KrisW

iTrader: (5)

Hey guys, me again...

I am burning up the internet and I'm not having much luck. I am interested to know where I can buy some TTA headers for my project. I'm having no luck with my internet searches...

I'm leaning towards buying a used TA Performance GN setup and then hacking them up and modifying them, but I don't really want to do that.

Thanks for any input that I can get.

Street Lethal

iTrader: (16)

Kris, don't hack up a set of TA headers, they are expensive. I would definitely consider hacking up the stock Grand National header setup, see below....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986-...4#ht_500wt_749

-Rob

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

Good pull!!

Thanks man! I think for what I am going to do in the beginning, these will be just fine.

It SHOULD be that I only need to make a set of header flanges to weld on, and then modify the crossover pipe for fitment, yes?

I'm not really worried about the A/C or heater box yet; I'll be running AC but I can modify whatever is needed to make it fit and still work.

I am very curious to know what the guys are running that have aftermarket or fabricated stuff. I see plenty of guys who just junk the A/C stuff to make room, but I need it!

Thanks!

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

Got em!

They are on the way to the house now. When I get home, I'll get to crank up my welder and start re-honing my fabrication skills heheheheh.

Thanks again.

project89

iTrader: (1)

wow u got those cheap most sets ive seen sell for almost double that price

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

Yeah, I know. I got a serious hookup from Street Lethal on this one.

It will be put to excellent use!

I just have to cut off the flanges, and make some for the front wheel drive Buick heads that I'll be using. I might have to modify the crossover pipe too.

On another note, do you guys use exhaust wrap on your headers and pipe in turbo applications? I do it for heavy turbo diesel stuff and it seems to increase response and boost due to more heat in there.

project89

iTrader: (1)

u dont need it but wrapping the pipes will increase responce and spool faster

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

Hey project89, what 3.0 are you running in the 87 Firebird? Is it some sort of hybrid 2.8 block?

I'm just asking because Buick made some nice, over-square 3.0 engines and I have considered running one since it has a 3.8 bore and a short deck, for easier fitment into the chassis.

I figure you're probably running 6/60 though...

project89

iTrader: (1)

destroked 3.4
3.4 block 2.8 crank

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

You doing a hybrid top end or iron heads?

project89

iTrader: (1)

its iron headed with a custom intake

a am doing an all aluminum build for a friend though,just waiting on the bowtie block

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

Do you ever use modded GN exhaust/turbos or do you just go 100% custom every time?

project89

iTrader: (1)

i always go custom im not even sure if the port spacing on the gn stuff will match upto the 60* heads

KrisW

iTrader: (5)

Well, I figured I would start with the GN pieces, since they can be had and it won't be THAT difficult to mod them to my front wheel drive heads.

This is my first foray into the turbo world; I've read quite a few threads from you and others so I think I have the basics down of what I need to do to get going.

Also, if or when I do a second turbo Buick, I'll have a pattern from these headers to establish a working model from when I custom fab the next set.

Next question: do you weld on any extra support bars to keep the turbo from "pulling" on the end of the header and cracking it? I see there is a rod or something similar that is welded from the turbo flange to the first upper exhaust bolt hole on mine. It doesn't look too sturdy but apparently it gets the job done. Just curious if you have had any issues with this.

I know drag racer guys don't typically have issues because they are not slamming over speed bumps or broken roads, just 1320 and coast. I'm going to daily drive this beast, and I don't want normal road life to break it up too much.

Thanks for the info.

project89

iTrader: (1)

the way i design all my stuff its strong enough to support the turbo,using mild steel also helps as it dosent contract and expand as much as stainless. i used stainless headers on my 3.1 but if u look at the crossover tube its made out of mild steel,thats how i get away without having to use a flex pipe in the crossover tube