Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
#1
Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
Ok so i want more power in my camaro rs. Its a 1989 2.8l stock motor. Ive been looking on ebay at the t3/t4 turbo's and i think ive found a really good deal. http://www.ebay.com/itm/CUSTOM-RACE-...bfbeca&vxp=mtr
Thats the link at what i want to buy. Now i know i should just get a bigger motor but for now i just really want this turbo. I dont care if it only adds around 50 hp ive made up my mind i want a turbo. My question is will i be able to just put this kit on a run it fine. Or do i need to replace my exhaust manifold injectors anything like that?
Thanks for all the posts in advance!
Also it has a 700r4 transmission I was wondering also just how much power can the motor and transmission take. They are both in good condition
Thats the link at what i want to buy. Now i know i should just get a bigger motor but for now i just really want this turbo. I dont care if it only adds around 50 hp ive made up my mind i want a turbo. My question is will i be able to just put this kit on a run it fine. Or do i need to replace my exhaust manifold injectors anything like that?
Thanks for all the posts in advance!
Also it has a 700r4 transmission I was wondering also just how much power can the motor and transmission take. They are both in good condition
#2
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/v6/6...-fasteddi.html
Read this it will help you a lot, and do searches there a lot of threads that will answer you questions.
There is no set kit for our cars so you will have to build almost every thing.
The 2.8 and 3.1 bock can take pretty good boost all stock I think it's like 10-12 psi so don't worry about motor size cuz there are a few v6 turbos on here pushing 300 plus horse's
Once again search because there is a lot out there to learn.
And you took my first name dang it. haha
Read this it will help you a lot, and do searches there a lot of threads that will answer you questions.
There is no set kit for our cars so you will have to build almost every thing.
The 2.8 and 3.1 bock can take pretty good boost all stock I think it's like 10-12 psi so don't worry about motor size cuz there are a few v6 turbos on here pushing 300 plus horse's
Once again search because there is a lot out there to learn.
And you took my first name dang it. haha
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Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
Engine: 3.1 Turbo/ 355 twin turbo
Transmission: a4 w/ 4500 stall/ a4 / t5
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
the 2.8 will handle more then u can throw at it as long as it tuned right
if u can weld a bare bones turbo setup will run u around 800 bucks, this will get the car into the 13's. if u want to go faster then that u going to need to do some transmission and converter upgrades
also dont buy that kit on ebay u can buy the parts seprate for much less
if u need help with what parts to get just post up and somone wil help u find the right stuff
btw if u want to get some serious power dont bother witht he 150$ ebay turbos just go right to an ebay gt3582 for around 250 bucks
if u can weld a bare bones turbo setup will run u around 800 bucks, this will get the car into the 13's. if u want to go faster then that u going to need to do some transmission and converter upgrades
also dont buy that kit on ebay u can buy the parts seprate for much less
if u need help with what parts to get just post up and somone wil help u find the right stuff
btw if u want to get some serious power dont bother witht he 150$ ebay turbos just go right to an ebay gt3582 for around 250 bucks
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Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
Engine: 3.1 Turbo/ 355 twin turbo
Transmission: a4 w/ 4500 stall/ a4 / t5
Axle/Gears: strange s60 /w 3:42's
Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
thats mine
and this is fasteddis
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: BBC 509 Merlin ii 9.6:1 pump gas
Transmission: ATI pro th350 sfi case. TSI 5500 st
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
I agree with project89. Buy the items piece by piece. I initially dumped about 7-800 bucks and it was well worth it. But I also agree go right for the Gt3582 turbo. Its 250 bucks but way better then the small cheep one i started out with. I welded up the whole piping system up so that is what will save you the most amount of cash. If you can weld at all, your in there as its not too hard to get creative and pipe away.
Your 2.8L will take a good amount of power. Tune it right and you'll be surprised what it can take. I reccomend that you do add larger injectors and a wideband, then tune it with some chip burning stuff, as thats the less exspencive route for tuning.
Your MAF 2.8L will accept some amounts of boost with out custom ECM tuning but whats the point of that when the tuning equiptment is only about 150 bucks and is well worth it. Boost is addictive.
Heres my favoret video of my car. Mid low 13's and it had the stocker transmission on her/ undersized turbo also.
PS, youll add way more the 50Hp. You can easily double the Hp if you tune it right, and then the engine will love it and eat it up.
