View Poll Results: turbo buick or N/A 383
Go For the 3.8
9
45.00%
Stick with the 383
11
55.00%
Voters: 20. You may not vote on this poll
Im torn (need opinions)
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 62
From: Plano IL
Car: 92 Firebird,74 Nova
Engine: Stock tbi,Vortec 350
Transmission: T56, th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73 LSD, 2.73 open
Im torn (need opinions)
I been thinking about swapping in a built 383 for a while, but someone has a GN engine for sale on another board. I was wondering if for 1800 bucks is it worth it to do a complete swap or just stick with a nice N/A 383? I havent done much research on the swap (im sure there are some pointers on here)
but this doesnt seam like its going to be around for long so would like some input quickly. I know the 2004r is shorter than the 700r but thats really about all I know with the swap.
but this doesnt seam like its going to be around for long so would like some input quickly. I know the 2004r is shorter than the 700r but thats really about all I know with the swap.
I bought a turbo 3.8 and 2004R for a project that has changed directions. So the engine and trans is up for sale.I believe it has around 80K miles
It has the heads off of it, and they are bare. I'm not sure why they were taken apart, it was done when I bought it. Has stock turbo, injectors, computer, headers and crossover, downpipe and intercooler.Has the complete wiring harness for the engine, and comes with a assortment of chips that were burned for it. Comes with new ARP head bolts, new timing set, and an assortment of new gaskets. Im asking $1800.00 OBO
It has the heads off of it, and they are bare. I'm not sure why they were taken apart, it was done when I bought it. Has stock turbo, injectors, computer, headers and crossover, downpipe and intercooler.Has the complete wiring harness for the engine, and comes with a assortment of chips that were burned for it. Comes with new ARP head bolts, new timing set, and an assortment of new gaskets. Im asking $1800.00 OBO
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: Evansville, Wisconsin
Car: 91' Pontiac Firebird
Engine: LT1
Transmission: 4L60E
When properly built, the 2004R is actually strionger than a built 700R4. Plus, everybody and their grandma has a 383. How many people are running GN turbos? Also, the top GN drag cars are running about 1,200 HP these days, so you've got alot of potential there. Dare to e different 
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Ringgold
Car: 88 GTA
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: Stock 3.23's
Go with the turbo buick!!! Those things are wicked fast when you tune them right. I also think that you would have tons of room to make extra power without that much trouble/without having to add too much new hardware. The most important thing is what you want and what is going to make you the happiest
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
tough choice....for me anyway
I agree with all that is already said about the trans and the potential of the 3.8 turbo, but the potential of the 383 is nothing to be laughed at either. It depends what you want to do.... the 3.8 would be cool, it has obtained almost mythical status to many people, and you get to say you have a turbo...On the other hand, the 383 is easier to tune (for me anyway), is an easy swap and the exhaust note is infinately better than the 3.8 turbo (my opinion). Personally I'd go for the 383.....easier to pull off the sleeper look that I prefer.
Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 62
From: Plano IL
Car: 92 Firebird,74 Nova
Engine: Stock tbi,Vortec 350
Transmission: T56, th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73 LSD, 2.73 open
Cool thanks guys Im gonna go sunday and if it looks complete put a deposit on it. Im currently building a turbocharged pickup thats gonna be a sleeper, so being different is kindof the way I like to go.
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 43
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Since it's stock hardware, figure on doubling the investment in order to get 383-like performance out of it.
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 670
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: 355
Transmission: Th-350
Axle/Gears: 3.23
I know if i were at a car show or cruise night I wouldn't give the 383 and the owner a couple of glances. However if i seen a turbo 3.8 i would be all over it and probably annoying the owner with a slew of questions.
I wouldn't do it if I had a limited budget, no ambition, no time, and a lack of talent. But you shouldn't take on any sort of project without having the above covered!!
I wouldn't do it if I had a limited budget, no ambition, no time, and a lack of talent. But you shouldn't take on any sort of project without having the above covered!!
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee, FL
Car: 1992 Firebird Convertible
Engine: 305 TBI V8
Transmission: 700R4
Since I am also considering a Grand National drivetrain swap I vote for the turbo Buick! Everyone has done the big V8 swap and you would be unique.
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: Evansville, Wisconsin
Car: 91' Pontiac Firebird
Engine: LT1
Transmission: 4L60E
Not that it really matters, but it'll also handle better because the Buick motor/trans is much lighter than a smallblock/700 combo. Less weight on the front gets you closer to that magic 50/50 weight distrabution.
