This is how it sits now. Just got done painting it.



Hello. I currently have a '79 c30 dually with a tired 454 and th400 in it. I'm thinking of swapping the bbc for a turbo ls. This would def be a budget build project. My goal is to stay below $3k all in. I am thinking that I'd get either a 5.3 or 6.0 whichever i can get cheapest. Instead of getting one from a scrap yard, I'd like to find a wrecked tahoe or pickup with one in and pull it myself. This would help keep cost down as I can sell/scrap the remaining vehicle when I am finished with it. For mods I'm looking at a sloppy stage 2 cam and some decapped ebay injectors. I would use a gt45 turbo and a log type manifold. I only plan to run this setup on 5-7 lb of boost. I also would b keeping the th400 that is in the truck currently. I would also be using the donor vehicles computer and wiring harness and would be repinning it. My question is would this work and is it feasible. I would prob be selling the bbc so that will help a little with costs. Im planning on pulling a wake boat with it. Its roughly a 150 mile trip with some hills to the lake. However i would only use it for this once or twice a year. I'm not planning on towing with it very often. Will mostly be used as a cruiser.

 

Sexy truck! In to see what those who know more than me have to say about your idea!

 

You’re best bet to stay with in budget is a 5.3. Even an eBay turbo kit will run you 1500.

 

You also don't need a cam. You boost a 5.3 with a stock cam and it'll make an insane amount of low end torque and be all in by 5500 RPM. No need for crazy RPM with a tow vehicle. I've seen a 5.3 on pump gas and 7 PSI make 500 crank HP and close to 600 lb. ft.

 

If you're not upgrading to overdrive, I'd just refresh the BBC.

But if you're really stuck on the turbo LS idea, and want a cam the SUM-8728R1 would be a much better choice than the SS2. Or as LS1Form said, just use the stock one.

 

Love the truck! As much as I like LS's, I would rebuild the 454 and spice it up. Ported peanut port heads, bolt on fuel injection, mild cam, etc. In today's world, trying to do the turbo LS for $3000 will be extra tough. The cost of an LS is not so much in the motor itself, but in getting it into the chassis you have. The little stuff will eat you alive. Example, swap harness is going to run at least $500, more like $1000 if you do a decent one.

 

I second what DualQuadDave said concerning budget. If it looks like it’s going to work for $3k on paper, then you better double it and figure $6-$7k. Lots of smalls will $100 bill you to death. Fuel system is expensive. Exhaust is expensive. Gauges to work with the swap are expensive…man it all adds up quick.
I DO love the truck as well!

 

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I converted my dually from a 454/4-speed to a 6.0/4l80e. best decision I ever made, I haven't thought about turboing it since the swap. I figurted my mileage doubled or more, and feels at least as good as that 7.4L ever did.

 

I tow almost everyday witha turbo 5.3.
it's got about 65k miles since i put it together.
5.3 stock rebuild, gapped rings
Truck norris cam
On3 70mm Turbo
Cast passenger side manifold ( bought on Amazon)
I fabbed everything else myself