I don`t think I am really very knowleable about turbos, not an expert by a long ways. However I have a little experience, my 2001 5.3 is runnig a smaller turbo than your s480 thru a 4L80 with circle D 3200 converter and spools very fast maybe to fast. Easy to break traction if I jump out into traffic. Turbo is out of breath by 6000 rpm but I dont drive at that RPM so for me its fine. I make 525 hp @ 5000 rpm on 13 lbs, its driven daily and so far is reliable, its a new engine tho. I would say do the L96 if you already have it, you will have more low end tork and power out of boost which is most of the time.

 

The 5.3 will get gen 4 rods and pistons, ring gaps, cam, UNLESS the cylinder is bad; that would change to some kind of forged piston. As far as the LS6, I was thinking on a cam, but now I have no plans to touch ANYTHING, as it is low miles and running perfect. I actually want it in a light car later.

I original plan was a 5.3 with something like a 7675 or 7875, but this came available.

Truthfully, I am not ready for much over 500rwhp or so. My 4L80e is stock, I have stock tierods, and a stock rearend. For now, I have bigger tires (33s) and 3.73 gears, but the plan is to lower the truck and go with 30 to 31 inch tires. I really like the idea of my 3-row seating pig of a 4x4 tahoe running with a mustang, but I know it will cost to get there. It is still in fair shape, and I REALLY like the feel of the tahoe.

Maybe its time to reevaluate? Again, I am open to advice. Maybe I need the 6.0, a different converter and a different turbo?

 

Yes reevaluate. If you feel as if you are not ready for much over 500 then the S480 is too big.

My thoughts are, scrap the 5.3. If you don't want to use the LS6 for this project that is fine but then run the 6.0. Different converter and different turbo. I would say pulling the trans is not that bad but 4wd does make it more time consuming so I will give you that.

 

Yes the 4x4 makes it more difficult. Due to the length of the 4l80e, the torsion bars and cross member must be removed to get the transfercase out.

Would it even be feasible to consider a low boost setup with the 6.0 and s480 while getting ready for more power? I know not ideal?

If not, what recommendations do you have for turbo?

 

I would think 78/75 would be great in a 6.0, if you wanted to keep boost low just use a 5 or 7 pound spring in the waste gate till ypur ready for more boost.

 

I deal with turbo trucks and cars everyday so i get to see all kinda different setups. If it were me, I'd do it right the first time. L96, turbo cam cut for your setup, converter made for the setup. Stock 4l80 is fine as long as it's in good health. S480 will be fine and the best part is you can run it on 3-5psi and have fun till your ready to turn it up. know what turbine size and A/R housing you have? S480/83 t4 .90 and S480/96 t6 1.32 will flow the same amount of air on the comp side but the 83 t4 will choke sooner but spool up faster. what you perceive as lag might be different from what I see it as also. The converter and cam will make quite a difference to how it builds boost as well.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​my z71 tahoe weighed 7200# but I had lots of stuff in it and on it. Winch bumpers front and rear, 32gal aux tank in rear, H2 rear end, rifle box in rear hatch and lots of hunting/shooting stuff.

 

Compressor says "066 AH 677186 B"
Turbine says "694201 HSM 125 380"

The Borg tag says:
Model S400SX
P/N 179180
S/N 04A119170140

 

T4 flange

 

I'll do some digging and see what the specs are on it with the serial number

 

You are awesome! I really appreciate it!

On a side note, when you did the h2 rear in the tahoe, how did you 8lug the front to match? Do you have a build thread? I have another tahoe that I beat on for work, towing , etc and have a h2 rear, but not sure how I want to do the front yet.