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I just clicked over 100k in my 94 z71. Currently it has an all stock 350 TBI, stock 4l60e, 10-12" cognito motorsports lift, 38" toyo MTs, 4.88s, eaton limited slip rear etc etc. The engine still runs fine, but getting a good bit more power is definitely on the list. For a long time i was shooting for a 383 TBI, but the more and more i read about the gen III 6.0s, especially boosted, i would really like to do something like that. I was thinking an LQ4 to start with, mildly ported heads, cam, exhaust, and some sort of mild turbo setup, whatever would be reasonable to keep everything very driveable. I have access to all the necessary tools, shop space, lifts, a dyno, cherry picker, even a couple race shops, flow benches, etc etc, but what would be a reasonable rough estimate cost of a project like this? Aside from any work that would need to be outsourced to a machine shop such as constructing headers for the turbo or cleaning up the block, it would basically just be parts and my own labor with my dad. Ideally, not for any reason but just because i "can" i would like to shoot for at least 400rwhp, is that a realistic goal or not? Also i do some towing with this truck, and it is on 38s and eventually will be on 41s i believe so torque is a bigger deal than raw hp. I know the stock 10 bolt wont last long with 38s + big power so i will also be looking into a 14 bolt FF setup w/ a 6 lug conversion + disc brakes, and also a 4l80e transmission, unless the 60e is capable of being sufficiently built to handle a large amount of power. Is a turbo even necessary for that rough amount of power, or could that be achieved reasonablly via N/A? I am just really addicted to the turbo feel having driven my dads audi A4 and friends diesels.
Thanks
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Minus the turbo, 400 hp is reachable at the engine with bolt-ons but you'll be pushing the limits on fuel and compression and could be done for around $5000 for the conversion if you two do the work. That would be about 320-330 RWHP. With the base engine and the STS system your 400 rwhp goal will be reachable and your costs will be about $9000 since you won't have to do so much engine work. I would not exceed the base 5 lbs of boost if you run the stock LQ4. If you can put some lower compression forged pistons in then you can run your boost up to 10 lbs and end up with 500 hp of drive train breaking force for right around $10,000. The T76 upgrade, intercooler, and methanol are highly recommended.
I haven't done the turbo update to mine yet but have done 2 ls1 conversions in 92 and 93 C1500s. The rest of my opinions are just that based on other's data and my observations at dyno days.
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The tires are what is gonna kill you. On a Duramax forum one guy said he lost 40 hp goin' from stock 245's to 285's.
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IMHO, considering the stuff you intend to run (4L80e, 41"ers, 14-bolt, etc) I'd opt for a big block instead of a Gen III motor. I love the Gen III's but a big block will bolt right in and already starts with a whole lot more torque and all kinds of strength. You can get a new 496 crate motor, or less with good stroked 4-bolt 454 as base starting point. Lots of pieces/combos available for the rat motors. You won't even need a turbo with the tuning issues if you build the big block even conservatively correct. Just another's 2¢. :cool:
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i would go with a BB but i dunno......just partial to a SB in this case. I really like the stuff i hear about with the 6.0s so i decided why not, look into it a little. I know the truck wont win any races thats for sure, but right now it isnt exactly a speedster when getting on the freeway and towing, so im just shooting for a lot of overkill. I would definitely look into doing more than just bolt ons and the turbo, internals could definitely be added to the list if so needed.