Your 2.8L will take a good amount of power. Tune it right and you'll be surprised what it can take. I reccomend that you do add larger injectors and a wideband, then tune it with some chip burning stuff, as thats the less exspencive route for tuning.
Your MAF 2.8L will accept some amounts of boost with out custom ECM tuning but whats the point of that when the tuning equiptment is only about 150 bucks and is well worth it. Boost is addictive.
Heres my favoret video of my car. Mid low 13's and it had the stocker transmission on her/ undersized turbo also.
PS, youll add way more the 50Hp. You can easily double the Hp if you tune it right, and then the engine will love it and eat it up.
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Network722 (10-31-2019)
#6
Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
Thanks for all the info guys. And for some reason i cant see those pics you put up idk why. But im looking for a gt3582 turbo that will work for sure my dad can do everything i just need to know what all parts i need that way i can get a total. I have a completely stock motor. Right now i just want a working gt3582 turbo in my car. Ill add the extra stuff after i get the turbo running. What all do i need for that? And im worried because i think i might have to get a new exhaust manifold but im not sure but if you guys could tell me all i need and a good site to go to id be very thankful. Also its a automatic.
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Network722 (10-31-2019)
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: BBC 509 Merlin ii 9.6:1 pump gas
Transmission: ATI pro th350 sfi case. TSI 5500 st
Axle/Gears: Strange S60 4:10s
Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
Turbo http://www.ebay.com/itm/GODSPEED-T3-...8c020a&vxp=mtr
Blow Off Valve http://www.ebay.com/itm/TYPE-H-RFL-B...d9c24b&vxp=mtr
O2 sensor kit (many many different ones to choose from) Heres just a example.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wideband-Air...613dfb&vxp=mtr
Wastegate http://www.ebay.com/itm/38MM-Turbo-S...247625&vxp=mtr
Intercooler (small one, im not sure what your HP goals are as theres much better oens out there.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNIVERSAL-FU...1783e7&vxp=mtr
If you really want to get different manifolds for the exhaust you can either make your own or ask a few members on here about them. I personally ran a under k member set up before. It worked well but was <rigged>.
Here is a few parts there is more things youll need but its a good idea of some of the main items you will need.
Blow Off Valve http://www.ebay.com/itm/TYPE-H-RFL-B...d9c24b&vxp=mtr
O2 sensor kit (many many different ones to choose from) Heres just a example.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wideband-Air...613dfb&vxp=mtr
Wastegate http://www.ebay.com/itm/38MM-Turbo-S...247625&vxp=mtr
Intercooler (small one, im not sure what your HP goals are as theres much better oens out there.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNIVERSAL-FU...1783e7&vxp=mtr
If you really want to get different manifolds for the exhaust you can either make your own or ask a few members on here about them. I personally ran a under k member set up before. It worked well but was <rigged>.
Here is a few parts there is more things youll need but its a good idea of some of the main items you will need.
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419sbcnut (05-06-2021)
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#8
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Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
Engine: 3.1 Turbo/ 355 twin turbo
Transmission: a4 w/ 4500 stall/ a4 / t5
Axle/Gears: strange s60 /w 3:42's
Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
that wastegate fasteddi linked u to was a mini gate get this one instead
http://www.ebay.com/itm/38MM-VERTICA...dcb432&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/38MM-VERTICA...dcb432&vxp=mtr
#9
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
Hi,
We once offered this kit(picture) for the 2.8-3.1 V6. We installed it on a high mileage bone stock 2.8L Camaro mule. The Camaro was dynoed before and after the turbo install with no tunning in between the turbo transformation and it gave an output of 34+ rear wheel horsepower over stock @ 6psi. 93rwhp-131rwhp. No programing, no bigger injectors, no timming, no nothing, only a slightly higher fuel pressure increase.
The kit really did not took off on the v6 market since the horsepower increase on the Camaro was really small and people where expecting huge numbers, but it has to be concidered that apart the fuel increase there's was absolutely no tunning involved. We just wanted to know how much gain there was with just the turbo.
I guess that the people that flamed it where expecting 100hp increase with no tunning what so ever and a worn engine
Anyways here is a pic of the Camaro, I also have a vid of the dyno.
