I need some insight and have a few questions. It is time to boost the LQ9, Ive decided turbo is more badass and better. The lq9 is in my Tahoe, so I need a turbo that will take advantage of my setup. I do not drag race at the tracks, I want a good fun daily driver. Something that will be impressive on the streets, hwy, or if I need to tow something. I do want to run with the diesel trucks as well. Something that puts a 2015-16 to shame... So am I asking too much from my truck?

Truck: LQ9 stock with 317 heads, 4l80e swap, 3300 stall, 4.56 gears but I got 3.73s, and 3.42s on the shelf. My tires are 35s on a level kit. Ive got some 80# injectors set to use as well. I also have a Comp Cam 227/235 113 lsa sitting on the shelf which is rated as a TQ cam for 5.3s. Cam was designed for Cathedral heads, which is what Im sticking with.

Things I will still need are: racing fuel pumps, KB hot-pipes with T6 setup, and big down pipe, going to prob just dump it under the truck no muffler. Just depends on how it sounds.

I was looking at a S475 1.10 83mm T6 turbo. Is this something that will work, or do I need to be looking at something different for what I want?

 

Honostly for you I would get a 76mm turbo with a .96ar t4 exhaust housing. Will spool up way faster then that t6 and make plenty of power for your needs. Also up to you but you don't need a big down pipe a 3.5 will work and will also make clearence better. I really like Kyles hot pipes but for towing and stuff and this could all be debatable but I would go with Tricks cast manifold for longevity purposes. Not sure if that cam would be good for you or not but I would also consider maybe a isky triple 12 cam as a few guys on here make some good power with it and still tow and daily drive no problem.

 

My personal feeling, stick with a Borg Warner turbo, yes they're heavier and will spool slower than a precision or china junk but better reliability.

Also, for what you're describing, you've chosen a pretty good turbo. I don't think the T4 vs T6 housing will make much difference in terms of spool. The 83mm turbine is good for the street. The T4 will give better clearance to the AC line. You may even want to step down to a 72 mm wheel for quicker response. Trend these days is bigger turbos and billet wheels due to aggressive marketing when it's really not needed.

4" downpipe will be good, biggest that will fit with standard hot pipes.

 

IMHO a different cam, stick with the 456s, the t6 and that AR will work for towing as you dont want too much heat when pulling long hills.

83mm turbine works when taking into account long hills, the 4" exhaust will be benefit for towing

over all like all you have except cam

 

I have no complaints about my triple 12 and guys make close to 1000 hp with them so why sacrifice driveability

I cant complain about kyles stuff either told him what I wanted to do and he set me up good. Only thing I i wish is that I bought a bigger turbo the first time around, the 76/64 is kinda restrictive.

Consider putting a duramax catback on for an exhaust, I have a diamond eye and it pretty much fit with the exception of re-welding one hanger, then theres a 3 foot gap between the downpipe and cat back. The truck sounds good too with the diesel muffler, plenty loud when your on it but not bad cruising