Next reincarnation- 5.3 turbo

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87_HellCamino

Not-quite-so-new-guy
May 22, 2021
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New to this forum, and already finding valuable information. My last reincarnation of my El Camino was a budget 383 build about 13 years ago. Instead of buying another “project” classic car, the wife said to take that money and “fix up” the El Camino again. So in this reincarnation I’ve wanted to do a 5.3 turbo for quite some time. My goal is a single turbo system, 700-800 hp running 11‘s in the 1/4. It seems that most of the internet information is heavily focused on the budget conscious $5k and under build. Other than routine maintenance, at this point in my life I don’t want to anticipate another reincarnation and low mileage salvage Gen 3’s are pretty uncommon nowadays. I’m not looking at an unlimited budget, but am willing to get the necessary parts and maybe score some deals.
I’ve put together a “starting list”
Engine:
Starting with a fresh cast iron block- the future ability to have a larger max bore in the iron block vs the aluminum is worth more than the 100lb or so weight savings
9.9:1-10.4:1 compression
24x OEM crank
Diamond Racing forged pistons
PRC 220 heads
CTS-V oil pan
LS7 camshaft & lifters
Truck coils- round or triangle shape
I’m debating the fuel mgmt system. I really like the FI Tech 7004. It’s very reasonably priced and user friendly tuning capabilities including self learning for turbos. Not finding much “recent” discussions online regarding them. Anyone using the FI Tech with a turbo here? I’m also curious about hood clearance issues. I have a steel Goodmark cowl induction hood and don’t want to modify or delete it. I know the Holley system gets great review, but it’s a lot more expensive and requires nickel and dime pieces to match the same setup as the FI Tech
Turbo will likely be a Garrett 7675, any suggestions for inter coolers? I have a Nitrous Express intercooler halo kit from a previous vehicle I owned.
Curious to know if anyone has had issues with the pressed on damper slipping since there’s not a keyhole, considering pinning the damper to the crank
Another forum solved my fuel tan/pump questions
Any other suggestions or ideas for the engine are welcome

Driveline:
Have been told cannot use a 4L80 without tunnel cutting but another forum here solved that, I’m sure but not certain the floor pan is the same for the Elky as the regular G bodies from the firewall to the back of the front seats so I’m assuming tunnel is the same size. All of the built 4L60’s max out for 650 hp and cost twice as much as a built 4L80 rated for 1000 hp. Going to use a custom set of Lightning Rods shifter. Always thought the Hurst ones in the 442 G bodies were cool
Rear end will be a G body specific Ford 9”, LSD with 350 ish gearing

I’m sure there’s plenty I’ve left out but that’s the basic building blocks I’m starting with. Any tips or suggestions are definitely appreciated!
PFA of my Elky in its current state
 

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lilbowtie

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Jan 7, 2006
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Sounds like you have a goal. With HP in the upper 700's your capable of single digit ET'S
 
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motorheadmike

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Nov 18, 2009
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Stock ECM or Holley Terminator X or maybe Megasquirt - don't go for the weird stuff. An eBay GT45 and a matching basic intercooler will be more than enough turbo to get you going. 4L80E fits fine. The torque converter will make or break your end result. Keep it simple.
 
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GroceryGetter83

LS Mafia
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Sep 18, 2018
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Agreed on the ECM: Holley or stock with HP tuners. Stay away from FI tech.
 
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GroceryGetter83

LS Mafia
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Sep 18, 2018
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BTW there are several good build threads on this site to give you an idea of what can be done 🥳
 
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fleming442

Captain Tenneal
Dec 26, 2013
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Stock ECM with HP Tuners is weird stuff, unless you're into learning multiple languages.
Way to think outside the box, though. I've never seen a turbo LS.....
 
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motorheadmike

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Nov 18, 2009
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