We once offered this kit(picture) for the 2.8-3.1 V6. We installed it on a high mileage bone stock 2.8L Camaro mule. The Camaro was dynoed before and after the turbo install with no tunning in between the turbo transformation and it gave an output of 34+ rear wheel horsepower over stock @ 6psi. 93rwhp-131rwhp. No programing, no bigger injectors, no timming, no nothing, only a slightly higher fuel pressure increase.
The kit really did not took off on the v6 market since the horsepower increase on the Camaro was really small and people where expecting huge numbers, but it has to be concidered that apart the fuel increase there's was absolutely no tunning involved. We just wanted to know how much gain there was with just the turbo.
I guess that the people that flamed it where expecting 100hp increase with no tunning what so ever and a worn engine
Anyways here is a pic of the Camaro, I also have a vid of the dyno.
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419sbcnut (05-06-2021)
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Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
Engine: 3.1 Turbo/ 355 twin turbo
Transmission: a4 w/ 4500 stall/ a4 / t5
Axle/Gears: strange s60 /w 3:42's
Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
Hi,
We once offered this kit(picture) for the 2.8-3.1 V6. We installed it on a high mileage bone stock 2.8L Camaro mule. The Camaro was dynoed before and after the turbo install with no tunning in between the turbo transformation and it gave an output of 34+ rear wheel horsepower over stock @ 6psi. 93rwhp-131rwhp. No programing, no bigger injectors, no timming, no nothing, only a slightly higher fuel pressure increase.
The kit really did not took off on the v6 market since the horsepower increase on the Camaro was really small and people where expecting huge numbers, but it has to be concidered that apart the fuel increase there's was absolutely no tunning involved. We just wanted to know how much gain there was with just the turbo.
I guess that the people that flamed it where expecting 100hp increase with no tunning what so ever and a worn engine
Anyways here is a pic of the Camaro, I also have a vid of the dyno.
We once offered this kit(picture) for the 2.8-3.1 V6. We installed it on a high mileage bone stock 2.8L Camaro mule. The Camaro was dynoed before and after the turbo install with no tunning in between the turbo transformation and it gave an output of 34+ rear wheel horsepower over stock @ 6psi. 93rwhp-131rwhp. No programing, no bigger injectors, no timming, no nothing, only a slightly higher fuel pressure increase.
The kit really did not took off on the v6 market since the horsepower increase on the Camaro was really small and people where expecting huge numbers, but it has to be concidered that apart the fuel increase there's was absolutely no tunning involved. We just wanted to know how much gain there was with just the turbo.
I guess that the people that flamed it where expecting 100hp increase with no tunning what so ever and a worn engine
Anyways here is a pic of the Camaro, I also have a vid of the dyno.
im not sure what turbo u guys did use on ur test car but the v6's respond best to t4 50 trims upto t61/gt35's
i think most of it has to do with the style of header u guys created, i know u guys are doing the v8 stuff again , but if ur interested maybe i can help u guys bring a much better header design to the v6 guys. i used to build them myself but i no longer have the time nore the ability to do so, and it would bbe nice for the v6 guys to have an off the shelf option again
i have designs for both keeping the ac, and ditching the ac on the v6 cars
mid lenght full header on ds and log style on passenger side , merge is in stock y pipe location
and this is my race style setup full tube headers on both sides with merge infront of engine
even if u guys only did a custom y-pipe those systems are capable of supporting around 375 crank hp
the y-pipe system is very cheap to make , and can be installed by most in a few hours i could see it being a decent seller to the v6 crowd as more and more ppl are starting to mod the v6's
Last edited by project89; 12-03-2012 at 01:26 PM.
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: BBC 509 Merlin ii 9.6:1 pump gas
Transmission: ATI pro th350 sfi case. TSI 5500 st
Axle/Gears: Strange S60 4:10s
Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
BBS designs... what headers did you end up using on that kit?? Log headers on both sides??
Im not doubting your kit but to be honest if you could just add injectors and a burnt chip thats a "very safe tune" I would bet that you could advertise much more HP and still keep it simple.
Im not doubting your kit but to be honest if you could just add injectors and a burnt chip thats a "very safe tune" I would bet that you could advertise much more HP and still keep it simple.
