But it sure is fun...
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Old Nov 21, 2014 | 09:45 AM
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Thanks for the info. Im not worried about the cost, just looking for a cheaper way to do it since Im not looking for all out power. Whats H/C/I...Im assuming thats heads, cam, intake???
How far could that get me in hp keeping in mind i want to keep it very streetable
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Old Nov 21, 2014 | 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by SpeedJunkee
Agree with above posts. Checkout this thread ; https://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-in...induction.html

If 6k is scarring you, then the cost it will take to actually do it will terrify you. Besides just the cost of the FI kit, you'll have to upgrade your fuel system (bigger pumps, plus injectors), you'll need an intercooler and or meth injection, a tune, plus an upgraded clutch.

Long story short, the absolute cheapest you'll go will likely be north of $10,000. If you want your car to last, hookup to use the power and be safe, you are talking a substantial amount more.

If you want to spend a few thousand to see the biggest bang for your buck, I would recommend a good H/C/I combo, or if you need more, then Nitrous. FI is going to be the most expensive route.

But it sure is fun...
Agreed. I am over $13,000 in 2 motors, 2 turbo kits, and all of the other "Things" that go with being a member of the "FI" club. 6k is just getting warmed up.....
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Old Nov 21, 2014 | 10:36 AM
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My top to bottom turbo build is budgeted and looks to be about right, at about $30,000 invested.

Motor, turbo kit, turbo, trans, all supporting mods, and suspension.

But, Huron Speed can have you turbocharged with all factory equipment staying where its at for a very affordable price.
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Old Nov 21, 2014 | 10:41 AM
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Call Huron Speed!!!!
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Old Nov 21, 2014 | 11:03 AM
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Ouch. I have less than $10,000 in my whole setup, and that includes the cost of the engine, transmission, and fuel system.
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Old Nov 21, 2014 | 11:20 AM
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Originally Posted by JoeNova
Ouch. I have less than $10,000 in my whole setup, and that includes the cost of the engine, transmission, and fuel system.
Well, I've got a built 4** inch motor, 88mm, TH400, 160lb injectors, full suspension, etc. Probably just have more tied up in mine bc a way more agressive setup.
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Old Nov 21, 2014 | 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by a.white86
Well, I've got a built 4** inch motor, 88mm, TH400, 160lb injectors, full suspension, etc. Probably just have more tied up in mine bc a way more agressive setup.
Or because you paid someone else to do It all for you?

I've ran 8s in a car that had less than 15000 invested including The cost of the car
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Old Nov 21, 2014 | 11:49 AM
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Originally Posted by JoeNova
Or because you paid someone else to do It all for you?

I've ran 8s in a car that had less than 15000 invested including The cost of the car
I paid to have the motor built. Around $9k in motor, $2k in trans, $2,800 in chassis, $2,600 in cage, $1,000 injectors, $2,300 in turbo, $1,400 in coil over setup, $3,000 in rear end, $1,800 in Holley EFI if i decide to run it, $600 in factory style metal tank from Nasty Performance, Fuel Lines and FPR and all that stuff, $1,100 all from FORE, gauges and electrical $600, Co2 kit, not sure on cost for that yet.. Shifter $500. T6 Turbo kit, $3,000. Wastegates $800, BOV $400.


Lots more to add to this list but please tell me how to build a turbo car for 10k. please do inform me.. I'm not building a junk trap. I'm building a safe car to go Low-mid 5's in Mean Street on a 275 Pro
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Old Nov 21, 2014 | 11:52 AM
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Originally Posted by JoeNova
Or because you paid someone else to do It all for you?

I've ran 8s in a car that had less than 15000 invested including The cost of the car
Originally Posted by a.white86
I paid to have the motor built. Around $9k in motor, $2k in trans, $2,800 in chassis, $2,600 in cage, $1,000 injectors, $2,300 in turbo, $1,400 in coil over setup, $3,000 in rear end, $1,800 in Holley EFI if i decide to run it, $600 in factory style metal tank from Nasty Performance, Fuel Lines and FPR and all that stuff, $1,100 all from FORE, gauges and electrical $600, Co2 kit, not sure on cost for that yet.. Shifter $500. T6 Turbo kit, $3,000. Wastegates $800, BOV $400.


