Being a 2005, it should have MLS gaskets. You might be surprised how far they'll get you with the stock headbolts.

 

Tick Performance Turbo Stage 1 V2 Camshaft for LS1 & LS6 Engines
227/227 | .62x"/.59x" | LSA114+5

Is this the cam you bought?

 

I would if the heads weren't coming off but since they are for the cam, it makes sense to do studs and LS9's. This thread may have convinced me to return the china studs and get ARPs.

Beatdown, truck has 140k on it. I should see 10-12psi and make 550-650 rwhp in that range. Lol maybe I do plan on making a tad more than 550. I think it's good insurance to gap the rings, no? It comes highly recommended on these stock shortblocks but then again this is my first turbo build.

The cam I got from Martin is this one: Stage 1 5.3 turbo camshaft which is 215/219 .612/.585 114+3.


I forgot to mention, last week I also pre-emptively raised the bed and installed the Walbro F90000267 450lph pump into the stock bucket. Went in real straight forward and no codes or anything, quiet too. I hadn't seen any pics or vids of guys raising the bed this way, but I put 2 2x4's under the bed frame on each side above the tires (rear end lowered on jack stands in the lift bay and wheels removed) and I used the lift arms to effortlessly raise the bed. Couldn't have been easier. I started with the intentions of using the tilt bed method because I couldn't envision a way to use the lift. Kicking myself for not getting a pics.

 

I've got close to the same setup as you. Still on stock headbolts and gaskets at 15 lbs, your truck should do well.

 

Where did you get this info? Personal experience??

 

I also think messing with rings is a waste of money and time at 140k that's low miles for a LS engine that has been maintenance well in my opinion that motor would handle your power levels just fine even with stock head bolts but I always recommend ARP bolts or there studs for room for more boost later on, boost can get addicting

 

Yea plan on starting my parts gathering this winter for my truck kinda interested in seeing your outcome with this one. Im having a hard time of deciding to go blower or turbo.

 

Proper ring gap is important. Just because many people get away without checking/adjusting ring gap, does not mean you will automatically get lucky also.

 

All 3 (stock, ARP, and china) were tested....search on LS1t.

You got the china in your motor?

 

Good fuel is the most important thing in making a stock motor live