4.2L I6 LL8 adding turbo.

[steelheader9295]

So I just seen that artek makes a turbo intake manifold for my 2006 GMC Envoy SLE. I'm not all that knowledgeable on turbos other then how they work. I need to know what I need to install the turbo and the gear with it, So the manifold is a T4 with a 50mm waste gate hookup. My compression ratio is 10.3.1, what would i need to upgrade with the engine to make it work. Fuel injectors, maybe new fuel pump, spark plugs? They don't make a cam for my engine but they do have a grinded cam to make it like a cam shaft. I'm just tryinf to get all the info I can on how to add a turbo to a 4.2l vortec I6. I found a guy on YouTube who's turned this into a drag car, with twins on it. So if anyone has a idea what I will need to do please let me know...

 

[obi_waynne]

Turbos are something you need to know what your doing with, I can give you a few pointers and things to bear in mind but you should talk to a mechanic who can look at your engine and advise you specifically.

Turbo Setup and Supporting Mods​

1. Turbocharger and Manifold​

• Turbocharger: Since you have a T4 turbo intake manifold with a 50mm wastegate hookup, you'll need a compatible T4 turbo. Choose one that matches your power goals and driving needs. Brands like Garrett, and BorgWarner offer reliable options.
• Wastegate: Ensure you have a 50mm wastegate. This will help control the boost pressure.

2. Fuel System Upgrades​

• Fuel Injectors: To handle the increased air from the turbo, you'll need larger fuel injectors. The stock injectors won't supply enough fuel. Look for high-flow injectors that match the turbo setup.
• Fuel Pump: Upgrade to a high-flow fuel pump to ensure your engine gets enough fuel. A Walbro 255 or similar pump is a common choice for boosted applications.
• Fuel Pressure Regulator: An adjustable fuel pressure regulator can help maintain the correct fuel pressure under boost.

3. Ignition System​

• Spark Plugs: Use spark plugs that are one or two heat ranges colder than stock. This helps prevent pre-ignition and knock under boost.
• Ignition Coils: If your ignition coils are old or weak, consider upgrading them to ensure a strong spark.

4. Engine Management​

• ECU Tuning: A custom tune is essential for any forced induction setup. You'll need an experienced tuner to remap your ECU to manage the increased air and fuel flow. This will optimize performance and ensure reliability.
• Boost Controller: A manual or electronic boost controller can help you fine-tune and control your boost levels.

5. Internal Engine Upgrades​

Given your engine's 10.3:1 compression ratio, you'll need to consider the following to handle the additional stress of forced induction:

• Forged Pistons and Rods: High-performance forged pistons and rods can handle the increased pressure and reduce the risk of failure.
• Lower Compression Ratio: If possible, consider lowering the compression ratio slightly to make the engine more boost-friendly. This can be achieved with different pistons or a thicker head gasket.
• Camshaft: Since there's no off-the-shelf cam for your engine, a custom grind camshaft tailored for a turbo setup can help improve performance. Consult with a camshaft specialist for the best profile.

6. Exhaust System​

• Downpipe: A custom downpipe will be needed to route the exhaust gases from the turbo to the rest of the exhaust system.
• Exhaust System: Upgrade to a high-flow exhaust system to reduce backpressure and improve turbo efficiency.

Additional Considerations​

• Intercooler: An intercooler is essential for cooling the compressed air from the turbo, preventing detonation, and increasing performance.
• Oil Supply and Return Lines: Turbochargers need a dedicated oil supply and return line. Ensure you have the necessary fittings and lines to route oil to and from the turbo.
• Cooling System: Upgrade the cooling system if necessary. Turbos add heat, so a larger radiator or additional cooling methods might be required.
• Gauges: Install gauges for monitoring boost pressure, oil pressure, and air/fuel ratio to keep an eye on the engine's vital signs.