Ok I have a 94 LS 5 speed. I just put a GSR tranny in, along with a new clutch and throwout bearing. I am the 2nd owner and it doesn't appear that it was beat on (chick, but not a racer chick owner) The car has 170K, but still runs really strong in my opinion. It is the only ls I have ever driven so I can't say if it is as strong or stronger than others. However I feel like it is still strong. I plan on doing a compression test just to make sure everything is ok. All that said I would like to turbo it really soon. I have been researching and would like to put together a kit, mostly used....for cheap. I am not looking to make massive power, just something relatively quick, and reliable.

OK first questions....I know the stock bottom end can handle like 10 psi easily, but since mine has so much mileage would I be better off with like 7? and would the power be terribly less? how much power/tq difference (estimate) would each provide? 10psi .....7psi??

I have decided almost definately to wideband tune with Uberdata and get DSM 450's....however If it is better to run 7 psi, would I be Ok with stock fuel and perhaps a vortech FMU, greddy blue box, or safc hack?

Questions on the setup....SO far I have came up with using an intercooler from a DSM, or probe possibly...pretty small intercooler, for my small boost....getting my local exhaust specialist to run the intercooler and piping, and an inexpensive BOV. I would like to find a turbo that is internally regulated to what boost i want to run (7 or 10, or somewhere between). SO are there any cars with stock turbos that I could pick up at a salvage yard that would fit that? Perhaps from a Saab (garret tb0343 I believe) or something like that?

I think that is pretty much it, if everyone would give their advice, opinions, experience on everything I've said, keep in mind i have searched, I'm just looking for an inexpensive turbo build that is relatively reliable.

 

 

Just a sidenote, I would like to run an open downpipe, if it wouldn't be horribly loud (as long as I can stand it in the car) b/c my location doesn't enforce emission/noise laws....

 

Well, first off, I'm going to tell you that most people are going to disagree with me on this, but I'll tell you what I would do anyways.

I'd get my hands on a t3 manifold, I got one that kept AC. It's easier to keep AC w/ bseries than w/ d. Secondly, I'd go with a t3 50 trim or bigger. Ideally, you want the 60 trim, or the super 60. A lot of people will tell you to get a t3/t4. Do what you want. I'd go with a straight t3, the super 60 specifically can make well into the 300hp mark (with very nice spool to boot).

I know the LS redlines at like 7k or so- the exhaust side should be a .48. It will promote quick spool (3500ish on a 1.8) and most likely won't die off- If this car will be mostly track, then you won't go wrong with the .63 housing, but it will be laggy on the street, and without being able to rev to 9k, I don't think you need it. I wouldn't get it.

Thirdly, as far as fuel management, Below 7psi or so, an FMU will do you fine. Many people have done it, it works, whatever.
I went with the afc hack and it's what I would reccomend for a budget setup. It works very well. You can even go the SMC+ route and it will cost you less than $200 for ur entire fuel setup. Retard timing about 3degrees, maybe 4.

Other than that, there are the standalones and chipping. One cost money, one is cheap. As far as features go, ems, hondata, then the do-it-yourselfs in that order. The prices also follow that order.

I don't feel like saying anything else right now so if you have any questions, just ask. I wish people had said this to me when I was starting out- But after enough hassling I figured it out.

Oh yeah-- open downpipe will be loud as ****- not for the street. Secondly-- Make your OWN intercooler piping. It's EASY.

 

Alright thanks for that information...SO right now I am leaning towards 7psi....this car will be a street car, rarely at the track. I will run full trim and everything...just a stop light sleeper. I want to finish the project as inexpensively as possible. Are there any stock turbos from other cars that are ideal? I would like to have a good spool time and not die down much either if possible. I suppose I will most likely go with stock fuel and a fmu, can anyone recommend a good, cheap FMU?

 

a t3 of off an 80s thunderbird is a good choice. i ran one for a while on my ls. only cost me 125 bucks.

 

what about a K26 turbo??

 

rev hard 2c....hondata...550cc injectors...fuel pump...fpr...10psi street...12 psi track....tuning out the ***...

 

is that your car in your avatar???

 

NO unfortunately it isn't my car...however my body is like that with the exception of being wingless, and having everything shaved except door handles (emblems, moldings, antennae, rain channels) and since i sold my wheels i'm on steelies lookin for lightweight 16s

 

bump

 

wingless is hot. you dont have altezza's do you????

 

Nope, actually I have 2 sets of lights, one is clears that were tinted Candy Black metallic, and one are stock teg "all reds"....u don't hate on the body kit? most here on HT do....