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
The low hp gain was not because of turbo manifold/header design, the problem was more tune related. The Camaro we bought had the "check engine" light ON from day one. The car ran good to get you to the grocery store and back, but the engine stalled frequently on stops, it had slow gas pedal response and from time to time it had a rough idle. We never tested/checked what it was wrong with it, because honestly we did not care. We only wanted the car to design the header/kit around it and we took it to the dyno just to see the difference from NA to turbo. I think the Camaro needed a new MAF at the least, maybe a new O2 sensor also, who knows really!!!
Our header is similar to the one posted by fasteddi and with large primaries also. We've built equal lenght headers, log styles and manifold styles turbo headers from V8's, to V6's, I4, and unless the design is very very bad, and I mean bad, the total output from engine to engine, assuming sames turbos, IC's, etc.. is determined mostly on tunning. Sometimes 1 degree off could mean 40-60hp's, even more when making high hp's.
Ah, almost forgot, the turbo specs. Turbo T3/T4 60 Trim Stage III .63. Turb. Hous. A/R
.63, Undivided, 4 bolt, T3. Comp. Hous. A/R .50
Our header is similar to the one posted by fasteddi and with large primaries also. We've built equal lenght headers, log styles and manifold styles turbo headers from V8's, to V6's, I4, and unless the design is very very bad, and I mean bad, the total output from engine to engine, assuming sames turbos, IC's, etc.. is determined mostly on tunning. Sometimes 1 degree off could mean 40-60hp's, even more when making high hp's.
Ah, almost forgot, the turbo specs. Turbo T3/T4 60 Trim Stage III .63. Turb. Hous. A/R
.63, Undivided, 4 bolt, T3. Comp. Hous. A/R .50
Last edited by BBSDesigns; 12-03-2012 at 04:50 PM.
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Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
Engine: 3.1 Turbo/ 355 twin turbo
Transmission: a4 w/ 4500 stall/ a4 / t5
Axle/Gears: strange s60 /w 3:42's
Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
The low hp gain was not because of turbo manifold/header design, the problem was more tune related. The Camaro we bought had the "check engine" light ON from day one. The car ran good to get you to the grocery store and back, but the engine stalled frequently on stops, it had slow gas pedal response and from time to time it had a rough idle. We never tested/checked what it was wrong with it, because honestly we did not care. We only wanted the car to design the header/kit around it and we took it to the dyno just to see the difference from NA to turbo. I think the Camaro needed a new MAF at the least, maybe a new O2 sensor also, who knows really!!!
Our header is similar to the one posted by fasteddi and with large primaries also. We've built equal lenght headers, log styles and manifold styles turbo headers from V8's, to V6's, I4, and unless the design is very very bad, and I mean bad, the total output from engine to engine, assuming sames turbos, IC's, etc.. is determined mostly on tunning. Sometimes 1 degree off could mean 40-60hp's, even more when making high hp's.
Ah, almost forgot, the turbo specs. Turbo T3/T4 60 Trim Stage III .63. Turb. Hous. A/R
.63, Undivided, 4 bolt, T3. Comp. Hous. A/R .50
Our header is similar to the one posted by fasteddi and with large primaries also. We've built equal lenght headers, log styles and manifold styles turbo headers from V8's, to V6's, I4, and unless the design is very very bad, and I mean bad, the total output from engine to engine, assuming sames turbos, IC's, etc.. is determined mostly on tunning. Sometimes 1 degree off could mean 40-60hp's, even more when making high hp's.
Ah, almost forgot, the turbo specs. Turbo T3/T4 60 Trim Stage III .63. Turb. Hous. A/R
.63, Undivided, 4 bolt, T3. Comp. Hous. A/R .50
as far as the header yeah that should work just fine i must of been thinking of somone elses header for some reason i was thinkng it was adapted to the stock manifold, and not whats in that picture.
hell didnt u guys offer that header pretty much years before anyone put a turbo on a v6 i think i rember looking at ur header about 2 years before i put a turbo on my 2.8 car, and irc i put mine on in 2005/6
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
The turbo was a Master Power brand unit, very decent made. We sold quite a few, none was ever returned or had premature wear, very good units.
Yes, we had no IC on the Camaro unfortunately. We did not even bother trying to sell them on the kit when you can get them so cheap nowdays on ebay.
We started offering those V6's kits back in 2005 if memory dosent fails, very few where sold compared to the v8 kits. It is obvious that the v8 will give more power compared to the v6, but transforming the NA v6 to turbo is so easy it is incredible there's not much people trying to do it.
Yes, we had no IC on the Camaro unfortunately. We did not even bother trying to sell them on the kit when you can get them so cheap nowdays on ebay.
We started offering those V6's kits back in 2005 if memory dosent fails, very few where sold compared to the v8 kits. It is obvious that the v8 will give more power compared to the v6, but transforming the NA v6 to turbo is so easy it is incredible there's not much people trying to do it.
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
Yes it is very easy!
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Car: 89 RS 89 iroc 87 firebird
Engine: 3.1 Turbo/ 355 twin turbo
Transmission: a4 w/ 4500 stall/ a4 / t5
Axle/Gears: strange s60 /w 3:42's
Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
We started offering those V6's kits back in 2005 if memory dosent fails, very few where sold compared to the v8 kits. It is obvious that the v8 will give more power compared to the v6, but transforming the NA v6 to turbo is so easy it is incredible there's not much people trying to do it.
i spent less on my turbo v6 over a span of years then i did just bbuilding th twin turbo setup for my iroc
and for most a v6 car with a turbo is all u will ever need on the street, some ppl dont relize just how fast a low 12 second car is on the street, for something u can drive around every day
i still prefer my v6 car over my tt v8 car for street driving unless its a very short trip
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Car: camaro 89 rs
Engine: 2.8l
Transmission: 5 speed
Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
I also have a 89 camaro 2.8l and I want to turbo also but besides the turbo it's self what do I need to buy/ have to complete the transition
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
Go to the v6 area an look at the stickys at the top. There are 2 good threads on turbos and will answer alot of your questions
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
that wastegate fasteddi linked u to was a mini gate get this one instead
http://www.ebay.com/itm/38MM-VERTICA...dcb432&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/38MM-VERTICA...dcb432&vxp=mtr
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Car: 1989 trans am clone
Engine: 2.8 v6
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Axle/Gears: 3.72
Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
I am wondering if any of you have put in a mega squirt fuel injection system into your cars. Also what kind of intercooler did you use. I'm thinking about one off of a wrx or off of a 1.8 vw.
#23
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
Dave installed the Megasquirt system in his 2.8 V6 Camaro, see video below. He had it controlling fuel only, the stock ECM was controlling spark. But if you're considering it, don't, it will cost you more in the long run. Just run the stock system to control everything, it will support your needs just fine. Just learn how to tune it correctly for boost...
- Rob
- Rob
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Car: 1989 trans am clone
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
what about the intercooler? Would one off a 1.8 vw or wrx work?
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
The idea is to find out how much horsepower the intercooler you have in mind is capable of handling, or has been proven to handle, and if that number is within the range of your targeted horsepower goals, then you will be fine. Incidently if you look closely in the video that I attached for you, Dave was only running a very small intercooler up front off of either a Volvo or an Audi, I don't recall which one, but it was nabbed from the bone yard and used. It worked fine...
- Rob
- Rob
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Car: 1989 trans am clone
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
I know that the Camaro's have a black grille under the headlights that you can put the intercooler in that spot to cool it off, but what about on the trans am's? Where would you recommend putting one on a trans am without wrecking the bumper or cutting a hole in it.
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
If you don't want to alter the front like I did, then you will need to build a lower shroud/duct like the FMIC TTA guys do. The stock TTA scoops bring the cold air to the stock Intercooler location, but you would need to locate the Intercooler in the same spot as well all do (in front of the radiator), but then grab cold air in front of it and "scoop" it up towards it with your own concoction. Procharger has one that comes in their kit, but I don't believe they sell them individually, and even if they did, it is too much to invest in when you can build your own at a fraction of the cost. Here is a stock TTA scoop...
- Rob
- Rob
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Car: 1989 trans am clone
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
what gauge tubing would you recommend using for the piping. Im thinking of using 2.25 in. for the piping. would this be a good gauge size or would it restrict the boost?
#29
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Car: 86' IROC
Engine: Supercharged 350
Transmission: T56
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
TRV25 Fits nicely. Snug fit where i had my piping on the drivers side (did require some cutting of the headlight bracket - Lower the better)
#30
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
#31
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Car: 1989 trans am clone
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
I apologies for using the wrong terminology. what diameter should I use? would 2.25 in. work or should I go bigger?
#32
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Car: 1989 trans am clone
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
How much hp can I make with a turbo setup on my t/a clone? I've heard my brother say that it'll only make up to 270 hp but i'm wondering if it could make more. I've got a spare motor that I can mock up a turbo setup on but I was wondering if there are any other mods besides putting bigger fuel injectors in and adding a tuning chip. I know I need an IC for my turbo setup and I need a waste gate. I'm using a turbo off of a tractor to turbo mine. Yeah its a little ******* but hey, it works and its a Garrett T04B51 turbo and my dads got three of them lying around so I figured why not use them.
#34
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#35
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Car: 87 Camaro
Engine: 2.8l
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
I have an 87 Camaro 2.8l 42000 original miles. I'm trying to put not the best but a really decent turbo in it.
#39
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Car: 1989 trans am clone
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
You need an intercooler, blow off valve, waste gate, gr3582 turbo, air fuel mix gauge, boost gauge, a bunch of tubing for the turbo, and a megasquirt fuel injection system. I know they say you can tune it with the stock computer but you would be better off just spending the $200 for it so you can tune it with a computer. Your either going to need to flip one of the exhaust manifolds around or build custom heads for the turbo. I would recommend going with the custom heads. That way you can have both exhaust manifolds going to the turbo instead of one but it's all on how much work you want to put in it and how much money you want to spend. You can put about 10-12 lbs of boost in the 2.8 but if you wanted to put more in I would recommend going with a 3.8 out of a 4th Gen camaro or firebird. More durable and can hold 20lbs of boost. Thats the route I'm going as soon as I get back from my deployment. It wouldn't hurt getting bigger fuel injectors either. If you know how to weld it should be pretty cheap to build by yourself
#43
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Car: 1989 trans am clone
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
The only problem is that they either need to be facing towards the intake or you might be able to get away with rerouting the exhaust to go where you want it
#45
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Car: 1989 trans am clone
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
You should be able to reroute the exhaust through the passenger side. You can have the same exhaust setup you have but you should change the exhaust size to 3"
#46
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Car: 1992 Firebird
Engine: 3.1L LHO
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 Torsen
Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
Yo, sorry to resurrect an older thread, but I had some questions too! I have a car with the 3.1L instead of the 2.8L. From my understanding, they are the same engine, the 3.1L is just bored out a little. Would engine internals need to be upgraded at all if I were to put a turbo on it? Also, how does the stock 700R4 handle the extra power? I had my 700R4 rebuilt a few months ago, and ideally I'd like to not have to upgrade anything on that, aside from maybe adding a new servo. Anyway, to sum it up, I'd just like to know what you guys would suggest for drivetrain parts upgrades alongside the turbo for a 3.1L. Thanks!
#47
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Car: 1989 trans am clone
Engine: 2.8 v6
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
from my understanding the 2.8, 3.1, and 3.4 are all the same block. The 3.1 and 3.4 have aluminum heads on them. You should be able to put the same amount of boost through them as the 2.8. I did put a list of everything you should need. As for the transmission, I'd you just rebuilt your 700r4, it should handle the extra horsepower you throw at it just as long as you don't beat the thing to death. If your 3.1 has over 100k miles on it, I would recommend replacing the piston rings at the very least just to make sure the boost doesn't leak through
#48
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Car: 1992 Firebird
Engine: 3.1L LHO
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
Right on, thanks a bunch! Hopefully I'll be able to make this happen soon-ish. Don't have much money at the moment thanks to college
#49
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Car: 1985 Firebird
Engine: 3.4 turbo
Transmission: Auto
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Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
no, the F body 3.1 and 3.4 had the same exact iron heads as the '85-up 2.8L. Sorry to dig up the 4 month old thread but didn't want anyone to come along and get bad info. search my build thread for more info on how to turbo a v6 thirdgen.
#50
Re: Turboing a 2.8l 1989 Camaro
I have a 1991 s10 with a 2.8 v6, i purchased a wrecked 1988 camaro with a multi port 2.8 v6. My idea is to swap the intake and make the engine a multi port and turbo. So far i have a new ecm for a 1988 camaro to use. I will get a new distributor, and i will use the harness and sensors, maf etc. Has any one on here ever done this? I would like the truck to run over 100 mph in the quarter mile after i have done the turbo setup. I will be running a isky 262 cam, comp magnum roller rocker arms, hedman headers, jet under drive pulley kit. Do i need to run a boost referenced fuel pressure regulator? Any help info would help. Thanks in advance.