In all our years, we don’t think we’ve ever quite seen such an original turbocharger placement as this: a recent piece from 1320video profiles a built-up GMC truck featuring a bed-mounted turbocharger and intercooler.
This “1976” (according to the video, but it definitely isn’t) GMC Sonoma GT pickup  has a 5.7-liter LS1, fed by a turbocharger in the truck bed providing 18 psi of boost. The owner says that he mounted the setup in the bed partly to keep some weight over the rear axle, and partly because of a shortage of space under the hood; he’s left the A/C and power steering intact.
Say what you will about the ludicrousness of the build, but this truck sounds unbelievable while the turbocharger spools up. With absolutely nothing but a cone filter to dampen the sound of the turbine, the full-tilt whir of the turbo drowns out just about all else.
Of course, having the turbo mounted so far rearward would certainly have its negative impact on lag; it requires a lot of plumbing to feed it back to the intake plenum. But for all the sound, fury, and drama introduced by placing the turbocharger in the truck bed, we think that’s a small price to pay.
(Update: the truck in the video is a GMC Sonoma, not an S15.)
Comments
How can an S-10 ever be a 1976 model year?
It can be a 1976 when the Story is written by Aaron Birch.
1976 would have been a Chevy Luv, S10 was 1982 -2003. I’m guessing this is a 1986!
Didnt make s10s in 1976 idiot.
Its a 76mm turbo, not the year of the truck. I know this because it is my truck. He was asking about the turbo size not the trucks year. Its a 92 Sonoma GT #40 of 806
The GMC Sonoma GT is one of only 806, made in ’92.
“76” probably refers to the size of the turbo.
Its a 76mm turbo not the year of the truck.