Lots more to add to this list but please tell me how to build a turbo car for 10k. please do inform me.. I'm not building a junk trap. I'm building a safe car to go Low-mid 5's in Mean Street on a 275 Pro
And all work is done at Speed Productions in Jackson MS, where my good friend owns the shop and Dyno there.. Work done by myself, and owner with virtually zero labor cost.
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Old Nov 21, 2014 | 12:04 PM
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Well...Thank you for the responses, but we've sidetracked a bit. You dont need to do an all out engine build to put some small boost. As stated Im looking for 400-450ish rwhp...not a car thats running sub 10s. Im planning on leaving just about everything else stock in the meantime...if it breaks down the road, fine...I'll replace it then. IM NOT BUILDING A RACE CAR. I just want some safe moderate boost, there's no need for people telling me I have to spend 10,20,30k in order to do so. Im glad your proud of what you got into your car(I mean that respectfully), but those just arent my goals. Huron seems like a good option, but Im still learning more as I go along. So yeah back to the idea of slapping a charger or turbo and leaving all else stock.....
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Old Nov 21, 2014 | 01:56 PM
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Originally Posted by bcarr001
Well...Thank you for the responses, but we've sidetracked a bit. You dont need to do an all out engine build to put some small boost. As stated Im looking for 400-450ish rwhp...not a car thats running sub 10s. Im planning on leaving just about everything else stock in the meantime...if it breaks down the road, fine...I'll replace it then. IM NOT BUILDING A RACE CAR. I just want some safe moderate boost, there's no need for people telling me I have to spend 10,20,30k in order to do so. Im glad your proud of what you got into your car(I mean that respectfully), but those just arent my goals. Huron seems like a good option, but Im still learning more as I go along. So yeah back to the idea of slapping a charger or turbo and leaving all else stock.....
This, is what you're looking for.
http://shop.huronspeedproducts.com/H...v2turbokit.htm
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Old Nov 21, 2014 | 05:27 PM
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Ask yourself a few questions...
1. How long do I want the car down to get my FI setup done? If you want it a weekend project, go Procharger, if you're ok with it taking upwards of weeks, to a few months, then a turbo might be better.
2. Are you comfortable with doing some fab work? If so, then a turbo is a good option, if not, Procharger.
3. How do you like driving your car? Do you want instant torque and throttle response with a linear power curve/pull, or do you want the neck snapping hit of torque when the turbo spools?


For a simple setup in the 450-550 range, look for a used P1 procharger setup and you'll be extremely satisfied. A turbo from Huron Speed is also a good option, but do some reading of other builds and see if it's something you're comfortable with doing. Either way, both are going to make you happy.
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Old Nov 22, 2014 | 10:09 AM
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In my opinion, for a fun street car with moderate power levels and 100% reliability, I'd look into a PD blower. It's a bit more of a headache to put into a 4th gen f-body, but it will be super responsive at any rpm and you will dominate just about any stop light racing you chose to do on the street provided you can get decent traction. My stone stock LS1 put down 440 to the wheel with a small MP112 and was an absolute riot on the street. I literally bolted the blower on and never touched it after that.
I like all forms of forced induction but for moderate levels and no-fuss reliability it's hard to beat a PD style blower in that regard.
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Old Nov 22, 2014 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by bcarr001
Thanks for the info. Im not worried about the cost, just looking for a cheaper way to do it since Im not looking for all out power. Whats H/C/I...Im assuming thats heads, cam, intake???
How far could that get me in hp keeping in mind i want to keep it very streetable
Yes, its Heads, Cam, and Intake. A good H/C/I combo can net you around 450 RWHP. This can be done for a few thousand dollars, and will be the most reliable, and in my opinion most street able. From listening to what you are saying, I think this best fits your needs.

This is a good starting point with your choice of cam. Match it up with a good intake, and you should be well on your way.

http://www.texas-speed.com/p-4346-pr...-outright.aspx

Originally Posted by JoeNova
Or because you paid someone else to do It all for you?

I've ran 8s in a car that had less than 15000 invested including The cost of the car
Good for you, but I would say you are in the vast minority for investment, and I would say there will be very very few others who have that little wrapped up in a FI car total. For someone asking the cost on a build, this would not be close to a total number including car I would tell them.

Originally Posted by bcarr001
Well...Thank you for the responses, but we've sidetracked a bit. You dont need to do an all out engine build to put some small boost. As stated Im looking for 400-450ish rwhp...not a car thats running sub 10s. Im planning on leaving just about everything else stock in the meantime...if it breaks down the road, fine...I'll replace it then. IM NOT BUILDING A RACE CAR. I just want some safe moderate boost, there's no need for people telling me I have to spend 10,20,30k in order to do so. Im glad your proud of what you got into your car(I mean that respectfully), but those just arent my goals. Huron seems like a good option, but Im still learning more as I go along. So yeah back to the idea of slapping a charger or turbo and leaving all else stock.....
For 400-450 reliable street able RWHP, you will not be able to beat a NA H/C/I combo for the money. Even a supercharger setup will still be setting you back a bit (more than $10k). You need to understand that if you go that route you are applying boost to a motor that was not meant for it. Stock LS engines were made with a high CR and non-forged internals (not boost friendly). Yes, you could probably spend $10k+, and do very low boost and if the setup was fueled, tuned, meth injected, intercooled properly you'll probably last a while. But if you are looking for reliability and a 400-450 RWHP power goal, FI is NOT the best way to get you there.

Last edited by SpeedJunkee; Nov 22, 2014 at 04:24 PM.
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Old Nov 22, 2014 | 07:00 PM
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Honestly, listen to these guys. They speak the truth. I just bought a turbo kit from huron on a whim without really doing my homework and now I'm regretting it. My original plan was to do a head, cam, intake swap on my car over the winter and a buddy of mine was gonna give me a smoking deal on a nitrous kit coming off of his trans am. So that was gonna go on too. This set up was gonna be sub 3k for me because I already had heads that I bought last year. I always wanted to do a turbo setup but never really researched the total cost. Unfortunately I did it *** backwards and bought the turbo first and I'm now realizing how much it's gonna cost to build right. The little stuff adds up fast! Do your homework so you don't end up like me!
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Old Nov 22, 2014 | 09:32 PM
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Wanting 425whp and looking at forced induction is wrong.
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