The Legendary 5.3L Twin-Turbo LS Engine: Carl Stancell's S10 Blazer and the Pursuit of 7-Second Glory
In the ever-evolving world of high-performance car culture, one thing remains clear: LS engines have taken the automotive world by storm. From street machines to track beasts, the LS engine is the backbone of many of the most remarkable builds today. Whether it’s in racing or street culture, LS engines are nearly ubiquitous, and for many, they represent the pinnacle of modern performance engineering.
One of the most iconic LS-powered builds is Carl Stancell’s 1984 S10 Blazer. Beneath the hood of this seemingly humble truck lies a 5.3L twin-turbo LS engine, pushing over 1,300 horsepower and running on 30-33 psi of boost. Despite its unassuming exterior, this truck is a force to be reckoned with on the drag strip. Carl’s dedication to this build and the pursuit of faster times has become a testament to the sheer tenacity and passion that defines the world of custom car builds.
The story of Carl’s S10 Blazer is one of persistence, nostalgia, and a deep-rooted connection to the past. The truck was originally a work vehicle for Carl’s father, and when it came time for Carl to inherit it, he asked for a toolbox instead, sparking his journey into mechanics. Though his decision delayed his experience behind the wheel, it eventually led him to develop a lifelong relationship with the Blazer, which has undergone numerous transformations over the years.
From small-block engines to big blocks, nitrous systems, and finally a twin-turbo LS, the S10 Blazer has seen it all. The truck now features a full 7.50-certified chassis from the firewall back, making it race-ready and capable of handling the intense forces of high horsepower.
Carl’s entry into racing began in the early '90s, just a year or two after he took ownership of the truck. By the early 2000s, the Blazer was fitted with a big-block engine and a tunnel ram manifold with nitrous injection. But it wasn’t until 2013 that Carl made the bold decision to switch to an LS and add twin turbos. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the truck’s evolution, turning it into a true powerhouse that would compete with some of the fastest machines on the track.
The heart of Carl’s current setup is a stock 5.3L iron block, retained for its durability and high-revving capabilities. The block is paired with a forged crankshaft, Oliver rods, and Summit-sourced pistons. The AFR cast aluminum cylinder heads and a Baker Engineering camshaft round out the internals, ensuring the engine can handle the massive power output.
For induction, the engine uses a Holley Hi-Ram intake manifold, topped off with a custom Visner lid, ensuring optimal air delivery. Boost comes from a pair of BorgWarner 66mm turbos, paired with Bullseye race covers. The turbos push 30-33 psi of boost through an air-to-air intercooler sourced from eBay—proof that even “basic” parts can achieve incredible results when paired with the right engineering. The result? A staggering 1,200-1,300 horsepower, making this 5.3L engine punch well above its weight.
Carl runs in the Unlimited Iron class, not by choice but due to the regulations surrounding his truck’s chassis. As Carl explains, the way the chassis is built means it doesn’t fit in any other class, forcing him to compete in the unlimited categories. While this isn’t ideal, Carl has made the best of it, establishing his S10 Blazer as a force in the drag-and-drive racing community.
He first participated in Drag Week in 2014, and since then, he’s competed in Rocky Mountain Race Week and all four Sick Week events. Each year, Carl has chased the elusive 7-second time slip—an achievement he’s come tantalizingly close to but never quite managed to secure.
That said, Carl’s progress is undeniable. On Day 2 of Sick Week 2025, his S10 Blazer ran 8.55 seconds at 160 mph. On Day 3, he shaved that time down to 8.30 seconds at 156 mph, and by Day 5, he was posting 8.38 seconds at 167 mph.
By the end of the event, he had secured a fourth-place finish in the Unlimited Iron class with an average of 9.36 seconds at 136 mph. This consistency is a clear indication of the truck’s reliability, even when subjected to the extreme demands of drag-and-drive racing. Despite weighing in at 3,400 lbs., the S10 Blazer’s performance on the track speaks for itself. Carl has learned how to keep the truck planted, despite its occasional tendency to pop wheelies when too much power is applied.
What’s most impressive about Carl’s journey is the longevity and dedication he’s shown to his S10 Blazer. This isn’t just a car—it’s a symbol of his persistence, his relationship with his father, and his unwavering passion for racing.
From backyard builds to fully certified chassis and from small-block nitrous setups to a twin-turbocharged LS engine, Carl’s S10 Blazer embodies the spirit of automotive innovation and the deep emotional connection that many car enthusiasts share with their builds.
For Carl, the goal is simple: to make it from A to B reliably and consistently. But, as he admits, “If we can click off a 7-second time slip, that’d be awesome.” With the truck running mid-to-low 8-second times with consistency, it’s clear that Carl is on the verge of achieving his long-sought goal. The 7-second time slip might be just around the corner.
In the world of performance cars, the LS engine is not just a powerplant; it’s a symbol of innovation, versatility, and endless possibility. Across the globe, enthusiasts continue to push the boundaries of what LS-powered builds can achieve.
Take Lyle Barnett, for example. His 2018 Camaro, powered by an LS engine and modified with twin turbos, has seen over 1,500 horsepower, and Barnett has competed successfully in numerous racing events, solidifying his position as one of the leading figures in the world of LS builds. Barnett, like Carl, exemplifies how the LS engine can be tailored to fit any number of racing disciplines while maintaining outstanding reliability.
At its core, the LS engine is not just about chasing speed; it’s about understanding the technical aspects of building a car that will stand the test of time. Carl Stancell’s S10 Blazer proves that it’s not just about hitting the numbers—it’s about the journey, the evolution, and the dedication to refining every aspect of the car. Whether it’s chasing that elusive 7-second time slip or setting a new personal best, the pursuit of performance is a never-ending quest for perfection.
The LS engine, with its boundless potential and widespread appeal, will undoubtedly continue to lead the charge in the world of high-performance custom builds, inspiring generations of car enthusiasts to push the limits of what’s possible.
In the future, we can expect even more incredible builds like Carl’s, where the quest for ultimate performance goes hand-in-hand with innovation, passion, and a deep respect for automotive craftsmanship. The legacy of the LS engine will continue to shape the future of racing and performance builds worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on car culture for years to come.