Project Firebolt: The LSX Turbo Tacoma (Part 13): This is It
In this update, we’re taking a retrospective look at the past six months of this build that started with tracking down a junkyard engine and ended up with a beast […]
Articles written by: Tom Tharp
Tech Projects
Tech Projects
Project Firebolt: The LSX Turbo Tacoma (Part 12): Wire, Fill and Fire!
There’s nothing in the world like firing up your project car for the first time. The thrill, the excitement, the smoke…the smoke?! Well, hopefully not too much smoke. After seven […]
Tech Projects
Project Firebolt: The LSX Turbo Tacoma (Part 11): Wiring Up and Cooling Off
In this update we’re starting on our big wiring job and keeping that turbocharged tornado frosty with a front mount intercooler and methanol injection kit. LS-based engine swaps are popular […]
Tech Projects
Project Firebolt: The LSX Turbo Tacoma (Part 10): Plumbing for Fuel, Oil and Water
It’s time to tackle the important job of plumbing the lines for all the vital fluids that will keep Firebolt alive and well. This turbo 5.3 will need plenty of […]
Tech Projects
Project Firebolt: The LSX Turbo Tacoma (Part 9): Rear End, Driveline and Punch List Punch-Out
A couple of updates ago, you saw me load up our junkyard Ford 8.8 that was removed from a semi-cooperative 2001 Ford Explorer. I originally kicked around the idea to […]
Tech Projects
Project Firebolt: The LSX Turbo Tacoma (Part 8): The Turbo Arrives & Exhaust Build Begins
Back when I built Thunderbolt, my LS3 Miata, I had a very clear project plan laid out. I wasn’t the first person to do an LS-based drivetrain conversion on a […]
Tech Projects
Project Firebolt: The LSX Turbo Tacoma (Part 7): More Tear Down, Steering Relocation, & 8.8″ Rear End
Our first job of the day is to clear out the interior a bit which will give us room to work on a couple of upcoming jobs, like wiring this […]
Videos & Galleries
Project Firebolt: The LSX Turbo Tacoma (Part 6): Engine Accessories & Transmission Arrive
I want this truck to have all of the creature comforts that it came with in its prior life as a 4-cylinder runabout, so it’s time to sort out our […]
Tech Projects
Project Firebolt: The LSX Turbo Tacoma (Part 5): Engine Assembly & Test-Fit Time
In past updates we freshened up this LM7 V8 by installing a mix of quality replacement parts and Summit Racing‘s Pro LS Series high performance goodies to complement our turbocharged […]
Tech Projects
Project Firebolt: The LSX Turbo Tacoma (Part 4): The Teardown
I’ve put this job off as long as I could. While this 2.4 liter automatic Tacoma’s acceleration is painfully slow, I was enjoying doing truck stuff with it. Hauling lumber, […]
