What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Anyone running a turbo on a 454?

B

Blazer79

1/2 ton status
Joined
Feb 17, 2000
Posts
1,819
Reaction score
2
Location
Guatemala, Central America
I've been saving for a stroker kit for the 454 in my 79 K5. But recently, I've been reading a lot about turbos, and how they easily increase power. Also a friend in his 4x4 Toyota installed one and is very happy. So I was thinking maybe I can turbo my current 454 (7.8:1 C.R, peanut port heads) and make it a fun project, and do the stroker kit later when the turbo is setup finished.

I'm running a Q-jet with no complaints, but I have a fuel injection manifold from Arizona Speed and Marine which would make it easier on the plumbing, since it's just like the 502 Ram Jet. I could use a megasquirt ECU with it.

So, has anyone done it for a trail-only vehicle? Will I lose low-end power? I never see above 4500rpm. I'd like it to start adding power at 1000rpm, unlike race cars that don't care for anything below 3000rpm. Any links on how to find the right turbo size?

Thanks.
 
turbos generally don't make for a good trail runner power adder. the lag is what will kill you. even if you have a smaller turbo to help. supercharger is the only way to go. for bottom end power and off idle responsivness. just my opinion.
 
Last edited:
Turbos need to spool up (means RPM's) to make boost and that means mid to top RPM end power not low end RPM power. Trucks you want torque anyways and you shouldn't even care about HP. Torque gets you moving and HP keeps you moving. Turbos and blowers also require a special piston not only low compression ratio but the piston is made from a different material and the top ring is further down the piston and the crown of the piston is much thicker to accomodate the boost that will be made.
 
You could run a small procharger into a medium size turbo and you will have no lag and alot of boost. I'm sure it is very complicated though. I've only heard of one person who did that and it was a diesel truck in Austraila. (I know I can spell) I've always wanted to stroke out a 454 so thats the way I would go!
 
there is no replacement for displacement! like 4X4HIGH said, you need special pistons, not to mention boost and stock bottom ends dont always mix well, and the rpm range. if you really want a turbo on a trail rig , i would start by swapping in a diesel :D
 
The old Detroit 671's used to have blowers feeding turbos. All hot air, but worked well.
EDIT: It was turbo into the blower. Nevermind.
 
Last edited:
with proper selection of compressor maps you can have useful boost at almost any rpm, without going too small and running out of compressor at higher revs. Just like with anything, the parts have to be a good match to each other to reap the benefits. You should be able to run at least 6 psi on your engine safely provided your fuel system is tuned correctly and your ignition timing is as well.
 
4X4HIGH said:
Turbos need to spool up (means RPM's) to make boost and that means mid to top RPM end power not low end RPM power. Trucks you want torque anyways and you shouldn't even care about HP. Torque gets you moving and HP keeps you moving. Turbos and blowers also require a special piston not only low compression ratio but the piston is made from a different material and the top ring is further down the piston and the crown of the piston is much thicker to accomodate the boost that will be made.
Click to expand...

So the turbos on diesels need high engine RPM to make boost?

My tow rig (CTD) makes 25 lbs of boost at 1500 RPM or so.

The whole "turbos need RPM to make boost' thing is a myth, you simply need to fit the right turbo to the application. That turbo that makes boost at 1500 RPM is going to run out of flow at 6K but if you're looking for low end torque its perfect.
 
38377k5 said:
So the turbos on diesels need high engine RPM to make boost?

My tow rig (CTD) makes 25 lbs of boost at 1500 RPM or so.

The whole "turbos need RPM to make boost' thing is a myth, you simply need to fit the right turbo to the application. That turbo that makes boost at 1500 RPM is going to run out of flow at 6K but if you're looking for low end torque its perfect.
Click to expand...

We're talking about a gas engine and not a diesel.

Blowers on a Diesel scanvenge the exhaust out of the engine.
 
4X4HIGH said:
We're talking about a gas engine and not a diesel.

Blowers on a Diesel scanvenge the exhaust out of the engine.
Click to expand...

So you're saying there isn't a turbo that would make peak boost at low RPM on a gas motor? Or I couldn't put a turbo from a 6bt onto a 454?

Sure, blowers push the leftover exhaust out of a diesel because they flow air at full capacity all the time but what does that have to do with a turbo 454?
 
