so i've been building turbo kits for 4 cylinders for a couple years. i primarly build turbo kits for saturns, but its getting old. **non sponsor link removed** is my site in case any of you are bored and want a good laugh.

i just bought a 01' silverado 1500 4x2 with a 5.3L in it. i'm going to turbo it, but i'm trying to figure out what things in need for the engine and drive train.

i'm going to run a gt4088 with a garrett air/water intercooler. i'm going to use stock manifolds and build a up-pipe for the turbo. i want about 450whp, so i'm thinking 5psi or somthing like that. i'm looking at efi live with 55lb injectors.

i'm going to build the bottom end eventually and shoot for 650~700, but i want to pay off quite a bit more before i start butchering the truck.

the turbo stuff is easy for me, i'm just a little confused on what engine and tranny i have. there are a lot of threds on this stuff, however i don't want to read for 6 months to get a paragraphs worth of info.

so here are my stupid questions:

what engine do i have (engine code) and/or how do i tell?
how do i know if i have a 4l60 or a 4l80?
are my rods the same length as a ls1 counter part?
can i use ls1 pistons as a direct replacement?
do i need a new converter for around 450whp (needs to be reliable and i don't want a crazy stall)?
is there a good bolt on fuel pump or do i have to run an external?
what impedence are my injectors?

if there is a stikey on engine info and tranny stuff specific to my engine, please post.

i don't need help with the turbo components, so please keep the flames down about how small that turbo is and the benifits to a air to air or whatever.

i might start building kits for trucks, i'm just going to build mine first and see how it goes.

 

There is a rpo code for the 5.3 in the glove compartment. Should be lm7 I beleive
You have a 4l60e
LS1 has a different bore
A new convertor will allow you to stall higher. With a turbo it would be nice to have one so you could be in boost off the line.
You have what known as high impedence injector.

 

No, you would have to run a Versafueler converter box for low impedance injectors. Your best bet is to get a set of 8.1 marine injector (43lbs/hr) they are a direct replacement for these trucks. These will support around 500+ rwhp in your setup. You can get 60lbs/hr LS1 style injectors, but you have to change the injector pigtails and space the fuel rails up about 5/8".

 

You could use a walboro 255 in tank pump with some minor modifications. The 255 fuel pump is probably good for around 500hp, you may need further upgrades to the fuel to reach 6-700. Here is a quick reference chart.

 

There is a mistake in that chart, The 5.3 uses the same 6.098 rods as the 5.7 and 6.0. The 4.8 is the only motor that uses the 6.275 rods

 

that was part of my confusion. i had read about the rods being the same, but i saw that chart right before i posted up this thred.

thanks for all the replys. you guys are pretty helpful over here. i was waiting for a flame fest like most forums.

 

if you want flamed go to ls1tech and say something like a mustang is better than a f-body ( not true BTW) and then

 

Na, we are pretty laid back over here

They just don't like non-sponsor links

 

Yes we are, it is nice. We just like to see pictures of progress on projects, we like pictures.

 

I have the same turbo on my truck. but on a 370ci motor. 650rwhp is about maxed out on that snail.