85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Ok this is a new one for me. I did a 6.0 in my burb but it was carbed then aftermarket efi. This one will be factory efi with turbo. Never had or built a turbo motor before. So i will be needing some help. I plan to get a 5.3 and change the ring gap and maybe a cam and head studs. But no heads or crank/rods. Would like 500 hp to the ground. I have looked on the ls1tech site and the lowest on there i can find with a 5.3 and turbo is 550. Should not be too hard to get that power mostly stock. We went around and around about what to do with this truck and it has been for sale for a while with no real takers. So i finally talked wife into keeping it. YAY. Now the fun starts. It will be a slow build as i dont even have the motor yet. I have my eye on just chevy trucks.com they have a ebay store that sells stand alone motors. All pullouts and come with a current performance harness and ecm. I have seen 5.3 with stand alone for under 1000 bucks. Has anyone used them or that harness? Not sure what size turbo yet. I have tons of resurch to do on that. Should be a fun swap. So here are some pics of the truck. Any advice will be appreciated.

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Keep an eye out on craigslist, I'm constently seeing turbo/supercharger kits on there used or jus used for mock up at a pretty good price, atleast in my area. If u talk to these guys they can tell u what u need to use to make these setups work. As far as motors there is a place out of Texas that u can submit offers too and they usually take them, I offered 550 on a 75,000 mile 5.3 and they said ok, I had to back out tho because a 6.0 fell in my lap and I decided to go that route instead. Shipping was 250 flat rate and they would work with me on the warrenty. If I can find the eBay site again ill let u know what it is if ur interested. Looks like a cool build and will be following.
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Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

For a goal as low as 500 rwhp, I wouldn't bother dicking with the ring gap. Lots of guys making way more than that on bone stock bottom ends.

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

That is just a starting goal. I figure when I have to motor out will be the best time to do it. I don't really know what to expect for power yet.
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Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Well i put in some emails to different turbo companys. Already got a email back from one asking about the motor specs. So hope i can figure that part out. What kinda fueling mods will be needed? Bigger injectors? Fuel pressure regulators? I plan on ls1/6 type manifold with aftermarket rails and -6 or -8 fuel line. But not sure on sizes cause this is my first efi build with factory stuff.

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

My last setup was a Borg Warner S475, stock truck rails with regulator, stock truck intake, stock truck TB, Siemens 60 lb/hr injectors, Bosch 044 fuel pump, -6 feed line. Pushed my 4300 lb LWB into the 11s with a 5.3L and 4L80E.

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

As far as intake the truck intakes make the better torque and hp for the bang, I've seen and read a ton on the stock intakes and dyno testing and they did the best till I get into the ls3 and ls6 but they are head specific and then the lsx intakes are another story too. Like wasted incomes set up is all ud need as long as u have a good tuner for it, the tune is the hard part. There are tons of diff turbos on the market and a sh*t load on the used market, I've seen lots of whole ls1 setups using stock truck manis and the do all the hard part of welding and making the tubes and everything on craigslist for under 400 some even with injectors and most of the stuff u need.

I'm sure ther is tons of help on here and I can't wait to see how it goes, I've been thinkin hard on doing one too and am hoping ur build makes my mind up for me.
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Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Yeah the tune took a lot of work to get right. I did it all myself with EFI Live, on the street. I was real conservative with the fueling and timing, so there was a bunch left on the table.

I'm redoing my setup again now with an Edelbrock Pro-Flo intake, Aeromotive rails/regulator, Fuelab pump, -10 feed from a sumped tank, megasquirt ms3x engine management, a different turbo, and revised hotside plumbing.

Hoping for a little better than high 11s with the new setup.

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

So all i need is bigger injecters? That would save tons of money. I will be most likely putting a tank in the bed. And using a external pump cause i cant find any internal pumps and would like to move my factory fuel tank to the trash can. I think it has crap in it. I am not sure who will be doing the tune. I dont know anyone for that. I know a shop with a dyno but not sure if he tunes. I think he may. Hope so anyways.

