I'm making a parts list for my mild-turbo Bravada project, Ive been thinking about doing it for years now and I'm finally ready to do it.

I have a mig welder , cutting torch, pipe bender and all the necessary tools to get it done.
I plan on running a setup like 02vortec.

I'm going to use a used turbo from a vw, volvo or some 4cyl car, I want it to spool at low rpm's and I plan on running low boost 8psi or under (I'm looking to increase my mpg).

I plan on keeping the engine stock for now (it has around 136,000 miles on it and alot of parts have been changed(transfer ,case rear axle).
I may also add an electric radiator fan from a pick and pull lot.

I would like to run the stock intake manifold for now and maybe upgrade to the mercury later.
Some people are claiming a 25hp gain with the marine intake, not sure if that's true but that would be a good mod. right there by itself.

(probably a stupid question but here it goes)My main concern is getting a tune on it, would it be possible to run low boost without a tune?(I imagine that it would run lean)
Is there another cheap way to get it to run with a turbo($600 to buy tuning software is a little steep, any cheap tuning software)?
Or maybe a map maf sensor tuning dial to change air fuel ratio?cooler spark plugs.

UPDATE
Ive checked pick and pull prices
Turbo 150. max
inter-cooler 50. max
and exhaust pipe doesn't cost much
I'll need a bov I won't scrimp on this but I wan't one under $100

 

there is a guy on here that made a turbo blazer his name is ur50slo im sure he could be a huge help to you

 

I've been looking around at tuning software

free tuning software Possibly
http://www.tunerpro.net/ but I think it only tunes obd1
I'm searching for some other cheap or free tuning software.

Obd2 cable
Amazon.com: OBD2 OBD II Diagnostic USB Cable KKL409.1 VAG-COM 409: Electronics

I'm not sure how hard it would be to learn to tune.

Or maybe send it off to PCMforless (I'm not sure if they can tune for a turbo setup and I'm not sure what psi I will run it at 6-8 wouldn't that affect the tune if I changed the psi?)

What would you do is their another option?

 

my supercharger tune was done at pcm for less if your serious about this check out ur50slo@ FullThrottleV6.com he has a thread on there about turbo blazers he can help you

 

The only thing I can say is that 02Vortech's rear mount turbo setup is great for a race truck/sunday cruiser but you have to remember that unless you plumb your intake up under the hood your filter will essentially be picking up all of the road grit, and I don't even want to talk about rainy days... Is there ANY room under the hood for the turbo?

Just out of curiosity, do you have a mandrel pipe bender?

 

The air filter won't be under the car it will either be under the hood or above the fender like a snorkel or maybe behind the rear door.
I plan on using exhaust piping and I have a place that will bend it any way I want.
(I really don't care how good the setup looks, just that it functions well)

The intake will be away from the water. I plan on using the stock exhaust(the cat and muffler are new).
I don't have any room under the hood for the turbo(I plan on adding a used electric rad. fan for around 45bucks) but it still wouldn't have room even with.

It seems easier to just weld a turbo flange onto the stock exhaust instead of trying to find different manifolds to fit the turbo.

Tuning update
fuel pressure regulator option?
http://lightningmotorsports.com/i-269789.aspx
Digital Wideband Air / Fuel Gauge
http://www.aemelectronics.com/wideba...fuel-gauge-25/
And maybe only run 6 psi

 

you really won't benefit much if you run the truck untuned. nor will it be really safe to drive.

 

Check out tunercat.com. They have software that will work with that cable to tune your pcm.