Turbo vs. No Turbo

[LTZ C20]

I have a 79' Standard Cab Long bed Cheyenne C20, with it a SB350 and a Turbo350 tranny. I had this thought, hoping ya'll could help me with it. What will adding a turbocharger do to my SMOG here in California, will I get better mileage, is it worth it, what kinda of power gain could I expect with one. Those kinds o things. Thanks ya'll.

[beastie_3]

Im not sure on the smog requirements, but I wouldnt think it would be a problem. The issue you will run into is the expense of it.

[bake74]

     They do make turbo's that are smog legal for CA.  Not all are, so be carefull.
     As far as mileage, it would get better mileage if you kept your foot out of the pedal, but that is not the reason people put turbo's in, if that is the case why spend the money.  So your mileage will go down because you will want to use the power.
     The other issue is the engine, people dont put turbo's on stock engines and expect them to last long.  You can get  100 - 200 hp out of turbo's, more if they are good ones.
     Once again as Beastie said, the expense, will it be worth it to you ?

[1978 454 Big 10]

Supercharger would be MUCH easier to install!

[LTZ C20]

I am really light on the peddle anyway, I don't have a lot of money so I conserve my gas, the top end of my engine has been rebuilt and I have and Edelbrock carb and intake. Right now I have about 230-245 horse and I would like a little more. I have a friend who has turbos just laying around so he said he would give me one. Hopefully one is smog legal. I just wanted a little extra go go when I need it.

[Captkaos]

If he has turbo's laying around, it isn't the actual turbo that is emissions legal or not, it is the system for the truck, and there isn't on for gasoline motors.  You would have to build it, and then have it inspected.

[LTZ C20]

Oh see, I did not know that. Well he definitely has the ability to build a system for it. I don't know what to do about the inspection though.

[bake74]

     If your truck is 75 or older in Cal. no inspection is required as long as you do not let your registration and insurance run out, or you put in in non-op.  The 74 step side k10 I bought, I went to register it cause it was on a non-op, went to dmv, lady said this much, I said don't you have to inspect it ?  her answer to me was " now why would I want to do that "   

[LTZ C20]

Well the truck is a 79. What will that do to trying to get it passed?

[bake74]

     Since it is a 79 it will have to be inspected and smogged if you add a turbo.  NOt impossible, but you should do all your homework first so you know what they expect.

[LTZ C20]

Awesome, good idea. Ya'll don't know where I could find that information do you?

[bake74]

     If it was me, I would go into a shop that does smog and start asking questions, it might take you a couple of tries to find a shop that will answer your questions, but you can find one.  I have done this in the past with other vehicles, and it saves a lot of money and headaches to know in advance.

[LTZ C20]

OK great. I will work on that in the next week or so.

[frotosride]

Being a power junky I vote turbo...then again my state doesn't require emission inspects (YET). I have the same plans for the future of 'old blue' and the 383 strkr im building so please post pic and updates if you decide to do this one.

[LTZ C20]

Haha, well I am also a bit of a power hog. I do however live in a state that has twisted, disgusting, and social inappropriate smog regulations. If it's toward my benefit, I will do it. And I will post pics if I do.  California, nice place. California road laws, TOTAL DUMP!