What the hell kinda tow rig do you have that makes 25# of boost at 1500rpm? (I'm not saying I don't belive you its just impressive) My buddy used to have a 7.3 powerstoke and it was everything he could do to make 25lbs of boost and he had done some work to it! How much boost does it make at higher rpm?
 
GsxrMike said:
What the hell kinda tow rig do you have that makes 25# of boost at 1500rpm? (I'm not saying I don't belive you its just impressive) My buddy used to have a 7.3 powerstoke and it was everything he could do to make 25lbs of boost and he had done some work to it! How much boost does it make at higher rpm?
Click to expand...

Its a 5.9L Cummins, its chipped and has some aftermarket turbo on it (its my brother's truck, I borrow it to tow my buggy around).
 
Thanks for the replies.

My point is exactly that a 454 would need the same turbo as a similar displacement diesel engine (more or less). I want low end torque, how do turbo diesels achieve that?

4x4high: Why is a diesel turbo different than a gas? How does it scavenge the exhaust?
 
A diesel make more torque because the fuel burns slower and has more power per gallon (I can't remember the name for that)
 
38377k5 said:
Its a 5.9L Cummins, its chipped and has some aftermarket turbo on it (its my brother's truck, I borrow it to tow my buggy around).
Click to expand...

I love the Cummins! I got to drive one of the new ones when my van was in for service a couple of weeks ago. I think its a 6.7L. (It was 4x4 quad cab with all the trimmins, and a limited slip rear end) It was alot of fun to drive!
 
GsxrMike said:
What the hell kinda tow rig do you have that makes 25# of boost at 1500rpm? (I'm not saying I don't belive you its just impressive) My buddy used to have a 7.3 powerstoke and it was everything he could do to make 25lbs of boost and he had done some work to it! How much boost does it make at higher rpm?
Click to expand...

thats because 7.3s suck........and 6.0s and 6.4s......:D

I could make 50 pounds of boost on my '98 24 valve by about 2000rpm, then all hell would brake loose at 70psi by about 3300rpm/


but boost on a diesel IS totally different than on a gas engine you cannot compare the two. its apples and oranges/
 
Blazer79 said:
I understand.

I think you mean BTUs or British Thermal Units.

So should I ditch the turbo idea and just build the stroker?
Click to expand...

build the stroker or but a blower on it. I'm sure you'd be happier with either over a turbo. turbo/s charged bigblock in a race car or street truck is way better than a blower. its all about best suited to the application.
 
GsxrMike said:
A diesel make more torque because the fuel burns slower and has more power per gallon (I can't remember the name for that)
Click to expand...

BTUs diesel has more BTUs than gas

the cummins makes more torque than anything because of the I-6 design with the loooong stroke.
 
Blazer79 said:
Thanks for the replies.

My point is exactly that a 454 would need the same turbo as a similar displacement diesel engine (more or less).
Click to expand...


actually, its not so much like that. Diesels run quite a bit bigger a/r on the hot side of the turbo, and it tends to bypass too much exhaust around it for use on a gas engine. My old rally car would spool a large Garrett nicely, same exact turbo a friend had on his CTD as an upgrade. Only difference was the a/r of my exhaust housing was quite a bit smaller. Depending on the course I would switch between a .48 a/r and a .63 a/r. The .48 spooled much quicker, but choked on flow past 7200rpm while the .63 was great mid and top end power, and only saw full spool pushed about 500rpm higher. me not being a cheap a55 and using a ball bearing turbo most likely could have regained that 500rpm back though. When that car was retired from rally, it was turned into a little import dragster, and ended up with a large wagon wheel of a turbo, a 60-1. the 60-1 was only making sh1t for power above 3500rpm due to the larger .82a/r housing I used. I ended up sprayin on that car to come off the line harder at full spool. When I sold the car it still had the 60-1, but it was swapped for a smaller a/r housing and regained a lot of street manners and driveability with decent low rpm boost and power without the juice. The engine btw was a 2.3l 4cylinder with 8.8:1 compression. Bottom line is, it can be done, and done correctly. Find a turbo or diesel shop in your area and talk with them about your goals and see what advice they offer. If you cant find a good one, I have a guy here in AZ you can at least call and talk to if you would like. Ive boosted many an n/a engine, and had no issues with factory non forged bottom ends if everything is set up correctly an you dont get crazy with the boost controller. A stock 454 should be able to live a long, powerful life on 6psi though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom