This forum seems to have a large number of members with turbocharged 5.3’s, so I’m hoping a few of you in “the know” can give me a recommendation.

I have a 2004 5.3l from a Chevy SSR swapped into my 1972 Olds Cutlass. I’m running the Holley HP EFI system. I’ve bored of the NA setup, 12.50’s with cam and springs, and would like to try a turbo setup. Camshaft is 220/228 @113sep, 3000 stall TH400, 3.90 gears(but I will swap to 3.31 with turbo)

I am not looking to do a MAX effort high HP build. I’m thinking 6-8psi normally, then on occasionally 10-12psi, MAX. I will be running an intercooler, and 91 octane gas. I feel these boost numbers should easily push the car to 10.90-11.50 ET’s, while not being too hard on the engine, Trans and rear-end.

I have searched and read as much as possible for the last month on turbo choices, but most of the threads are 14+ psi/ 700+ HP builds.
I need suggestions for three things, Turbo, Wastegate, and total timing.

Turbochargers I was thinking of <$1,000 cost and reliable, as the goal.
Maybe:
Turbonetics Hurricane 7668,
Borg Warner S300sx-66(S366),
BW S475, T6 Flange
CX Racing GT42 or T78
Or?

Wastegate wise:
Turbosmart 40, or 45mm, Or ?

Timing: 12 degrees total?

Any help, suggestions, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Hope I’m not beating a dead horse with the topic.

 

i think a s475 t4 would be more than plenty for what you want. that's what i have on my 5.3. timing depends, but im running around 16 on about 10 psi

 

The S475 with T4 are pricey, would the T6 still be okay? Or would it be slow to spool on the street.

 

i would think a t6 would be more for race duty, or big cubes

 

The S475 with a 83mm/1.10 t6 hot side is a great turbo for budget power and will still spool pretty well even on a 5.3. I'd run that, or one of those CX Racing Gt42's or 45's if you wanna go real cheap. 40-46mm WG should be fine too. 14-18* of timing should be fine as well. People will tell you your cam is all wrong for a turbo, but I would run it. Changing it will gain you little since your not going for an all out build here.

Slap a turbo on it and go!!

 

S400sx-75 with 83mm turbine T6 flange 1.10 A/R is very reasonably priced. How do people deal with the 5" exhaust outlet? I know I could fit 3.5" pipe under the car. What do people do. Also, where do you get the proper v-clamps for the compressor outlet?

 

Take 5" and flatten it a little.
Or you need to adapt it down to the size tuning you can fit.
5-4 or smaller 3.5.

 

Cut off the 5" outlet and weld on a 4" v band or 3.5". Simple. Or spend the extra ~$200 and just buy a t4 housing with a 4" outlet.

 

You can always merge the pipe down Soo a T6 wouldnt be an issue.

 

I could make a 5" to 3.5" transition pipe, but $200 for a T4 housing makes more sense. This turbo would be okay for the 6-10psi I'm looking at, seems like a monster, guess I will have a lot of room to turn up the wick if I want.