Diesel pull through Turbo for a 454 budget build?
 

I am new in the world of boost but have read my ass off and have only found one mention of running a diesel turbo in a pull through configuration and it was simply the seals would wear out quickly, don't do it.

I have a 454 big block chevy getting rebuilt and going into my 89 c1500 replacing a tired 4.3.

currently the regular cab short bed truck weighs 3,800 lbs. But will go on a serious diet with the new motor.

Goal is 800+ streetable hp at 10-14psi of boost on pump gas.

Yes I know I can easily build the 454 to make those numbers in N/A configuration but that requires money and significantly better components than I currently have.

I am a full time college student and full time mechanic so my budget is mighty small. $1,000 max. Yes I can fabricate and have already looked into carb boxes but the resources are limited and do not recommend more than 7psi boost. Blow through carbs involve lots of money, as does efi. Yes i have seen diyefi.org and am seriously contemplating it.

I was thinking of running 1 large diesel turbo in a pull through configuration. Likely a Holset given how much air they can move. What do you suggest?

The turbo will have a separate oiling system to protect the turbo, to protect the motor, and allow flexibility in the turbo's placement. A self contained turbo large enough to support this motor and not require selling my eyes to fund it would be great.

The reasoning for this setup is:
1. bang for the buck
2. a pull through will not require any carb mods beyond typical jetting
3. a single large turbo can use one carb, greatly minimizing costs
4. separate oiling systems keep heat and shrapnel separate

the reasons against:
1. Turbo Lagggggggg (my truck is a 5 speed for now so it's not a real problem)
2. no intercooler, but water and alcohol injection is cheaper in the short term
3. the exhaust system will be a bitch to make. I don't have a bender but have made a couple dozen header back systems with noting more than a welder, sawzall, and scrap pipe.

Currently I am thinking that mounting the turbo outlet as close to the intake and the carb as close to the turbo intake as possible can help reduce lag times, as would shorter, smooth transitioning small diameter exhaust. A redundant wastegate may be used if I feel the exhaust is building too much pressure for the turbo.

I live in Missouri and am certified to perform Motor vehicle inspections so street legal is not the concern.

Any info or advice is greatly welcome. My budget will not change for the better anytime soon. I am also accepting all donations.

P.s. this combo only has to last a year and weekend passes down the strip. I plan on racing to pay for bigger and better.

Why pull through not blow through?

I can't afford efi. Blow through carbs require extensive mods or are very expensive.

you can make a carb blow through your self. I was looking into it a while back when I was goin to boost a carbed mazda b2000

should be a fun build. its been proven so i dont see it being a problem. no intercooler is need for 6psi or less boost so your good there. the only thing i dont see happening is the 1000.00 budget. the little stuff adds up quickly. gl with the build