A nother question is would it be best to buy a motor that comes with a modifyed harness. or make one. I know where to get a 5.3 with current performance harness for 1100. But i am new to both turbo and factory efi so i dont know if speed density tune will be needed or not. I would like to keep it cause some people say it drives better with a maf. Any ideas?

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Screw the MAF. You don't need it for perfect drivability with a good tune. EFI Live open loop speed density on a COS5 2/3 bar operating system is what I've used for many swaps with good success.
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Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

IIRC most guys that run boost are running in speed density instead of using a MAF?

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

I know the guys running big boost like over 1000hp dont. Sounds cheaper to me. Not sure about the operating system or what not. Open loop though it kinda weard. Dont cars run better in closed loop cause they use all the motors sensors to figure the fuel and spark tables? I would asume anyone that can tune the motor can turn that on and off? What about mail order tunes? Are they worth the money?

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

85burb, Is that the truck with the TH375?? Good trans for a boosted truck.

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Yes it is. I need to have it built. Would a 400 be better or just have the 375 built?

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Build the TH375, The only "weaker" part is the output shaft, Breaking it would still be a badge of honor;)

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Well comp turbo was the first to email me back. They recommended a ct43-6767 with a .91 Ar. So I called them and talked with Justin. I asked why the web site says that turbo is 975 hp rated. He says that is with the turbo maxed out. He says he recommends that one cause it will not be maxed out there for my temps will be a lot lower. He said I will only need about 7-8 psi to make 550-600 at wheels. The turbo is way more then I was thinking on spending but it will have power left in it if I was to add more boost. He also said it has a one year warrienty and can be sent back and have a 80 size wheel put on it. It will come with a billet compressor wheel and ball bearings. Still waiting on a few more places to email me back. So still not sure on the turbo
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Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Part throttle Closed loop Speed density tuning is still optional.
At WOT they enter open loop anyway.

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

I've been a eaton/magnuson fan.....but I have to admit...Procharger has a great new boost solution.

videos/power-adders/procharger-introduces-revolutionary-programmable-ratio-supercharger/

http://cdn.lsxtv.com/image/2012/10/p...r1-220x145.jpg

http://cdn.lsxtv.com/image/2012/10/p...r3-312x208.jpg

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Wow that is very cool. I am sure those are crazy expensive. Prices for some of the non-fancy ones are like way over 5k. I am sure that programable one is crazy high. That technology never worked real good in a transmission so maybe it will be ok on a supercharger with out the hole cars weight on it.

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

LOL, but a ball bearing, billet wheel turbo isn't? You need to consider the WHOLE cost to make the comparison...the turbo, oil feed and drain lines and fittings, wastegate, flanges, v-bands, mandrel bends, welding, coating of the hotside.
Intercooler, mounting, silicone hoses, aluminum charge pipe tubing, etc.

The cost might be closer than you think when you add it all up, espeically if you farm out some/all of the fabrication.

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

I never said the turbo was a lot cheaper. It is more affordable for me. A few hundred here and there is a lot easier then a 5k all at once for my budget.

So after finding out i will prob need speed density tune would it make sense to buy a motor that already has a modifyed harness and programed ecm that uses a maf or to just get a motor with a stock ecm and harness?

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

I would go with the stock harness and ecm, since it will need to be reflashed specific to your setup anyway.

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Ok that is kinda what I was thing but had to ask.

May have trucks 350 sold this weekend!
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Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

I'm doing the holley dominator efi complete kit... It's around 2500 but is self learns which would save some money from having it tuned all the time...

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

I am pretty sure my motor will be gone buy Sunday. I have 3 people interested. Who ever shells out the money first gets it. And I have a motor I want. It's a 04 5.3 so it should have the better ls2 rods in it I have read.
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Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

The stock Gen III engine management system is one of the greatest EFI systems ever developed. GM could buy Holley with the money they spent developing their EFI.

