Hey guys,
I have a 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 Ls with 180000 miles.
I am looking for help because I would like to turbo it.
I was going to the the STS turbo kit but I wanted to know what I should do to the motor before I install the turbo. also I want to know if I will have to replace my stock 4l60 trans, or if I can just get away with a shift go kit. if not what trans would be recommended. I hear a lot about the 65e but not exactly sure on what It is.

 

Woops, I forgot to mention that It is a 4.8L

 

A shift kit and servo will help for awhile but eventually it will have to be built or switched to a stronger one. 4l80 is the favorite on here by a long shot. Also it will be a dog out of the hole without a converter. Recommend a good set of valve springs and a mild cam too if you can. ZO6 cam is fine and they are cheap. Probably need a fuel pump and injectors unless very low boost, not sure what you have. Everyone here likes front mount turbos and they do have more power potential for sure. The STS has its place though. Good luck!

 

While STS is easier, it has FAR less bang for the buck as a front mount turbo kit and has about the same price as a front mount kit. STS kits were intended for vehicles that lack underhood space for a turbo and intercooler, a predicament GM trucks don't face.

The 60E won't live behind a turbo V8 without major upgrades. It might live behind a turbo weed eater engine though.

 

I hear alot of mixed reviews about the 4l80. if I went with that what size stall would I need? I like the idea of a front mounted turbo because of its potential. also for a cam anyone have any specific cam they like? Or hear that is good? also would it be worth it to port the heads. and also for a set of headers, any ideas?

 

Save some $ and just run your current transmission first. Then when it breaks (everything always breaks) take it to somebody who knows how to build them to hold up. I believe a built up 4l60 can hold a lot more power than a stock 4l80. This is what I would do. That or get a used TH400 or TH350. Those can be built for very cheap but no overdrive.

 

Isky triple 12 cam is a very popular cam with boost, Stock48 on here can get it for you. Do a search, many people love it, and it has a little lope.

You can also search around and find people that have gone through numerous "built" 60e transmissions. Some have luck and they last a while, others break one after another it seems. The internal parts can be upgraded to handle more, but they still lack overall beefiness of the 80e. 80e and a shift kit, then call it a day in my opinion.

 

A built 60e will not hold near the power of a stock 80e with a shift kit. Don't waste your time with a 60e. You will always wonder when it will break every time you beat on your truck. I have an 80e with a shift kit behind my turbo 5.3 and I love it.

To address the engine: at minimum, you will need a larger fuel pump and larger injectors. The stock cam is probably fine depending on your goals, but i would at least swap out the valve springs for some with more seat pressure.

 

anyone got a link or know someone I could get a set of springs from? also what fuel pump should I go with? And I do want to do a different cam.