Time for a 1000 mile update since the new motor/turbo was installed. Well it sure feels like a completely different truck now, power is (obviously) significantly better than a stock 6.2 and drivability is much improved especially when climbing hills. I highly recommend the Quadstar Tuning intake and Super 54 turbo, it spools up fast with no noticeable lag. The wastegate is preset to 15psi. From what the folks over at Quadstar have told me, this turbo has a 1:1 drive pressure to boost ratio, which is much improved from the stock GM turbos (supposedly closer to 2:1), which is supposed to be better for the motor even with the higher boost. They stated drive pressure and heat are what kills motors, not boost.
I haven't had any issues with EGTs at this point either, as the turbo spools up easily even at 15 psi boost they're less than 950. Temps are related to how much fuel is sent to the motor (again obviously) so if the peddle is to the floor they might become too high, however in the 10-15 psi range the truck feels like it can do anything so I don't need to put the peddle to the floor.
A few other things I did as part of the build I haven't touched on. I put both batteries on the front tray. I switched to group size 65 batteries, they're 850 CCAs but smaller dimensions than the group 27's which were previously on. Between them, new IP, and new injectors the motor starts instantly, never had problems before but it is much improved now. I still need to fab a better battery hold down but for now it works.
For air cleaner i used an SB 75-5045D which is the aftermarket 6.5 cleaner for 90's trucks. I didn't use the box as that didn't fit, just filter/tube but it seems to work well. And I also installed a Mishimoto Universal High Flow Baffled Catch Can between the CDR and the intake. After 1000 miles there is about 2 ounces in it. I used to have oil use "problems" on the old 6.2, but as that was working/reving much harder and higher I think it was sucking more oil into the intake.
And lastly, I routed the turbo back exhaust on the outside of the frame rail to exit prior to the rear tire. I purchased from Summit SUM-680060, which again is the 90s kit. It was less helpful than i expected, i used the muffler and a few pipes but had to do alot of custom work. The 3" downpipe I fabricated from a turbo downpipe flange and a few short sweep 90 and 45 degree elbows welded together. It actually turned out fairly well in my opinion, and only required minor bending of the inner fender liner for clearance.
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