I need all the info I can get.

[Bluedevil06]

Hey there. I'm new to this site but it's nice to see people of the same passion when it comes to GM's trucks. Here's my situation. I have an 06 Silverado Z71 with the 5.3. I want to add a turbo to it for some added power. The truck is in excellent shape. I'm not looking for insane power but I want as good as I can afford. I don't want to spend more than 6 or 7000. Please feel free to unload any and all input. Thanks for any and all help.


"No mission to tough. No sacrifice to great. Duty First!
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[WARLOCK]

Nelson Performance - Performance without Sacrificing Drivability

[SCIV]

That isn't enough money because that heavy truck is going to kill the trans with more power.

Start with rear locker & trans up grades, then work towards more power.

[GMCwantsLS1]

6-7K might get you started, but you should plan on 10-15K+ for future upgrades and broken stuff!

[Sleaper]

Yep, you'll need a built trans, 4L80e would be best. You could find a used STS kit for cheap and then you'll need fuel upgrades and a posi. If you did all the work yourself, you might be able to make it.

[Bluedevil06]

Can I build up the tranny I already have? How bad will 5lbs boost kill my truck. I have never done anything like this to my truck before. If someone can lay out what I need to make the turbo work I will get it. If I have to spend more, I will. I just don't want to get too crazy because I don't race and it's my daily driver. I just want a clean truck that's got a little more than the average bear. Thanks for the input guys.

[TurboMic]

man, i have a tvs 1900 on a tahoe with a 5.3 at 6 psi.... puts right at 500 hp to the tires, and has about 50k miles on the stock tranny with just a servo.... its not common, but im impressed with it more all the time.

[Sleaper]

Can I build up the tranny I already have? How bad will 5lbs boost kill my truck. I have never done anything like this to my truck before. If someone can lay out what I need to make the turbo work I will get it. If I have to spend more, I will. I just don't want to get too crazy because I don't race and it's my daily driver. I just want a clean truck that's got a little more than the average bear. Thanks for the input guys.

This sounds very familiar and how I started, daily driver, not too crazy, etc. It gets addicting and you WILL crank up the boost once you have it for about 30 minutes! You can build your current trans but eventually it will give out on you. The 4L60e sucks when adding power to it even when you get a fully built one. That's why many will suggest swapping to the 4L80e. Look in the classified sections for a used STS kit which you can get for cheap, $2k or less. The most important thing about running boost is the tune. You can blow your engine with just 5psi if the tune is off. Make sure to use a reputable tuner.

Here's the list:

Turbo kit (STS, Trick, KBRacing)
42# or 60# injectors
Walbro fuel pump
upgrade valve springs
Guages (Wideband, boost & fuel pressure)
FMIC (Front Mount Intercooler) optional
Upgrade trans (Fully built would be good)
Posi (optional)
Cam/pushrods (optional)
Boost controller (optional)
Stall (optional)

[rutroe]

This sounds very familiar and how I started, daily driver, not too crazy, etc. It gets addicting and you WILL crank up the boost once you have it for about 30 minutes! You can build your current trans but eventually it will give out on you. The 4L60e sucks when adding power to it even when you get a fully built one. That's why many will suggest swapping to the 4L80e. Look in the classified sections for a used STS kit which you can get for cheap, $2k or less. The most important thing about running boost is the tune. You can blow your engine with just 5psi if the tune is off. Make sure to use a reputable tuner.

Here's the list:

Turbo kit (STS, Trick, KBRacing)
42# or 60# injectors
Walbro fuel pump
upgrade valve springs
Guages (Wideband, boost & fuel pressure)
FMIC (Front Mount Intercooler) optional
Upgrade trans (Fully built would be good)
Posi (optional)
Cam/pushrods (optional)
Boost controller (optional)
Stall (optional)

+1 to all that! (I'm feeling lazy)...but it is addicting and more power requires better components to harness it...otherwise you will spend most of your time replacing pieces you should have built up in the first place. Pay now or pay later...

[brobradh77]

if your wanting a turbo look up trick turbos..Rick is a sponsor on here and his stuff is top notch.

Screen name is Turbo6.0L