Chevy SS LS3 Turbo Kits: A Deep Dive into Precision Turbo’s Offerings

The Chevrolet SS, built from 2014 to 2017, remains one of the most capable sleeper sedans ever produced. Under the hood, the 6.2-liter LS3 V8 delivers 415 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque from the factory. For owners seeking more than that, forced induction is the natural next step. Among the many options, Precision Turbo stands out for its proven designs, bolt-on compatibility, and robust real-world power figures.

This article covers everything you need to know about Chevy SS LS3 turbo kits from Precision Turbo. We’ll examine the pros and cons, break down the power numbers from actual builds, and help you decide whether a Precision Turbo kit is the right upgrade for your goals.

Understanding the Chevy SS and the LS3 Engine

The Chevy SS is a full‑size, rear‑wheel‑drive sedan that shares its platform with the Holden Commodore. The LS3 engine in the SS is essentially the same Gen IV small‑block V8 found in the Corvette C6 and early Camaro SS. It features aluminum block and heads, a forged steel crank, and six‑bolt main caps. Compression ratio sits at 10.7:1, which is favorable for mild boost but requires careful tuning at higher pressures.

Because the LS3 is a factory high‑performance engine, it can handle moderate forced induction without internal modifications. Many owners have run 8–10 psi on a stock bottom end with good reliability. Precision Turbo’s kits are designed with this flexibility in mind, offering staged systems that grow with your power goals.

Precision Turbo: A Brief Overview

Precision Turbo & Engine has been in the forced induction game for decades, known for their high‑quality turbochargers, intercoolers, and complete kits. Their Chevy SS LS3 turbo kits are designed as direct‑fit solutions that require minimal cutting or fabrication. Key features include precision‑mandrel‑bent stainless steel tubing, Tial wastegates and blow‑off valves, air‑to‑air intercoolers, and all necessary hardware for installation.

Precision offers multiple kit tiers based on the compressor size and supporting components. This allows owners to choose a system that matches their budget, driving style, and horsepower targets. For more details on their complete lineup, visit Precision Turbo’s official site.

Pros of Chevy SS LS3 Turbo Kits from Precision Turbo

Significant and Scalable Power Gains

The most obvious advantage is the horsepower increase. A Precision Turbo Stage 1 kit, using a properly sized 62mm turbo, can push a stock LS3 past 600 wheel horsepower on pump gas with a conservative tune. Stage 2 and Stage 3 kits, which use larger compressors and upgraded wastegates, can exceed 750 and even 900 wheel horsepower with supporting mods. The power is consistent and linear, which is ideal for a daily driver that also sees track time.

High‑Quality Components and Fitment

Precision Turbo builds their kits with T304 stainless steel and CNC‑machined flanges. Every pipe is jig‑welded to ensure repeatable fitment. For the Chevy SS, the kit routes piping efficiently through the engine bay, avoiding clearance issues with the alternator, AC compressor, and steering shaft. The air‑to‑air intercooler mounts in the front bumper location and requires no modifications beyond a minor trim to the lower air deflector.

Improved Thermal Efficiency

Compared to a supercharger, a turbo system operates with lower parasitic losses. The exhaust gases do the work, which means less mechanical drag on the crankshaft. This often results in better fuel economy at light throttle and lower intake air temperatures thanks to the front‑mounted intercooler. For daily driving, many owners report improved part‑throttle response compared to a centrifugal supercharger.

Tuning Flexibility and Safety

Precision Turbo kits are designed to work with factory ECUs after proper tuning. Many tuners specialize in the Holden E38 or E92 ECMs used in the Chevy SS, and the kits leave enough headroom for ethanol blends (E85) or race gas. With a quality tune, the car retains all factory driving characteristics: traction control, cruise control, and normal driving manners. The wastegate spring provided in each kit sets a base boost level – typically 8 psi – which is safe for the stock engine and provides a solid foundation for growth.

