I am going tomorrow to pay for a 3.8 Turbo motor out of an '85 Grand National. It's a package deal from a buddys junk yard complete with trans, wiring harness, and motor top to bottom. I have a few questions.

Is there anything else I should make sure to pick up from the donor car?

Just so that I'm clear, I don't need the computer, correct?

I understand this motor is less desirable than the '86, 87 ones, besides being intercooled and more power, is there any other reasons?

 

You WILL definately need the computer. I searched and came across a few links with some good info, but I'm sure you could find even more.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...ighlight=buick

https://www.thirdgen.org/newdesign/faq/thirdgen.shtml this one has some good info about a quarter of the way down on the page.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...ighlight=buick

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...ighlight=buick

 

Thanks for the info. I did see some of those threads when searching and mainly want to know what I can expect from a 'hot air' swap into a '91/'92 'bird? Just talking stock for now. I was offered the drivetrain minus rear for $400 and want to know if I should jump on this or not?

Is anyone here running one of the hot air motors in a 3rd gen or is everybody pretty much doing the intercooled turbo?

 

The turbo short block is worth 4 bills on it's own, they made 200hp stock and even with an exhaust (DP, good cat back) I wouldn't be surprised if you got another 25 out of it. The Tranny should be the "BRF" 200R4, which is the best stock 200R4. You can swap the box from an intercooled GN for better performance, you do however need a different chip and the intercooled MAF is preferred. You absolutely need the ECM from it unless you're going to go aftermarket. These aren't mainstream engines but they can and will make decent power compared to say a 305 or a mild 350 with good milage. There's a bunch of info on the Buick stuff at Turbo Regal Web Site in their tech section, including a few hot air combos. Keep in mind that if you look at the "recipie" section most of the combos being run are in cars that if they're 3600# are "light"

 

Thanks for the good info!