1991 Camaro RS - Turbo 3.1l Project

[C2YT]

Yeah it is, I figure the car is due for an update. Getting a turbo 4.8l/4l60e. I just made a new build thread on TGO.

[DynoDave]

In what area John? I don't wade into the LS board, but if that's where it is, I might stop by to follow along.

Having done 0 research on the LS family...why a 4.8L? Less expensive? Small cube motor better with the turbo? You mention in the post above "getting a turbo 4.8L/4L60E"...so the engine already has the turbo setup on it?

I totally get all the mechanical reasons to go LS, and all the advantages. But as an older guy, I've always had a very hard time warming up to them. It's partly the contrarian in me, no doubt.

[MP81]

More than likely because 4.8s are dirt cheap and can hold a ton of boost. I forget which magazine it was, but they made 1200 HP or something with a turbo slapped on a stock 4.8L. Whether or not it lasted long after that is questionable, but there are abilities to beef it up.

While the behavior of an old-school odd-fire engine is certainly memorable and wonderful, there's something to be said for the sheer efficiency of the LS engine family - in that you can produce all sorts of power, while maintaining fuel efficiency and every day driveability.

[C2YT]

Dave, the thread is located in the "Power Adders" section on TGO. I belive the title is "C2YT's Turbo 4.8l Build"

Kyle, you hit the nail on the head. The efficiency of these engines is great and they are easy to work on also. After owning the GTO now for a little while the speed bug has bit me... haha.

I picked up the complete 4.8l for $300, couldn't pass it up . My power goals are pretty low compared to most, only shooting for 450-500 wheel horsepower. The little 4.8l willg et me there no problems it is everything else I have to worry about. I will be flipping and modifying the stock truck manifolds and fabricating a cross over pipe in front of the engine like others have done. I will probably use an ebay GT45 1.05 AR turbo since they are only like $180 on ebay... haha. It should be a fun build! Almost like re-doing the turbo V6 but adding 2 more cylinders and larger parts.

[MP81]

That 4.8L should live practically forever at those power levels.

[C2YT]

Yep, I'm more concerned about the 4l60e and the rear end. LOL

[DynoDave]

Can't argue you with an of that guys. They are a marvel of modern engineering.

Some of what John lists also discourages me from ever going that route. You have to change just about everything from what you have today. Engine crossmember, trans crossmember, exhaust, fuel pump and line (diameter?), wiring, ecm, trans, rear axle....it's a big expenditure. Not to mention all the items to fabricate for the turbo setup. I admire those who can do it, and I'm sure I'd love the horsepower. I'll definately stop in over at TGO to follow along. Don't suppose there's a chance you duplicate those posts here?

[MP81]

If you don't do the turbo setup, most of the other stuff is pretty widely available.

Agreed though, definitely want to see the progress here as well, if possible!

[C2YT]

I sure can setup a thread here one I get the ball rolling. Right now I'm just acquiring parts. Still beating up on the little V6 hoping it pops so I can make it into an engine coffee table.... haha.

It is eating 15 PSI at the moment and loving it. The 700r4 on the other hand... LOL

It is having a problem shifting from 2-3 under WOT. My buddy mark (who helped me build the car) said to raise the rev limiter and add an extra half quart of fluid. Time to let the little thing eat at 6500 RPMs. I guess the bottom end is rated to 7k... who knew.

[DynoDave]

Ah...the little V6-60...a good little engine (except for the wet intake).