Twin turbo build help.. - Lateral-g Forums

rons69camaro · #1 12-14-2012, 05:02 AM

I'm currently in the middle of a twin turbo build/swap from a 383 on my '69 Camaro and looking for some advice/suggestions. I'll start with what I have for the swap.. A completely stock LS1 out of a '99 Camaro and a T56 out of an M12 '04 GTO. I made the same mistake as most and wasn't originally planning on going with a boost set up and also bought a set of TFS 220 heads that were milled to produce 11:1 compression with Mahle pistons and factory head gaskets.

My goal is to get to around 650 hp. What I'm trying to figure out: Should I sell off the heads for lower compression, do I need to do anything to the bottom end of the LS1, what turbos would be ideal/recommended, and what's recommended for the rest of the conversion (ie fuel set up tank pump injectors, transmission parts, wastegates, blow off valves, should I upgrade my intake and throttle body, etc.?

**214Chevy** · #2 12-14-2012, 05:46 AM

I'm no expert, but most definately you're going to have to strengthen the bottom end with twin turbos. That's if you want to make real power and run boost above 8 or so pounds. I would like to think with two turbos you want to make some brute power and a stock end wouldn't hold up. So, you'll need a forged rotating assembly. Without a forged bottom end, 10-12 pounds will be too much boost on a stock crank, rods, etc. Also, if you can get a good price on the heads sell them, make sure you lower your compression ratio with the right pistons as well. Sounds like it'll be a sweet setup.

**clill** · #3 12-14-2012, 06:46 AM

You say you are in the middle of the swap but it appears you have not bought any of the turbo stuff yet ? Speaking from experience I would change plans and do a Eaton style blower.

rons69camaro · #4 12-14-2012, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clill

You say you are in the middle of the swap but it appears you have not bought any of the turbo stuff yet ? Speaking from experience I would change plans and do a Eaton style blower.

What's the advantage/disadvantage?

**clill** · #5 12-14-2012, 08:18 AM

quicker throttle response, alot less underhood heat, alot less plumbing and associated costs, easier to make it all fit. I just think it will be alot easier to get to the power level you want to be at and I love these LS engines with the blower on them. They work great with no drama.

**WSSix** · #6 12-14-2012, 07:56 PM

I'll second Charlie's suggestion. Eaton blowers look great and perform great as well.

To build this engine to your power goals, go ahead and get forged pistons and better connecting rods. Go with 6.0 liter style heads. Ported 317 heads will work great and you can go with a mild port job to keep costs down. Get a blower cam and 1-3/4 primary headers and you'll make you goals. I suggest a head change simply because better heads would really help the build, and should you ever remove the blower, you can put 5.7 liter heads on the engine and regain your current compression. Your goals are easy. You can make this level of power with 8 psi no sweat. Hell, I've done it with 5.5 psi and LS6 heads.

EDIT: Just reread your original post and realized you already own great heads. Go ahead and pick up some lower compression pistons. Shoot for 10:1 psi if not 10.25:1 With forged pistons you'll be fine. Speed Inc is in Illinois and they can help you for sure if you're wanting to contact someone local for advice and maybe parts.

TurboBu · #7 06-28-2013, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rons69camaro

I'm currently in the middle of a twin turbo build/swap from a 383 on my '69 Camaro and looking for some advice/suggestions. I'll start with what I have for the swap.. A completely stock LS1 out of a '99 Camaro and a T56 out of an M12 '04 GTO. I made the same mistake as most and wasn't originally planning on going with a boost set up and also bought a set of TFS 220 heads that were milled to produce 11:1 compression with Mahle pistons and factory head gaskets.

My goal is to get to around 650 hp. What I'm trying to figure out: Should I sell off the heads for lower compression, do I need to do anything to the bottom end of the LS1, what turbos would be ideal/recommended, and what's recommended for the rest of the conversion (ie fuel set up tank pump injectors, transmission parts, wastegates, blow off valves, should I upgrade my intake and throttle body, etc.?

Where in this posted by the OP does say anything about a gen 1 small block? It's a LS1 which has much more efficient combustion chambers than any 23* sbc head. It will be a slug below 9:1 and it will be completely happy on 91-93 octane gasoline at 9.5:1. and if he decides to run E85 on a good tune it will live at 700hp on a stock long block plus a decent cam of which I would highly recommend LilJohn Motorsports.