Mark Snowden

Hello all,

My name is mark I am new to the ls forums,

I have a 1973 nova ss that i have owned for the last 12 years. Currently as it sits it has a skip whites performance sbc 383 stroker 10.5 compression 210 pro-comp heads, howard's hydraulic roller cam and lifters 550inch lift, eagle rotating assembly forged rods and pistons, 1.6 comp rocker arms, 850 quickfuel carb dyno'd at 330 hp and 409 TQ. PATC 200r4 and a 12bolt built rear with 3.73s. For the last couple years I have been tossing the idea of swapping the 383 to an LS I have come to the conclusion that day has come I also would be putting a single turbo on this ls. Power goals 500-600hp on pump gas 93 octane, the plan is to use junkyard LS either gen 3 4.8 or 5.3 iron block engine I would be keeping my 200r4. Change out the cam lifters valve springs to summit racing brand. Currently looking at t4 gt35 off cx racing. I plan to run a terminator x set up and holley retro fit in tank fuel pump 90 gph. I currently have the factory tank with a fuel sump welded in. I have no plans to take this car to the track its street driven car and will remain that way. I am new to LS motors and I am just looking for a little insight on what some of you have done and what works and doesn't work. I know there is a lot of work involved with this swap so i apologize in advance for my lack of knowledge with Ls engines and what is needed. If there is any other info you guys need just ask.

TrendSetter

Gt35 is too small. Gt45 used to be a good budget turbo but I’d avoid it.
find something from vsracing in the 67-78 range. A 7875 is a good start but wouldn’t go bigger.
unless the 4.8 is way cheaper or all that’s available, go with a 5.3.

Mark Snowden

Thank you for the info i appreciate it.

Shiftworks

@Mark Snowden what is your current shifter set up currently?

Do you plan to keep the 200-4R, or are you thinking about going to one of the 4L series of transmissions?

Mark Snowden

I am going to use my current 200r4, it is currently cable operated and has a B&M magnum street bandit shifter on it. I know there is an adapter that is required to mate the trans and engine.

For the 5.3 ls Have you ever put a single turbo on a 100,000 plus mile motor?

jetech

Many, many people have turbocharged or added nitrous oxide to the LS junkyard engines that have way over 100,000 miles. Watch some Sloppy mechanics video's online

Jimbo1367

Many people look for ultra high mileage LS engines with hope the rings have enough wear so the rings won’t need to be opened up any more. Plus because they are cheaper.

TrendSetter

high mileage ls motors are my favorite. rings are already gapped for big boost.

Mark Snowden

Thanks for the advice. So in your experience you would not pop the pistons to confirm ring gap on a high mile 5.3?

Mark Snowden

Thanks for the info, since reading this i have watched several of his videos very informative. It is impressive the engines he puts together and the numbers he makes and it holds up still.

jetech

Checking ring gap on a relatively high mileage LS engine for boost really depends on a couple of things...
What is the max boost/hp goal ?
Power level of engine before boost.
Gas or E-85?
Usage of the vehicle. Street, racing, what kind of vehicle.
You get the point. Hundreds, probably thousands of LS engines have been boosted without additional ring gap on junkyard engines. Some don't live very long. Some do!
Hahaha, life is full of choices! Have fun with it