An LS and a turbocharger…there isn’t a happier combination for the average horsepower junkie out there right now. No matter your feelings on the subject, you can’t deny the fact that GM made one of the most user-friendly build motors out there for the forced-induction guys…there’s a reason why LS motors are popping up like flowers in Spring, folks. It’s because for minimal input you get a stomping small-block that can hold up to abuse. For Hot Rod Garage’s Project Bonemaro, the $800 1979 Chevrolet Camaro, the 300-ish horsepower the LM7 5.3 was a good start…well, any engine swap from the asthmatic small-block Chevy it came with from the factory was a good start. A small bump in horsepower is good…but a bigger one is better, and if there is one thing LS motors love, it’s boost. So, what’s the harm in slapping on a 76mm turbocharger and hacking up the kit for a Chevrolet Silverado to fit? None whatsoever, especially when it’s all but guaranteed to produce numbers in the 500+ horsepower range…if it doesn’t blow up before dyno time, that is.
Now, that’s all fun and good, but there is a short clip within this episode that is really neat: during their Q&A session, Tony and Lucky only answer one question, which was a simple request from fifteen-year-old Steve: he has a neat 1960s Chevy truck that his grandfather had put together. He knows that it was built stout, but he also knows that the truck is sick and asks the guys if they could come and look at the Chevy to put him on the right path. Instead of diagnosing over YouTube, the guys roll up at Steve’s house and show him what’s needed to get the Chevy up and going. I wouldn’t expect them to do that for everyone that asks them to help out, but it was neat to see the guys guide Steve into the right direction.
The best part of the video are the subtitles, they must have been done by a semi literate. If a hearing impared person were watching…what’s WTF in American Sign Language. 🙂
They’re getting better and better. This time had me thinking how cool it’d be to do that motor treatment to my C10.
I think these guys are doing a fantastic job. I like them better then most of their competition. I’m loving the low buck project. 530 HP and the prospect of a 10 second quarter mile for under 10K is down right awesome. I love that they are doing this all on a car that most people would have left for dead. Sleepers are the BOMB!
The show isn’t bad but like all Hot Rod and Car Craft “budget” build means $10k.
Flip the manifold (or china headers), 90’s chevy truck radiator, VS racings “sloppy Mechanic” turbo kit, megasquirt, 4l80e or TH400. POSI!! and 3:42 gear. DONE..if you wanna spend $10k…build two!