I have seen in several different instances where people recommend using turbos off of 87-88 MANUAL t-birds. I know the manuals were rated at more HP than the autos. Are the turbos different? If so what is the difference? I know they are IHI turbos. Everybody on the t-bird pages with 87s and 88s removes the IHI and puts on an earlier model garrett from a t-bird. They talk like the 87-88 turbos (IHI's) are junk b/c they are way to small and can't flow enough. Are they suitable for a home-made cheapo setup? Are the older garretts better?

Second, what does everybody here plan to do to to increase fuel delivery under boost? Is a Vortech FMU sufficient? I am more interested in speed density but am curious about mass air as well.

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'92 Z28
5.7 TPI
T-56 six speed
3.73's(soon to be 4.10's)
SLP 1-3/4" Headers
SLP Cat-Back
Hypertech Prom
Track times posted soon!

 

Yeah, they are different. the manuals are a Garret T3 .63 A/R IIRC, the auto turbos are a smaller .47 A/R Garrett. The Garret T-3 is a good turbo, and very popular.

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"American made baby. 100% American iron. The muscle among the masses. My hero. Yep, you can take your ergonomically designed, space age, computer controlled, 4 door, cup holding map lighted split double wishbone split fold down retractable cargo covered moon roof piece of transportation and keep it. For I have felt the thunder. And I know the difference!"
JSP Motorsports
ICON Motorsports

 

Are those numbers for the 87-88 model t-birds? It makes sense but I thought they used IHI turbos instead of Garrett in those two years. The reason I am asking is because there is an add on ebay for two IHI turbos off of 87 t-birds. The guy says they were manual cars. Currently the price is $150. I was wondering if it was worth the money.

Also, where is a good place to look for cams ground for turbocharged cars?

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'92 Z28
5.7 TPI
T-56 six speed
Pro 5.0 shifter
3.73's
SLP 1-3/4" Headers
SLP Cat-Back
52mm TB
Extrude Honed Intake/Ported plenum
Hypertech Prom

 

I don't know much about year specific stuff with fords But, for 150, it's prolly a good deal no matter what brand they are.

As for cams, most cam companies have a line specifically for forced induction engines. If you don't know about what you want already, call one of them and ask.