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,165
Likes: 1
From: Valdosta, GA
Car: 1991 Trans Am GTA
Engine: L98(5.7 L TPI)
Transmission: 700r4(A4)
Axle/Gears: G80 RPO, 3:23s, Auburn Racer's Diff
wait wait wait, are you guys kidding??? 
Sure the turbo buick is cool. But, I say go for the 383. Both engines will kick butt. However, when you save up more cash in a couple of years and turbo the 383, it will destroy the tiny buick engine.
There's no replacement for displacement.
Plus, the 383 is going to have way more torque down low. The buick engine will have a little lag when it waits for the turbo to spool.
Sure the turbo buick is cool. But, I say go for the 383. Both engines will kick butt. However, when you save up more cash in a couple of years and turbo the 383, it will destroy the tiny buick engine.There's no replacement for displacement.
Plus, the 383 is going to have way more torque down low. The buick engine will have a little lag when it waits for the turbo to spool.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Ringgold
Car: 88 GTA
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: Stock 3.23's
Originally Posted by wgripp
wait wait wait, are you guys kidding??? Sure the turbo buick is cool. But, I say go for the 383. Both engines will kick butt. However, when you save up more cash in a couple of years and turbo the 383, it will destroy the tiny buick engine.
There's no replacement for displacement.
Plus, the 383 is going to have way more torque down low. The buick engine will have a little lag when it waits for the turbo to spool.
Sure the turbo buick is cool. But, I say go for the 383. Both engines will kick butt. However, when you save up more cash in a couple of years and turbo the 383, it will destroy the tiny buick engine.There's no replacement for displacement.
Plus, the 383 is going to have way more torque down low. The buick engine will have a little lag when it waits for the turbo to spool.
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 43
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
Originally Posted by snowbird88gta
I really don't think it takes that long for that turbo to spool
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Ringgold
Car: 88 GTA
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: Stock 3.23's
Originally Posted by five7kid
Is that why they always spool them up before they stage?
What I meant is that it doesn't take much RPM to start the spooling action, and after that....O goodness 
He is off to the races!!! That and you can always do some things to make them come alive mu hahahahahah!!! Thread Starter
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 62
From: Plano IL
Car: 92 Firebird,74 Nova
Engine: Stock tbi,Vortec 350
Transmission: T56, th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73 LSD, 2.73 open
Originally Posted by BAD91CamaroRS
Which car are you doing this to Dave? My vote is for the turbo buick swap also... I've always wanted one
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 670
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
Car: 1984 Camaro Berlinetta
Engine: 355
Transmission: Th-350
Axle/Gears: 3.23
Originally Posted by wgripp
wait wait wait, are you guys kidding??? Sure the turbo buick is cool. But, I say go for the 383. Both engines will kick butt. However, when you save up more cash in a couple of years and turbo the 383, it will destroy the tiny buick engine.
There's no replacement for displacement.
Plus, the 383 is going to have way more torque down low. The buick engine will have a little lag when it waits for the turbo to spool.
Sure the turbo buick is cool. But, I say go for the 383. Both engines will kick butt. However, when you save up more cash in a couple of years and turbo the 383, it will destroy the tiny buick engine.There's no replacement for displacement.
Plus, the 383 is going to have way more torque down low. The buick engine will have a little lag when it waits for the turbo to spool.
Supreme Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,733
Likes: 2
From: Or-eh-gun
Car: 2012 Nissan Leaf
Engine: 80-kW AC synchronous electric motor
Transmission: Automatic
Axle/Gears: n/a
i priced out this swap once. my engine was going to cost 2,500 with EVERYHTING it needed to run and i came out with almost 8 grand needed to put it in. however i was also going to do a few things to it before i installed it. terry houston downpipe, polly mounts, new springs 9was going to do to a 2.8v6 car), tube k-member. etc...
if you get the 3.8 in there it will be awsome. people will open the hood, see a six with a turbo and think they can take you with there 14 second 383, then when you run a 12.3 they will cry
if you get the 3.8 in there it will be awsome. people will open the hood, see a six with a turbo and think they can take you with there 14 second 383, then when you run a 12.3 they will cry
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: Evansville, Wisconsin
Car: 91' Pontiac Firebird
Engine: LT1
Transmission: 4L60E
I'd walk right past another 383 F-body at a show. I'd stop and look at a 3.8 Turbo car. And I'd be willing to bet that with the weight savings of the little motor, the turbo 3.8 would be quicker than the NA 383. the $15-$20,000 to properly build a reliable turboed 383 and coresponding chassis/drivetrain upgrades is well out of most peoples budget.
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