Supporting Community and Resources

Because Precision Turbo is a well‑known name, there is a wealth of build threads and dyno results available online. Forums like Chevy SS Forums have detailed install guides and tuning tips. This community support makes the installation process much smoother than with lesser‑known brands.

Cons of Chevy SS LS3 Turbo Kits

Installation Complexity

While Precision Turbo calls their kits “direct fit,” the installation is still a major project. Expect to spend 20–40 hours in the garage if you’re a skilled DIYer, or budget for a professional shop to handle it. You’ll need to remove the factory exhaust manifolds, downpipes, and front bumper cover. Routing the hot‑side intercooler piping around steering components can be tricky, and the oxygen sensor wiring may need extension.

Cost – The Kit Itself and Supporting Mods

A Precision Turbo Stage 1 kit starts around $4,500–$5,000 for the hardware alone. That doesn’t include a tuner (e.g., HP Tuners system), injectors, fuel pump, or any needed upgrades like a dual‑clutch transmission replacement (for automatic cars) or a stronger driveshaft. Many owners end up spending $8,000–$12,000 total to complete a reliable 650‑wheel‑horsepower build. For those on a tight budget, the initial price can be a barrier.

Potential Reliability Concerns with High Boost

Pushing the LS3 past 650 wheel horsepower requires internal engine upgrades. The stock pistons are hypereutectic and can crack under sustained detonation or excessive boost. The factory fuel system also runs out of capacity around 550–600 wheel horsepower on pump gas. Precision Turbo Stage 2 and Stage 3 kits assume you have upgraded pistons, rods, and a higher‑capacity fuel system. Without those, pushing the kit to its limits risks blown head gaskets, broken ring lands, or worse.

Tuning is Not Optional

A turbocharged LS3 will not run properly on a stock tune. You must have a custom calibration created on a chassis dyno. Poor tuning can lead to knock, high EGTs, or lean conditions under boost. Owners must factor in tuning costs – usually $400–$800 for a remote or local custom tune. Some shops prefer to tune in person, which might require traveling to a known LS tuner.

Heat Management

Even with a front‑mounted intercooler, underhood temperatures increase with a turbo system. The hot‑side piping and turbine housing radiate heat, which can affect intake air temperatures and engine oil temperatures on hot days. Many owners add upgraded cooling fans, lower‑temperature thermostats, and an oil cooler to maintain stability when pushing the car hard on a road course or in stop‑and‑go traffic.

Real‑World Power Figures from Precision Turbo Kits

These figures come from documented dyno pulls on Chevy SS sedans using Precision Turbo kits. All numbers are measured at the wheels (RWHP) on a Mustang or DynoJet dynamometer. Mileage and conditions vary, but the results are representative of what a well‑tuned car can achieve.

Stage 1 Kit (Precision 62/66 Turbo, 8 psi)

  • Stock engine, no internal mods: 585–620 RWHP on 93 octane
  • Add 2 psi (10 psi) with fueling upgrade: 640–680 RWHP on 93
  • E85 + 10 psi: 700–730 RWHP (requires injectors and flex fuel sensor)

Stage 2 Kit (Precision 64/68 Turbo, 10–12 psi)

  • Forged pistons and rods, stock heads: 720–780 RWHP on 93
  • Full exhaust, cam upgrade: 800–840 RWHP on E85

Stage 3 Kit (Precision 72/75 or 76/75 Turbo, 15 psi+)

  • Fully built engine, ported heads, large cam: 900–960 RWHP on E85
  • Race gas / meth injection: 1000+ RWHP (limited by drivetrain)

These numbers are consistent with what we’ve seen on popular LS dyno channels and forum build logs. The Stage 1 kit is widely considered the sweet spot for a street‑driven car because it delivers huge power without requiring internal engine work.

