bfurches

iTrader: (12)

Starting a build thread on my Caprice. Going on it's third LSx based combo since I have owned it (5th motor combination overall if you count the SBC builds).

I will try my best to keep this updated in between shop work. It's hard to squeeze time in to work on it, but I have 90% of the parts to button this thing up and finish the fab work.

Last Year:

Here are the highlights of last years mess of a build haha.

2004 4.8L LR4 200k Miles+
Comp Thumpr Camshaft
Brian Tooley Springs, Trickflow Pushrods
Holley Modular Mid-Rise
Garrett/ Precision Ancient 70MM
Turbonetics RG45
4" Fender-Exit
4L80e Manual Shift with a Brake







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I will update tomorrow with details and a few pics of the new build!

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Running Tally of Cost to Build:

-2007 5.3 LC9 -200.00- (aluminum block, 243 heads, complete intake w/ 87mm throttle body; had a skip & no coils included)
-Modified TBSS/NBS Fuel Rails -100.00- (welding labor and parts on modified OEM stainless rails with welded -8AN fittings for return system)
-Ford Racing 80lb Injectors -300.00- (purchased used. Previously installed for dyno time only)
-2008 LY6 Harness & ECU & TCM -25.00- (paid 100.00 & sold TCM for 75.00)
-ZR1 3Bar Map Sensor -Free- (previously used on another project)
-New DBW Pedal From GM -45.00- (used vin from harness/ ecu donor vehicle)
-Custom Grind Cam from Geoff @ EPS -420.00- (222/226 .604/.605 113+2)
-BTR .660 Lift Platinum Spring Kit -220.00- (steel retainers)
-VS Racing GT45 Clones x2 -600.00- (including gaskets and downpipe v-band & clamp)
-Turbosmart 45mm Hypergates x2 -675.00- (7psi spring black)
-Ebay Forward Facing Turbo Headers -180.00- (bought used from mock-up motor with hardware, v-band & clamp)
-Schedule 10 Reducers x2 -44.00- (304 stainless 2.5"x2" for headers to hot side)
-Schedule 10 45* x2 -15.20- (304 stainless 2" 45*)
-Schedule 10 Straight -Free- (scrap 2" from previous build)
-GMPP Valve Covers -263.28- (two left hand side w/ grommets)
-Vinrant 1-3/4" Stainless Straight -Free- (scrap from previous build)
-Rustoleum Grill Paint -7.03- (for hot side)
-Rustoleum Professional Flat Black -5.89- (for compressor covers)

Current as of 4/12/2015: 3,100.40

casey38boost

iTrader: (3)

I dig that stealth fender exit. Nice car man!

bfurches

iTrader: (12)

Thanks man, Your from MA too huh? Sounds like an interesting build in your sig.

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Few pics of the current mock-up

ls3fox

How did you like the holley mid rise intake i cant find to many people running it on a turbo setup

bfurches

iTrader: (12)

It seemed fine to me. The biggest drawback in my opinion was the weight (42lbs assembled if I recall) and how quickly it heat soaked, but you are going to run into that problem with any cast aluminum manifold. But overall, I never saw any distribution issues or anything to that affect.

Forcefed86

iTrader: (4)

Are those china gt45's on a 6.0? Looks good!

bfurches

iTrader: (12)

They are GT45 clones, but the motor is actually a 2007 LC9 (aluminum 5.3)

Quick run-down of the combo...

-2007 Aluminum 5.3 Just Freshened (rings, bearings, decked hone and line bored. OEM Rotating assembly).
-243 Heads Resurfaced w/ BTR Platinum Spring Kit
-Cometic Gaskets and ARP Studs
-TBSS/NBS Intake Manifold
-EBAY China Headers Forward Facing
-Twin VS Racing China GT45s (69mm compressor, 1.05 divided exhaust)
-Turbosmart 45mm Hypergates
-E38 PCM & Re-Worked Harness from 2008 LY6
-DBW 87mm Stock Throttle Body
-Built 4L80E (TCI 300m Input & Reverse Pattern Full Manual Valve Body w/ Brake)




In order to get the turbos to light, I am going to experiment with blocking half the divided housing entrance to reduce the housing a/r. If on the back-pressure log it appears to be hurting up top. I will play around with slowly opening it back up. Similar to a manual "quick-spool valve" if you can imagine.

This isn't the cheapest build, but very within reason. I am going to keep a tally on the first post of what I have spent as I go for anyone looking to duplicate a similar setup.

Forcefed86

iTrader: (4)

Was just discussing a similar build with a friend. Figured we could run a big nasty cam since backpressure should be 1:1 or better and use a little nitrous to spool it. After using nitrous last year I have say its works really well and is much more economical than quick spool valves. (assuming you bought them) and it won't limit you on cam choice or upper rpm power like block off plates. You’re literally on the nitrous for less than 2 seconds, so a bottle lasts forever. Buddy sprays a 100 shot and a 10lb bottle lasts all season.

Curious if a healthy 5.3 and the right converter could lights those twins off on it’s own.

bfurches

iTrader: (12)

It very well may. 1.05 isnt exactly horrible. The headers are reduced down to 2" schedule 10, and the length of tubing into the turbine is relatively short (as opposed to a full crossover in a single application). If I can keep the heat in and velocity up, it might be enough on the converter to light both off.

This thing is more of my ongoing science project than anything LOL. Just a test bed for collecting data to see what works and what doesn't with my piles of excess junk.

93NotchLX

iTrader: (1)

I've been curious as to how well twin GT45s would work. LC9 is definitely a good choice to find out with. Keep up with the updates, looks awesome!

Forcefed86

iTrader: (4)

The PTC 9.5" converter with the 17 blade stator was pretty nutty on my 5.3 setup. would flash around 3200ish on motor. But once boost came in I could build 24+lbs on the T-brake at 5300+rpm. Might light those suckers off on it's own. Good luck!

PontiacPOWA

good god this thing is gonna ******* rip with twin china gt45's!

bfurches

iTrader: (12)

Haha! That's the plan!
Come up to MA when it's done and I will take you for a blast.

bfurches

iTrader: (12)

Wastegates are mounted up on the hot side. Not sure if I am going to run the dump tubes separately or if I am going to dump them back into the downpipe. We'll see once the motor is sitting back in the chassis.

Compressor covers are clocked and painted with the Rustoleum industrial flat black. I love that stuff! Also shot the hot side with some Rustoleum grill paint, which works equally well. No reason you can't make junk look good! haha

oscs

iTrader: (19)

Much better wastegate placement this time.