Mobileaudio25

I'm looking to swap a turbo lq4/4L80e combo into my 1980 Malibu. I've been doing some research and decided this setup fits best for what Im after. My car is not setup to handle much more than 600whp (8.5in 28 moser spline, eaton posi rear) so I'm looking to run a mild amount of boost and achieve 550+whp but have enough room to up my boost and achieve around 6-650 whp when I'm ready to swap out the rear and add a little more frame work.

From what I've read I can achieve this by finding a good running lq4/4l80e and adding a turbo. Ive read that most people will add a turbo cam, swap pistons and rods, mains, rod bolts and change the valve springs in the heads with a port and polish job. Is there anything else that is recommended to be done while I am in there ? Im not looking to have to do a full rebuild and machine work on the bottom end if i don't have to. Its also been recommended to add a shift kit to the 4l80E.

Im looking for information on what compression ratio is best to run with a turbo, what size turbo, which cam rods/pistons most people are using with good reliable results. Im not looking to skimp on anything that I might have to redo later, I don't like having to do things twice. I'm trying to get together a parts list and I will be finding a motor here within the next month once it starts to warm up. Thanks

G Atsma

Find a good 4.8/5.3 and RUN it! Ok, maybe freshen it up a bit with any needed seals/O-rings, oil pump, or even a timing set.
But usually that's it

Mobileaudio25

Im looking to get a 6.0L for the fact that down the road I would like to be able to tear it down and build it up to achieve 800whp and not have to buy another block, just have to swap out parts and a turbo, so Im pretty stuck on an lq4..

epfatboy

iTrader: (3)

YouTube/google sloppy mechanic once you are done there this is the place to ask a ton more questions.

You should not even have to open the bottom end if you get the right engine and the Sloppy site will put line the years you want (2005/2006) and why (rods). Tons more too!

KCS

iTrader: (20)

Agreed. The guy behind Sloppy Mechanics is also a Moderator here; his screen name is denmah. Search his posts and read as much as you can.

Basically, the later Gen IV LS engines had stronger internal components than the previous Gen III engines. The Gen III components are still ok up to about 500-600whp, maybe more, but the tuning must be safe (aka baby soft lol) Stock Gen IV long blocks have been over 1000whp, most notably by denmah in his turbo 6.0L/4l80 Colorado.

Mobileaudio25

Thanks for the info guys, I’ll look him up and get to reading thanks

A.R. Shale Targa

iTrader: (2)

80 Malibu is a really cool G body.
Turbo LQ power even better

allblackedout5

iTrader: (18)

Agreed on all info here .