Adding a turbo to LM7

[87Skier]

I've been thinking about doing a LM7 swap (5.3L) and like all good people do, I have been considering upgrades for the engine. One thing that I've been looking for and haven't really found a good answer to is what would happen if I added a small to medium size turbo?

I know it would add power, but what about fuel economy? Would gas mileage remain about the same, get bumped up a little or suffer assuming someone didn't have their foot to the floor the entire time? I would really like to hear from people who have turbo's on their trucks and especially on the smaller LS engines.

Thanks!

[akdg87]

fuel economy could be good if you keep your foot out of it, but that is really hard to do once you get used to listening to the turbine wheel spooling up.

I have a turbo 5.3 (70 MM on 3 performance turbo), stock lm7 short block, ls6 cam, stiffer valve springs, push-rods, rocker arms, head studs and 6.0 liter heads.

I would say plan on spending at least $3K to turbocharge a LS that is running and driving already in your vehicle. This includes: fuel system(injectors,regulator and pump), turbocharger, cold side piping (pipes, BOV, intercooler), hotside piping (KB racing makes a hotside that will work in the 67-72 GM's), wastegate, gauges (boost, fuel and AFR), PCV system and most importantly a good tuner to dial it in.

[Paul Y]

If you haven't already looked up Sloppy Mechanic I would suggest you do. His wiki page is a good source of information and he has a link to a 'kit' that has the bits you need to put a turbo on your LS.

I have learnt a lot from his video's and also from others on the board Rev J being one that springs to mind.

Let us know how you get on.

P.