Turbocharging the LT5 in 2015

[Bob Eyres]

What with all the turbo cars, stock and aftermarket, running around today, and the fact that it's been over a decade since John Lingenfelter developed those legendary turbo LT5's. It makes me wonder how expensive a modern version would be.
Later model turbos have to be more efficient, effective, and cheaper. The electronics are undoubtedly better, easier to tune, and cheaper. I know the plumbing is a serious challenge, but why are these things so expensive to build?
Would it be possible to come up with a kit for the stock block LT5 that would be in the same cost bracket as say a Haibeck 510 hp. engine?

It just bothers me that all the forced induction cars available now are so much quicker than our naturally aspirated antiques. Damn, my wife's grocery getter, (an eight year old, six cylinder, 335i), is nearly as quick as the old "King of the Hill".

[Billy Mild]

Originally Posted by Bob Eyres

What with all the turbo cars, stock and aftermarket, running around today, and the fact that it's been over a decade since John Lingenfelter developed those legendary turbo LT5's. It makes me wonder how expensive a modern version would be.
Later model turbos have to be more efficient, effective, and cheaper. The electronics are undoubtedly better, easier to tune, and cheaper. I know the plumbing is a serious challenge, but why are these things so expensive to build?
Would it be possible to come up with a kit for the stock block LT5 that would be in the same cost bracket as say a Haibeck 510 hp. engine?

It just bothers me that all the forced induction cars available now are so much quicker than our naturally aspirated antiques. Damn, my wife's grocery getter, (an eight year old, six cylinder, 335i), is nearly as quick as the old "King of the Hill".

There is that rear turbo kit from Raptor. I have been researching a possible Supercharger kit. There is a guy/shop out of STL that said he could make a turbo kit for the LT5. I didn't pursue it as I don't have deep enougpockets today.

Nitrous or a Supercharger might be an easier install. I think the downfall for the LT5 stock engine is the open deck design.

[XfireZ51]

If you did your own top end porting and tuning, your antique would be very competitive for a fraction of the cost and hassle of turbos.

[Billy Mild]

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

If you did your own top end porting and tuning, your antique would be very competitive for a fraction of the cost and hassle of turbos.

Who doesn't love a nice turbo sound?

[5ABI VT]

Originally Posted by Billy Mild

Who doesn't love a nice turbo sound?

me?

but.. I wouldn't mind looking into a turbo kit. is there any info or threads on the raptor kit? I can only guess max psi isn't very high on a stock motor

[Kevin]

It's cool but it's not worth it. You can probably buy a c6 for th cost of the build

[5ABI VT]

Originally Posted by Kevin

It's cool but it's not worth it. You can probably buy a c6 for th cost of the build

now why would I want a c6 ?

[rbidwell]

The last time I talked to Corey at Henderson Engineering in New Braunfels, TX, he only had to finish hooking up the oiling system and getting the megasquirt ecm sorted on my Raptor system. Should only be a couple of more years before it is running. LOL. I had the built with around 9:1 compression. New clutch, pressure plate, after market radiator, and also Corey fabricated an intercooler. Goal is the have 10 pounds boost which give us about 625 rwhp and excellent drivability. Since I have had some life changes since starting this project, it may be for sale as soon as it is up and running.

[Billy Mild]

Did you do anything about the open deck? How much boost could the engine handle?

[rbidwell]

I don't believe there was anything done about the open deck. 10 lbs is what Corey figured was safe.