From V6 To V8: This Turbo Fifth-Gen Pushes 800 Horsepower

There’s no single path to building a fast car, and this turbo fifth-gen Camaro showcases it. Instead of opting for the predictable supercharged LS3 or LT4 route, this particular build takes a wilder approach. What began life as a 3.6-liter V6 pony car has been transformed into an 800-horsepower muscle car, thanks to a junkyard-sourced 4.8-liter LS from a Chevrolet Silverado and a massive turbocharger that feeds it 15 pounds of boost.

A Camaro Reborn With A Silverado Heart

Featured on ThatDudeinBlue’s YouTube channel, this Camaro’s setup showcases the creativity and resourcefulness often seen in grassroots performance culture. The 4.8L iron-block LS is a favorite among budget boost builders, known for its durability under pressure and it’s beer-budget price tag. While the current tune nets around 800 horsepower, the owner claims the combination is capable of cracking the 1,000-horsepower mark once it’s fully dialed in and the boost is turned up.

Built For Boost, Not For The Faint Of Heart

Backing up the boosted V8 is a Tremec TR6060 manual transmission, a six-speed gearbox known for its strength in high-power applications like the LS3 powered SS model. The car also runs 3.45 rearend gearing, which helps it stay in the boost longer through each gear. Coilover suspension keeps things tight and planted, but the car still retains its stock V6 brakes that makes stopping this turbocharged muscle car a bit of an adventure.

The power delivery with this turbo fifth-gen Camaro is nothing short of explosive. There’s noticeable turbo lag before the boost hits, but once it does, the Camaro surges forward violently, easily lighting up the rear tires in lower gears. A fender-mounted exhaust gives it an aggressive, no-nonsense character, both visually and audibly. It’s a build that looks raw, sounds feral, and feels downright chaotic, which is exactly what the owner wanted.

The Joy Of Going Against The Grain

While LS swaps are a dime a dozen, few builds go the route of the 4.8 liter. Smaller and cheaper than the 5.3L or 6.0L variants, this engine has built a cult following for its ability to handle absurd boost on a budget. As demonstrated here, even with a used truck motor, smart tuning, and solid fabrication, you can achieve numbers that rival exotic modern supercars for a fraction of the cost and double the character.

Despite its quirks, like underwhelming brakes and traction issues, the car embodies the DIY spirit that defines modern performance culture. It’s loud, unrefined, and not without risk, but it’s also an absolute blast to drive. This turbo fifth-gen Camaro might not have started as a factory powerhouse, but it now delivers a level of performance that can humble much pricier machines. In a world where enthusiasts chase perfection, this build reminds us that sometimes, raw power and creativity are what make a car truly unforgettable.