LS turbo project
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TECH Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2013
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LS turbo project Got a few questions so I don't end up buying something 3 times. I sold my BBC powered 33 plymouth and I bought a 57 chevy Belair 4 door. I've been wanting to do a turbo build forever and since this thing will weigh a couple tons I figured it'd be a good canidate for a LS and a turbo. I'm looking for a 05 or 06 5.3. I found a 04 with 100,000 miles but I'd like to have the better rods and pistons. Figured the sloppy stage II cam and a S475, 1.32 AR turbo, T6 clone turbo. I figured with the T6 I can update later. Truck manifolds and I'll also be going blow thru, don't really want to fool with injection. First question , one wastegate or 2? My thinking, not always right, is 2 44 mm gates would control boost better but want experienced opinions. Also I know all about the cheaper gates but for now that is what I'll use. I'll pull them apart and polish and inspect them but I'd like something that I can update later and have everything fit. Anyone have a idea on which ones? I've looked at VS racing and ebay but don't really know what will interchange with a Tial or other high end gates. Any advice on these and a BOV along with any opinions on the turbo, cam or anything else would be great. I'm not shooting for a 1000 HP, just something that runs pretty good and if I take it to the track it'll run some respectable et's. I forgot to mention that I will also run meth injection for a little piece of mind. If it gets more serious, I'll put forged pistons and H beam rods in it.
The Gen III 5.3 will hold more power than you intend on making right now so if the price is right, don't shy away.
If you intend on getting serious down the road with a Summit Piston/Rod kit then why not start with a Gen III?
Twin gates for sure because a standard T6 flange is usually twin scroll, I use twin 44mm gates to control my S484, works perfectly.
VS Racing is great for the price, I'd have no issue running their wastegates and BOV's, lots of people do, just do like you said and inspect the gates before use.
The WG flange will depend on changing them out, use a v-band flange and then you can swap out for a nicer pair down the road if you want/need.
A box stock S475 will light off fast, make great power and be soft on the wallet, there's a cast S480 on this forum for like $650 right now.
Lots of options for turbo cams, LJMS/BTR, Tick, Summit Racing, all work great for what your doing when paired with the correct valve spring / retainer / pushrod.
You've got a sound starting point for going fast, you'll love how easy it is make lots of power so cheap with a turbo LS.
If you intend on getting serious down the road with a Summit Piston/Rod kit then why not start with a Gen III?
Twin gates for sure because a standard T6 flange is usually twin scroll, I use twin 44mm gates to control my S484, works perfectly.
VS Racing is great for the price, I'd have no issue running their wastegates and BOV's, lots of people do, just do like you said and inspect the gates before use.
The WG flange will depend on changing them out, use a v-band flange and then you can swap out for a nicer pair down the road if you want/need.
A box stock S475 will light off fast, make great power and be soft on the wallet, there's a cast S480 on this forum for like $650 right now.
Lots of options for turbo cams, LJMS/BTR, Tick, Summit Racing, all work great for what your doing when paired with the correct valve spring / retainer / pushrod.
You've got a sound starting point for going fast, you'll love how easy it is make lots of power so cheap with a turbo LS.
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Joined: Nov 2018
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Have you pulled the pan on it yet? You might get lucky. Not all, but a lot of 2004 engines have gen4 internals as well.
If its got the Gen IV internals you can really put the boost to those little buggers lol.
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Joined: Sep 2013
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I bought a S475 T6 brand new in the box for $500 and he paid shipping. Couldn't pass it up considering it's a BW and not a clone. I'm going to go with a Summit cam and kit. Their turbo cam kits have everything for a little under $600. I'm going to try and at least pull the pan this coming week, been to busy in the garage to do anything.
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Verdad Gallardo It's fine, if its got 100K+ miles you probably won't even have to open the ring gap up.
Lots of guys making 800whp and more with those Gen III 5.3's.
I made 700whp for years with a Gen III LS1 so I'm sure you'll be fine.
Lots of guys making 800whp and more with those Gen III 5.3's.
I made 700whp for years with a Gen III LS1 so I'm sure you'll be fine.