Turbo LS1 - where, who, how much!
Turbo LS1 - where, who, how much!
Author
Discussion

o.versteer

Original Poster:

3,338 posts

251 months

Thursday 10th May 2007
quotequote all
Sorry if this seems a bit of a random topic, but I've been wondering what's going on with the various turbo projects that have been around. The two that were done at WRC haven't posted since, and Monkfish haven't done an update on their project for a while, although the ute seems to be going strong

I'm nowhere near being able to spend that sort of money at the moment, but having experience with both main types of forced induction, the sheer madness of a 600bhp turbo LS1 in my GTS appeals mightily nuts

So, er, assuming it can be done, does anyone know what it's like and what it would likely cost?

boosted ls1

21,200 posts

282 months

Thursday 10th May 2007
quotequote all
If running stock pistons/engine then your boost will be limited but the engine will be nice and sharp. Depending on your vehicle you'll need a remap or an aftermarket ecu. Also depending on your boost will be your choice of tubbies, 1 or 2 and then you need headers. I have some new ones to machine next week I'd suggest you source a bottom end with low comp forged pistons and work from there. The hardware may not cost to much but the labour is time consuming and expensive unless you're good with the spanners. I have a 5.7 TT waiting to be dynoed (yawn, it's been eons) and I'm hoping for 6-700 hp maybe more but the Tq should be good as the compression's very low.

As for costs, I'm just guessing but you need at least £10k.

Boosted.

o.versteer

Original Poster:

3,338 posts

251 months

Thursday 10th May 2007
quotequote all
Er, right yikes

Let's assume that one was to work from existing stock engine, internals etc., with then corresponding low boost setup. Still £10k plus?

monkfish1

12,203 posts

246 months

Thursday 10th May 2007
quotequote all
Not long now!!!! Various other projects, including moving have conspired against us.

I anticipate a below £10k figure though.

boosted ls1

21,200 posts

282 months

Thursday 10th May 2007
quotequote all
o.versteer said:
Er, right yikes

Let's assume that one was to work from existing stock engine, internals etc., with then corresponding low boost setup. Still £10k plus?


It could be less. You'd have to pay for the turbo (a single would do), header/s, a quality remap from somebody on here and then the installation labour. So, turbo £600 ish depending on what you opt for, headers £600 or a tad over, labour at whatever it costs. Lets say £40 ph plus vat as I doubt you'll get better value then that. Then you will need extra parts, wastegate etc unless going integral so allow another £1k for those odds & sods. A low boost engine is quite viable for the mass market imo. The mapping is critical though. LSx pistons are made light and thin so don't skimp on the map.

Boosted.

stevieturbo

17,939 posts

269 months

Friday 11th May 2007
quotequote all
The tried and tested GenT, or GenTT kits from Australia would be the best option.

They come with everything needed, except someone to install them. *Simple* bolt on kits, for a totally standard engine, and will produce the goods.

Obviously Roger is one option, or some of the other tuners based in England could do it.


it isnt rocket science

well_fans

4,193 posts

246 months

Friday 11th May 2007
quotequote all
the GenTT kits generate masses of heat though and will probably cook the paint on your bonnet over a relatively short period of time - cheap to buy the kit though - around 5000 US$+tax etc but yeah then theres the fitting and tuning, oh and of course you'll want the 2000 US$ fuelling upgrade as well. Anyone with the time, patience, garage space and tools can fit them but getting it tuned in properly - well just ask WRC about the amount of rolling road time it took them to get it right or the time Roger has spent testing his setup to make sure its not going to break!!!

L8 VXR

59 posts

231 months

Friday 11th May 2007
quotequote all
o.versteer said:
Sorry if this seems a bit of a random topic, but I've been wondering what's going on with the various turbo projects that have been around. The two that were done at WRC haven't posted since, and Monkfish haven't done an update on their project for a while, although the ute seems to be going strong

I'm nowhere near being able to spend that sort of money at the moment, but having experience with both main types of forced induction, the sheer madness of a 600bhp turbo LS1 in my GTS appeals mightily nuts
So, er, assuming it can be done, does anyone know what it's like and what it would likely cost?



Ref the two twin turbo Monaros done at W.R.C. They are fantastic, well worth every penny, the acceleration is awesome, and god knows what the top speed is as sixth gear is like fifth. They are both running std gear except on the 6 litre 710 bhp, I have had to have the full AP brake up grade at Monkfish performance. I will ask them to change the clutch soon as it is slipping a little at full toque aprox 3,200 rpm causing the clutch pedal to lift under foot when changing gear.” the 5.7 is fine” The VXR brakes are being retro fitted to the 5.7 610 bhp with Monkfish pads front and rear as they were very good on the pre 6.0 turbo vxr. Haven’t posted much about the two cars yet as WRC have been trying to iron out a few ECU bugs on both cars for us, “jerking and hesitating” and a total lack of the traction control system on the 5.7. Paul Spinks from “Worteck Tuning” through Monkfish Performance has been called in to help out as they have lots of experience on Monaros and tuning.
I will post all the results as to quality of the kit installs and the driveability of both cars done at WRC, the fine tuning is being done now. Hope this helps.
Regards Sean

weltmeister

448 posts

253 months

Friday 11th May 2007
quotequote all
I hope that Seans post is helpful ? What can be seen is that:-

1] This is no job for D.I.Y. as each install is c60hrs. No kit exists that is a true "box to car" with no fiddling about or buying other componentry etc.

2] The mapping on such a project is not a 5 min job to get right

3] No help exists worldwide as the TT had never been done on a 6.0 before us doing it.

4] No help exists worldwide on 5.7 "Drive by wire" cars as it had never been done on one of them before.

5] The most important thing to read here is that despite what some perceive, tuners can co-operate. Paul has vast experience on GM ECU's and is able to be mobile. So he is logging the cars' ECU's to record any fault codes and looking at how his experience can improve the car for the customer.
This co-operation meant that Monkfish benefitted by a Brake upgrade sale, they will get a clutch upgrade etc. Paul will benefit by have exposure to Turbo's as well as Superchargers. WRC will benefit by having happy customers.

Hopefully all involved will feel satisfied when these cars are delivering their true potential

Cheers

Allan

weltmeister

448 posts

253 months

Friday 11th May 2007
quotequote all
Someone asked "How much ?"

The TT options are: APS "Tuner kit" @ £4995 + vat + install/ mapping [c£3k + vat] + fuel system c£1400+vat so c£9400 + vat = £11k all up. Or AVO "Tuner kit" @ £9850 fitted / mapped inc vat.

Cheers

Allan

o.versteer

Original Poster:

3,338 posts

251 months

Friday 11th May 2007
quotequote all
Thank you all for your contribution, that's great stuff all round One question - Weltmeister mentions above that fly-by-wire throttle 5.7's hadn't been done before. As my crusty VT2 HSV GTS is a couple of generations older, does it have a standard throttle and would it thus be easier to work on in this regard?

Chev Chentre UK

140 posts

229 months

Friday 11th May 2007
quotequote all
Now I can see why your not a fan of the DIY kits!!!!

Do a little search on the Gen TT and tell me it's not a DIY job....dozens of happy power nuts with 650+. Sure there's tweaking issues but that's why you buy through a recognised dealer with the runs on the board, who'll provide advice and assistance through the build.

And 1st to fit TT to a 6.0lt???????

weltmeister

448 posts

253 months

Friday 11th May 2007
quotequote all
I meant 6.0 Monaro with Bosch ME9 ECU & of course Northern Hemisphere. No software existed for the 6litre until very recently.

Cheers

Allan