Hello everyone. I have been lurking for years and am finally ready to start my car project. The platform is a 2002 silverado rcsb 5.3 l59 base model 2wd 85k miles. The plan is to keep it daily drivable with an end goal of 600rwhp. The first step will be turboing the stock 5.3 to whatever the stock 4l60e (400hp?) can handle. Then after building a 4l80e and upgrading the rear end, crank up the hp. This will be done in my garage with the help of a few friends.

The plan is to bed mount turbo an ebay gt45

The mindset behind a bed mount turbo for me is this:
-Cost savings by using stock configured exhaust
-Retention of all factory parts under hood
-No melted plug wires, etc.
-All the benefits of an STS style turbo setup but with the turbo protected from the elements
-Turbo upgrades in the future will require no hot side modifications.
-And last of all I think it will be unique.
-I am not too worried about lag because I will be running an auto and can load the torque converter

I am fixing to order a Stigan gt45 from amazon. Anyone used this brand gt45 before?

 

I have decided to go with this turbo.

gt45

T4 Exhaust Flange
Compressor Wheel Trim: 50
Compressor A/R: 0.66
Turbine Wheel Trim: 77
Turbine A/R: 1.05
Compressor Wheel Inducer: 68.9mm
Compressor Wheel Exducer: 98mm
Turbine Wheel Inducer: 88mm
Turbine Wheel Exducer: 77.4mm
4" V-Band Outlet
4-3/16" inlet

Ill post pictures when I get it in the mail

 

Well I know I sure loved my STS when I had it. Ran great for such a simple combo with so little boost. It had easy 7.40's with same boost if I would've just had front end straps and a little more tuning and a few more runs. Only got 1 pass that night. I'll be watching this build!

 

where was your turbo located on the sts setup?

 

Stock location, replacing the muffler. All pipes wrapped made a hell of a difference in spool. It wasn't bad at all. Still have the setup in my storage building.

 

Glad to hear that. I do not predict any additional spooling issues with a bed mount when compared to an sts setup. The plan is that by having the turbo mounted in the bed it should gravity drain sufficiently enough to not need an oil sump pump. Ill remember to wrap all the hotside plumbing, thanks.

 

Just an FYI, Your 2002 would have been an LM7 5.3L

LY6 was a 6.0 and wasn't available until 2007.

Let's see some pictures when you get a chance.

 

I am sorry you're correct. I confused ly6 with l59. My truck has the flex fuel 5.3. I will get the pictures tomorrow.

 

No problem.

The L59 Flex fuel is kind of rare on the early model trucks. Should be a fun project!

 

It is quite a rare combination. It is as base model as they come. It is white, manual locks and windows, no cruise control, open diff, but it has the l59.