LS1 Racing

iTrader: (15)

Those of you have that had both a turbo LS-powered F-body and a NA build, which do you prefer? I'm thinking about selling my 486 RWHP LQ4 with LS3 heads and Comp LSr 273 cam and going to a stockish 5.3 with a turbo. I know I can make the same power this way, but I'm wondering what the pros and cons are, mainly, drivability, fuel economy, and driveline reliability. My car is a 6-speed with the stock 10-bolt and is a daily driver that lives in the mountains and gets about 300 miles per week.


What are your thoughts?

HCI2000SS

iTrader: (2)

You wanna do all this only to make around the same power that you have now?

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

I agree. I'd rather have a 500 hp NA over a 500 hp turbo any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Once you've maxed out you NA build, then that's when it's turbo or blower time. I'm still a sucker for a well thought out and optimized NA build.

high impact

iTrader: (5)

I used to say the same thing about n/a before I rode in a turbo car. You will continue to say that until you drive or own a boosted car. A turbo car isn't nearly as rowdy, has better fuel mileage, better drivability and it's much easier on the engine and driveline parts.

Rise of the Phoenix

iTrader: (27)

Must be why you're going turbo

badformulaLS1

iTrader: (1)

Big power N/A cars are amazing. But so are turbo cars, and they offer all the extra pros mentioned above. If were me I'd go turbo. Having both would be ideal though haha.

LS1 Racing

iTrader: (15)

That's just a baseline. I would certainly want more eventually, but I also don't want to rush into it, put down 650 to the wheels, then have it break.

I owned a mid-11 second '87 Grand National for about 24 years, so I know how a turbo feels. I also know that a turbo LS motor is a totally different animal than a 3.8 V6, which is why I'm starting out by asking questions of folks who have done both!

high impact

iTrader: (5)

It's very wise to ask questions. I have been a n/a and nitrous guy for many years. I've had a couple friends recently swith to turbo and then my son and I removed the rowdy can and nitrous to install a front mount single turbo on his camaro. He drives the snot out of his car and after I took one ride was unstantly sold. I sold all my top end and nitrous parts to be able to buy turbo parts and am now almost finished with my boost build. My car was pretty rowdy but so much fun for a pretty heavy car. Ran 10.30@131 with a small shot but expect to run low 9's high 8's and still be able to drive around. The cam spec'd and gears are so much milder. Boost it and don't look back! ;-)

LS1 Racing

iTrader: (15)

This is what I was looking for, thank you!

I'll be curious to hear about what you think after you're done with the build!

high impact

iTrader: (5)

I will gladly report my experience and have begun a build thread in the forced inductions area.

https://ls1tech.com/forums/forced-in...ula-build.html

Nickmoore240sx

turboing might be spendy unless you have good hookups

itsslow98

iTrader: (18)

Id rather have your n/a setup for a daily no doubt about that. For the mountains 468rwhp n/a is pretty impressive. You will lose reliability turbod and your 10 bolt wont even handle the power that you are making now.