I'm looking to order an '07 RCSB I-5 Colorado sometime in the next couple of months to replace my aging '01 Cavalier as my daily driver. I have been throwing around the idea of fabbing up my own single turbo system (something I've always wanted to do) if I do end up getting one. I haven't gotten a chance to look at the engine bay in detail to gather an idea of how it'd do it, but, I'm thinking I could fab something up using the stock manifold, maybe a 35R turbo, etc. Nothing real extravagant. Just enough to make it a fun little DD.

I remember seeing on ColoradoFans.com that some guy (ColoradoSportTruck) had fabbed up his own system using a 35r, and was putting out around 400rwhp with it. That'd be more than plenty, IMO, for the makings of a fun DD.

I already have EFILive for my TT (PTS) Z06 I'm working on, so the tuning part is covered. If I could manage to use the factory manifold, and do some minor duct work, I don't really think it would be that hard.


Anybody have any information on other folks that have done this? I'm just looking for ideas before I get started.

Thanks, and awesome forum.

 

Should be an awesome system! Have you considered a rear mount turbo? If space is limited then you might give that a try!




Space looks tight up there, but might be more room lower down, thats all the decent pics I found on ebay.

I would say go rear mount, plenty of room under the bed, just use the turbo as a muffler lol.

-Lurius

 

What transmissions do those Colorado's come with? Can they hold up to some boost? Should make a sporty little package with a turbo on there.

 

Thanks for the pics. From looking at that, I'd guess there's more room in there than it really looks like. A lot of that appears to be plastic junk, that really just gets in the way. IIRC, the exhaust manifold is on the passenger side of the motor, which, luckily, appears to be where the most room is. I'd say if one were to remove that huge plastic airbox/intake and tidey up all the rest of the loose stuff in there, you'd have a pretty good amount of space to work with.

As for rear mounts, I've never really been a fan, especially on a DD. Not that there is anything wrong with them, I just prefer that my $1,000+ turbo be somewhat protected in the engine bay.

I know that a turbo can be stuffed into the current engine bay. Like I say, Colorado SportTruck on ColoradoFans.com did it.

Should be a fun project for sure. I'm REALLY looking forward to surprising a few cars on the road. lol. I can hear it now...."What the hell is in that thing?!?!?!"

 

the autos are the same 4l60e that we have and i dont know of anyone with a built trans in those trucks, the one with a turbo might have one but im pretty sure the guys runnin n2o dont have a bult/modified trans

 

I haven't been able to find out exactly. Only thing I ever find is that it's the 'Hydra-Matic'. I'm guessing it's either a 4L60 or 4L65. Either should hold the power, I would think. I hope....lol.

 

Well it is lighter, so it should hold better than a full size truck if it does have the same transmission.

Should be a cool project.