Started out with an extreme budget build for my 2000 RCSB 5.3. 1st setup was a totally scratch built (stock manifold flip) eBay inter cooler, eBay gt45 turbo, and a set of used 55lb injectors .. Yes from eBay, and a TR224 can, which yielded 434rwhp. So now I sold my 60e Trans and the said 5.3 out of the truck to a few buddys, but kept the homemade turbo kit. That gave me the cash to buy a 3500 Cargo van with the LQ4 and a 4L80. Many nights of swapping and now the 6.0 and the 80e are now up and running in the same truck.
So here's the setup as of today: Stock LQ4 with TU1 Cam, pushrods and springs, 68mm eBay turbo on 9 psi, and the eBay air to air intercooler with 55lb injectors 2-bar. Dyno yielded 577rwhp on conservative timing. Not bad for a $1500 investment. That's on a stock 80e stock stall and 3.42 rear. Will upgrade to a better turbo down the line but it is a blast to drive!

 

Turbos make big power so easily, ay?!?

 

That's impressive! Throw some pics up of the truck.

 

500+ hp for around $1500 thats inspiring. What are your plans as far as upgraded turbo?

 

Wow great numbers.

 

Post some engine bay pics !