Ride Submitted Turbocharged 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super

[buicksuper]

Hey everyone,
I wanted to share my 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super build.

How It Started:​

I've been a fan of the W-body platform since my dad had a 2005 Buick LaCrosse CXL with the 3.8L V6—the first car I ever worked on. I first learned about the Super model while browsing RockAuto and saw the '08 to '09 Buick LaCrosse models had a 5.3L V8 as an engine option. From that moment, I knew I had to own one.

After saving up through college and landing a good job, I finally bought my 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super—and the build began!

Why This Car?​

I wanted something different from what I see all the time—Camaros, Corvettes, Mustangs, Chargers (including Hellcats), and all the usual muscle cars. They're great, but I wanted something unique. A turbocharged, methanol-injected Buick LaCrosse Super isn't something you come across every day, and that’s exactly why I built it.

And let's be real—FWD V8 vehicles will never get the respect they deserve.

The Build:​

I wanted this car to be a sleeper—subtle on the outside, wild under the hood. Here’s what I’ve done so far:

Engine & Performance:​

• LS4 5.3L V8 Turbocharged– Running about 6.5 psi (soon increasing to 12-14 psi after a rebuild)
  • Turbo: Cartuning turbo kit from Kevin Margitta
• Methanol Injection with an oversized intercooler to keep things cool
• Exhaust Cutout (Switch-Activated) – Can be quiet and respectful in the morning, loud and rowdy on the way home from work—just a flip of a switch!

Transmission (Currently Upgrading):​

• Currently dropping the transmission for a full rebuild
• Rebuild Kit: From Triple Edge Performance
• Hardened Input Shaft: From ZZP Performance
• 2800 Stall Precision Industries Torque Converter
• 40k Transmission Cooler

Suspension & Handling:​

• ZZP Coilovers – Lowered with about a 1” front gap and 1.5” rear gap
• Adjustable Endlinks
• 18mm Rear Sway Bar (Upgrading to a solid 25mm this winter)
• Rear Strut Tower Brace (Planned for this winter)

Wheels & Tires:​

• Stock 235/50R18 tires (Considering upgrading to 245/50R18)

Interior:​

• Completely stock – Keeping the sleeper look intact!

The Reactions:​

The best part of driving this car is seeing people's reactions—especially when they hear the open exhaust cutout on what they thought was just grandpa’s Buick. The switchable cutout is perfect: quiet and respectful in the morning, loud and rowdy on the way home from work!

What’s Next:​

• Finish the transmission rebuild and reinstall
• Increasing boost to 12-14 psi for around 500whp
• Solid 25mm rear sway bar and rear strut tower brace installation

Why I Love This Car:​

This car is special to me because it blends my passion for W-bodies with my love for sleepers. It’s fun, unique, and full of surprises. Plus, working on it myself has been a rewarding journey.

And let's be honest—plenty of beer and bloody hands went into the making of this.


Social Media Accounts to be tagged:
Instagram: @michaelrobenolt
Facebook: Michael Robenolt

 

New Request  Please submit my ride

[ThatSlow.W204]

This thing is awesome! I’ve always love the lacrosse super, we have one at the shop and it was a blast to drive until the transmission sadly died and then sitting the sunroof started leaking and filled the interior with water . sadly I will have to ask for a paragraph of key things you’d like people to see as this will be too much text for many of our social media platforms, but excited to post it! Thank you for submitting!

 

[buicksuper]

This thing is awesome! I’ve always love the lacrosse super, we have one at the shop and it was a blast to drive until the transmission sadly died and then sitting the sunroof started leaking and filled the interior with water . sadly I will have to ask for a paragraph of key things you’d like people to see as this will be too much text for many of our social media platforms, but excited to post it! Thank you for submitting!

Here you go, please feel free to modify it any way you want.

My Sleeper 2008 Buick LaCrosse Super

You see Camaros, Corvettes, and Hellcats everywhere—but a boosted, methanol-injected Buick LaCrosse Super? What was I thinking? Maybe I wasn’t thinking , but I knew it would be fun either way! FWD V8s may never get the respect they deserve, but I haven’t had anyone say a boosted Buick isn’t fun to drive!

Build Highlights:​

LS4 5.3L V8 (Cartuning turbo kit) – 6.5 psi, soon 12-14 psi (~500whp)
Methanol injection + oversized intercooler
Triple Edge Performance transmission rebuild + 2800-stall converter
40k transmission cooler
ZZP coilovers (lowered ~1” front, ~1.5” rear), 18mm sway bar (Upgrading to 25mm)
Stock 235/50R18 tires
Switchable exhaust cutout: Quiet mornings, rowdy afternoons!

Why I Love It:​

This isn’t about being the fastest or beating muscle cars. It’s about my own enjoyment—making every road trip and drive home fun and exciting. Plenty of beer and bloody hands went into this build, but every mile is worth it.

 

[ThatSlow.W204]

Thank you! I’ll post it shortly.

 

[ThatSlow.W204]

Vehicle has been posted, thank you again.

 

[Jasmindont]

This thing is awesome! Love seeing underdog cars such as this get a lot of love

 

[Cars Simplified]

Having such a well-built engine with such a pristine interior is a great combo! Excellent build!

 

[Robert]

Article on the website. https://wbodytech.com/turbocharged-2008-buick-lacrosse-super-a-bold-spin-on-a-rare-w-body-v8