Supporting Modifications That Make the Kit Work

Fuel System

To safely run more than 550 wheel horsepower, you need a larger fuel pump. Many owners swap to a ZL1 in‑tank pump or an inline pump like the AEM 320 lph. For 750+ wheel horsepower, a return‑style fuel system with dual pumps and larger injectors (e.g., 1050cc) becomes necessary.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The Chevy SS’s 6L80E automatic transmission is strong but will fail quickly if you’re making 700+ horsepower and doing hard launches. A billet torque converter, upgraded clutch packs, and a transmission cooler are common additions. Manual cars with the Tremec TR6060 handle the power better, but the stock clutch will slip beyond 650 wheel horsepower.

Cooling System

Adding a larger radiator, electric fans, and an oil cooler helps keep IATs and coolant temps in check. Many Precision Turbo owners report that the stock radiator with upgraded fans is sufficient for daily driving but may struggle during extended WOT pulls in hot weather.

Installation Overview – What to Expect

Precision Turbo provides detailed instructions, but here’s a high‑level summary. The kit includes all necessary brackets, hoses, clamps, and fittings. The typical install steps are:

  1. Disconnect battery and drain coolant.
  2. Remove front bumper, headlights, and radiator support (partial).
  3. Remove factory exhaust manifolds, y‑pipe, and catalytic converters.
  4. Install new oil pan adaptor for turbo oil drain (drill and tap or replace pan).
  5. Mount turbocharger using the supplied bracket – it sits low on the driver side.
  6. Route hot‑side piping from exhaust ports to turbo inlet.
  7. Install intercooler behind the front bumper with included brackets.
  8. Route cold‑side piping from turbo outlet through intercooler to throttle body.
  9. Plumb wastegate, blow‑off valve, and oil supply/return lines.
  10. Reassemble front of car, fill with coolant and oil.

Expect to need an aftermarket catch can to prevent oil buildup in the intake tract. Many owners also relocate the battery to the trunk to improve weight distribution and make room for intake piping.

Cost Breakdown for a Complete Precision Turbo Build

  • Precision Turbo Stage 1 kit: $4,500–$5,500 (depending on options)
  • Custom dyno tune: $500–$800
  • Fuel pump upgrade (in‑tank or inline): $300–$600
  • Injectors (60–80 lb/hr): $300–$600
  • Boost gauge and wideband O2 sensor: $300–$500
  • Oil catch can: $100–$250
  • Transmission upgrades (if automatic): $1,500–$3,500

Total for a reliable 600–650 RWHP setup: roughly $7,000–$11,000. For Stage 2 or Stage 3 with built engine, add $4,000–$8,000 for engine internals and fuel system.

Turbo vs. Supercharger for Chevy SS

Many SS owners cross‑shop turbo kits against centrifugal superchargers (like the Magnuson Heartbeat). Each has strengths. Turbos generally provide higher peak horsepower and better part‑throttle fuel efficiency, but they add more heat and complexity. Superchargers offer instant throttle response and easier installation, but they generate more parasitic loss and often require hood clearance changes. If you want everyday drivability with occasional high‑power runs, the Precision Turbo kit is a strong choice. If you prioritize ease of install and do not plan to exceed 650 horsepower, a supercharger may be more straightforward.

Conclusion

The Chevy SS LS3 Precision Turbo kit is a proven path to triple‑digit horsepower gains. With a well‑tuned Stage 1 kit, you can confidently daily drive a car that makes 600+ wheel horsepower on pump gas – a remarkable transformation from the stock 415 horsepower. The build quality, scalability, and community support give Precision Turbo an edge over less established brands.

However, this is not a budget modification. The cost of the kit, tuning, and necessary supporting upgrades adds up quickly. Reliability at high boost levels demands internal engine work. But for those willing to invest the time and money, the end result is a Chevy SS that can embarrass many high‑end sports cars while still carrying four passengers. Whether you’re building a street monster or a weekend track warrior, Precision Turbo’s LS3 kit deserves serious consideration.

For more detailed build inspiration and dyno results, check out LS2.com Turbo Builds and Chevy SS Forum – both have long threads dedicated entirely to Precision Turbo installations.