Get the tuning right & You dont need it tuned ever again unless you change something & that's what HP Tuners & EFI Live is for.

Most/Good tuners dont charge full price after the first tune.

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

After i get mine tuned and set in i may get hptuner. It will ne nice to have. Makes it easyer to troubleshot issues and make adjustments if i change anything.

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

I'm thinking about using the stock pcm, but I don't know if i would take a chance with my computer and wiring harness. It looks like it has been sitting outside for a while.. Plus the holley you can go from e85 to gas and run meth injection and it will tune it's self... If i run a stock computer and harness i will have to take it and have it tuned and around here it's around $500 then if you buy the hp tuner or efi live that's another cost. How often do you have to tune the stock pcm? Will it adjust automatically when boost is applied?

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Keep in mind the Holley stuff is fairly new, So......Little/No support other than Holley's tech line;) I dont have experience with the system your looking at....But I have taken several of their older Pro-Jection units off & thrown them in the trash.

People have been tuning the stock Gen III PCM for 13 years.

http://ls1tuningguide.com/tuningmanu...ons%20rev3.pdf

Quote from HP tuners website.....

2bar and 3bar Speed Density
Applications: 1998+ Gen3 V8 (Most Operating Systems)
The enhancement is designed for the serious forced induction enthusiast who is struggling to make the stock PCM do everything that is needed at the racetrack and is tired of using the various VCM "tricking" techniques during the tuning process. HP Tuners has spent months of in-house and external testing and development time, utilizing some of the worlds best forced induction tuning houses as beta testers to make sure the features meet the requirements for both supercharged and turbocharged applications.

The 2bar Speed Density enhancement includes:
- 2bar MAP support (calibration capability for 0-5V linear sensors)
- Retains 5 kPa resolution in non-boost regions (2bar pre 04/05)
- 5 kPa resolution in boost regions (2bar pre 04/05)
- 10 kPa resolution in boost regions (2bar and 3bar post 04/05)
- Secondary VE table not used (if applicable)
- New MAP referenced "Boost Enrich" table
- New openloop MAP threshold
- Dual (High and Low Octane) Spark table support
- Speed Density mode only
- VCM Scanner histogram automatically recognizes and adjusts for 2bar/3bar feature
- New 2bar/3bar MAP PID for VCM Scanner

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

I used to have the old projection back in the early 90's and i never had problems with it.... I've been doing a lot of research on yellowbullet, ls1tech and the turbo forums and it seams to be a great system. I've also heard the tech support is real good also... I'm still researching because it's alot of money

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

We don't agree on a lot of subjects, but we are on the same page with this. Gave me a chuckle, too. ;)

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Holley has a new 4150 style throttle body efi....the Terminator. Now where have I heard that name before? :lol:

http://buyearls.com/data/products/pi...ium550-406.jpg


as does FAST...the ez-efi 2.0

http://bangshift.com/wp-content/uplo...re-180x119.jpg

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

I'm waiting for them to come out with the "Shocker EFI" :jest:

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

4L60E's & LT1's isnt alot;)

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Now yall can add GM genIII/IV efi! :lol:

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Fair enough. I'll buy that.

:D

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

:lol:

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Well the old motor is going to hit the ground in the morning. I hope to buy a motor next week. The motor i am taking out is going in a guy i work withs corvette. He spun i think 4 bearings at the same time. That is amazing. It was a few rods and atleast one main.

Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Got the motor out with no issues. I love having a crane. Makes life so much easier. Delivered it to the buyer and now have money to order the motor I want.
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Re: 85 lwb turbo 5.3 build
 

Well i tried to order my motor today but between my crappy bank account and junk paypal it sent flags up and stopped the transaction. So now my account for paypal is locked up. Makes me look like a creep to the seller i am sure. I called them and explaned the situation and they said they will hold the motor for me. So upset this pretty much put a damper on my whole day. I hope it is figured out tomorrow.