[Chris H]

No way in hell I'd put an OEM long block and OEM turbos in it but that's me.

Call @rbrown and see what he's got in stock that fits within your budget. Maybe you can swing a long block from him and a set of GT turbos. You've obviously done some research before posting this so props to you.

Regarding a gen 2 swap, the general consensus is that it would be expensive as the gen1 trucks don't have the brains to control a gen2 fuel system.

 

[Chris H]

Can you explain your thoughts on the batmos? Not worth the cost? Any issues with them? I assumed the GTs were basically stock turbos with a billet compressor wheel. The rebuild with new wheels seemed like a cheaper way to get the same end result...

It's not the same - if it was, everyone would have BATMO wheels for the lower price of $800 as opposed to GT turbos for a touch over $2k. Search for BATMO and you'll find several threads (here and elsewhere) that discuss them at length. I bought a set of BATMO wheels used and ended up selling them before I installed them. Granted, I was going to pull OEM turbos out to install the wheels and I figured I may as well do a legit turbo upgrade if I was going to pull them out. So I bought "GT" turbos and then ended up selling them. LOL

Why no OEM? I feel like there's better value in a mild build, is that similar to your train of thought? Not reliable enough in stock configuration? Or just not enough power for your butt dyno?

I PM'd and emailed his site but no reply yet, he seems to be a busy man... I like the idea of the raptor/ gen 2 crank, better bearings, and forged innards with some GTs. Probably way overkill and over budget, hopefully I'll find out soon. I need to read through the engine build threads a bit more.

You'll have to chat with Ryan to be sure, but the cost difference between a bone-stock OEM long block and turbos versus a mild setup from Ryan with "GT" turbos from wherever you can get them cheapest (they sell on here fairly regular in the classifieds, both new and slightly used) may not be as much as one would think. It all depends on your level of self control. I tried to get a short block from Ryan to install OEM heads and GT turbos and I ended up doing a full motor build with EFR turbos. ZERO self control on my end. Thank heavens my wife is understanding of my inner gear-head demons.

@rbrown - give this man a motor!