LT1 turbo question
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On The Tree
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From: Brockton, Massachusetts
LT1 turbo question Assuming that ARP head bolts are used and the proper supporting mods are done what is the maximum amount of boost that can be safely run on a daily driven 96 LT1? stock intake, slightly worked heads. I was gonna go with a t3/t4 or even smaller. Nothing to crazy.
i think it just depends on how good your fuel system is to be honest. mine is taking 8-10 lbs everyday. i personally wouldnt go probally over 12-13 ish . on a daily driver probally be risking it going over that. but thats just my opinion. i am sure if you have a built motor though and a proper tune it could be alot higher
Definately go bigger on the turbo. FI.com has a nice 76mm turbo that is quick spooling and very compact...*read* LT1 friendly
6-8psi, intercooled with a dead nuts tune is as far as I'd push it, but that'll still be a fun ride
6-8psi, intercooled with a dead nuts tune is as far as I'd push it, but that'll still be a fun ride
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The ring lands will break quite easily on an LT1. No need to ask how I know. The piston won't last long with any boost, but detonate and they are gone.
A perfect situation for running 8 psi is: low enough timing, NO detonation, COOL intake air, RICH AFR -- given ALL of these you will still lose a piston.
Not a matter of if, just a matter of when. We do not live in a perfect world and you will have uneven fuel, poor fuel, hot intake or something and it will detonate enough at an RPM that the ECM can not pull sufficient timing to save it.
That is reality there are always a few that keep the motor for a while but I have never heard anyone keeping a stock motor with 8 psi for 40,000 miles always ok so far.
I had luck with 6 psi, but the power is ~35 - 40% more so not exciting enuff for most especially once you get the power bug. Boost is ADDICTING.
A perfect situation for running 8 psi is: low enough timing, NO detonation, COOL intake air, RICH AFR -- given ALL of these you will still lose a piston.
Not a matter of if, just a matter of when. We do not live in a perfect world and you will have uneven fuel, poor fuel, hot intake or something and it will detonate enough at an RPM that the ECM can not pull sufficient timing to save it.
That is reality there are always a few that keep the motor for a while but I have never heard anyone keeping a stock motor with 8 psi for 40,000 miles always ok so far.
I had luck with 6 psi, but the power is ~35 - 40% more so not exciting enuff for most especially once you get the power bug. Boost is ADDICTING.
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Just echoing the other guys here. The stock pistons aren't going to last at anything over 4 psi boost. Also, the T3/T4 is way too small. I have one of those on my 1500 cc jet ski. The backpressure on a v-8 will go through the roof and it'll run terrible.
Now, assuming forged pistons, 8.5/1 compression, good fuel system, good tuning, good intercooler, you can reliably run 13 - 15 psi. Anything over that and reliability falls off.
Mike
Now, assuming forged pistons, 8.5/1 compression, good fuel system, good tuning, good intercooler, you can reliably run 13 - 15 psi. Anything over that and reliability falls off.
Mike
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that brings me back to a 89 mustang i had with a t3/t4 turbo out of a junkyard on the stock fi motor and it was a blast to drive.. it was a smaller motor...it had lotssss of low end...but no top end from the lil thing..all in all get a little bigger turbo and you will have a fun daily driver
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I would say "Amen" to all the things said here. If you're like me and have to have actual powder burns and shrapnel sticking thru your skin, you're going to be a knucklehead and try it anway 
Just do this while you're assembling it. Either start buying parts for an all forged bottom end or start scanning the 'for sale' forums for a built forged shortblock. You're going to need it anyway... 
Just do this while you're assembling it. Either start buying parts for an all forged bottom end or start scanning the 'for sale' forums for a built forged shortblock. You're going to need it anyway... 