Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

hellcat1

hellcat1

Member
I'm doing research on pistons for my 2001 S10 Turbo project. I don't believe that there are any differences in the pistons from a SyTy and the 98+ vortec V6 engines, but that's why I'm on here asking questions.

I already have a TD05-20G turbo, ARP (main, rod and head) studs, Fel-Pro MLS head gaskets, port matched Vortec heads and Marine intake. I also have "green giant" injectors (40#@3bars and should be 50# at 59PSI).

I'm looking for a set of pistons that will put me around 8.5:1. What brands have people used and liked? Hypereutectic or forged? This vehicle will be my semi-daily driver but I am on a budget (who isn't LOL). looking forward to suggestions.
 
Neelsonwheels

Neelsonwheels

Donating Member
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

Forged. J&E, Diamond, CP. How much boost are you going to be running? J&E SRP's will work for up to around 18-20 psi. They failed in My truck at 25 PSI and I replaced them with the J&E extreme duty.
Good luck.
 
hellcat1

hellcat1

Member
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

Boost depends on CR and what pistons get installed, but 15-30 is the range I'm shooting for. My turbo is good for peak HP of around 450 and can make up to 500.

Stock Vortecs are rated 190-200. SyTy's stock were around 280ish. I would like to get 350-400 HP.

I can't find a compressor map for a TD05-20G, but it should be close to the TD06-20G, just a little quicker on the spool. I had orignially planed on running the stock vortec pistons with 7-10 PSI boost and this was THE perfect map for that.

td06h-20g-cfm.gif
 
dgoodhue

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

To get 450hp out if that turbo your going to need be well over 20 psi. I would get the JE pistons.
 
Quickstop [UK]

Quickstop [UK]

Combating adversyty.
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

Why the low compression ratio btw? Vortec blocks were higher comp ratio which makes the spool up a bit better as well as providing some of those horses.

My build is a vortec motor rebuild maintaining the stock CR... Doesn't run yet though :rotf: (Syclone in sig).
 
Jimmy

Jimmy

Banned
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

This guy ain't gonna build anything. Save your breath.
 
Beavis

Beavis

Still plays with trucks
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

Do something crazy......12:1 with 87 octane and big N02!!!!
 
hellcat1

hellcat1

Member
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

Quickstop [UK] said:
Why the low compression ratio btw? Vortec blocks were higher comp ratio which makes the spool up a bit better as well as providing some of those horses.

My build is a vortec motor rebuild maintaining the stock CR... Doesn't run yet though :rotf: (Syclone in sig).
Click to expand...

According to the official GM white papers for 2001 (year of my truck) the stock Vortec 4.3L CR is 9.4:1 and rated at 200 HP @ 4600 and 260 TQ @ 2600. I guess I could run a stock replacement forged severe duty piston and run less boost. Again, that is why I'm on here asking those that know more about boosting a 4.3L then myself.

My only experience with a turbo V6 was the Buick 3.8L in a turbo Regal, but that is a whole different animal. I figured that stock CR on both the TR's and SyTy's were around 8.5:1 and that would be a good starting point. I am open to more suggestions on pistons and CR.
 
It's just a six

It's just a six

Super Member
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

If I am thinking correctly, that TD05-20G is way too small, the exhaust will be so backed up it's going to sound like a plugged jet engine.

What are the specs on this turbo? What is the A/R on the turbine housing, 6,7, 8CM?

I would bump up the compression a bit to 9:0- 9:2 range Get a zero deck on the block. Got any pics of your turbo?
 
Last edited:
hellcat1

hellcat1

Member
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

It's just a six said:
If I am thinking correctly, that TD05-20G is way too small, the exhaust will be so backed up it's going to sound like a plugged jet engine.

What are the specs on this turbo? What is the A/R on the turbine housing, 6,7, 8CM?

I would bump up the compression a bit to 9:0- 9:2 range Get a zero deck on the block. Got any pics of your turbo?
Click to expand...

Specs are hard to find on this particular turbo. I do not know what the Area Ratio is or haw to figure it. I have not disassembled my turbo to mic the turbine and compressor wheels yet.

Turbine should be
Exducer 1.93"/49mm
Inducer 2.20"/56mm
trim - 76.56

Exhaust flange inlet is a T3 (2.25" x 1.75")
Exhaust outlet is 2"

Compressor should be
Inducer 2.07"/52.6mm
Exducer 2.68"/68mm
trim = 59.83

Compressor inlet is 2.125"
Compressor outlet is 1.6875





 
O

OneBadS10

Member
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

I bet if you call the manufacturer, you could probably get a flow map of that turbo. Worth a try.
 
hellcat1

hellcat1

Member
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

dgoodhue said:
The exhaust housing size is usually visibly stamped on the inside exhaust housing in the picture above.
Click to expand...

It has "EMOTOR 25" embossed on the outside of the exhaust housing near the CHRA and "10" stamped on the inside.
 
hellcat1

hellcat1

Member
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

OneBadS10 said:
I bet if you call the manufacturer, you could probably get a flow map of that turbo. Worth a try.
Click to expand...

No luck, even though they are based in Griffith, IN, the woman that answered the phone said "we no have flow map for turbo." in a thick Asian accent.

I did find a TD05h-18G map but no luck finding a TD05-20G map.



compared to

 
Quickstop [UK]

Quickstop [UK]

Combating adversyty.
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

Are you sure it is a TD05 20G?

AFP.co.uk said:
AFP5-20 - this is also a variation on the TD05. This time fitted with a much larger, high efficiency 20G compressor wheel and compressor housing. The high efficiency compressor allows the turbo to run at a lower rpm whilst still producing boost. This results in similar spool up to the 5-16 but with a 50bhp increase in airflow capability. This was the turbo used on our own RA to produce 440bhp (running fuel additives) . Up to 400 bhp is typically achievable in conjunction with full supporting modifications .

This turbo is very effective on the 2.0 and also 2.5 conversions with 1 bar+ boost coming in around 2600rpm on the 2.5

All 20G turbos are now fitted with high flow billet compressor wheels for even more power.
Click to expand...

http://www.andyforrestperformance.co.uk/16307.html
 
dgoodhue

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

hellcat1 said:
It has "EMOTOR 25" embossed on the outside of the exhaust housing near the CHRA and "10" stamped on the inside.
Click to expand...

It's a 10cm2 housing. It would be much better if it was a td06h or td06.
 
It's just a six

It's just a six

Super Member
Re: Pistons suggestions for a Turbo Vortec 4.3L

Turbine wheel is way too small.:2cents:

That turbo is made for smaller engines 2.0 liter. yours is 4.3.

My stock engine made 396 HP to the wheels @ 24 psi w/a Hybrid 20G turbo, 12 CM turbine housing & a 60-1 compressor wheel. It is not much, but I am pushing it pretty good.
 
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