questions on the 3.8L Turbo T/A motor?
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Car: Camaro RS
Engine: TBI 5.0L
Transmission: 5-speed
questions on the 3.8L Turbo T/A motor?
my next project i'm looking into is finding a 3.8L Turbo T/A motor to replace the worthless L03 in my Camaro, but first a gots a couple questions. mainly is the engine or aftermarket for this engine good enough to show ~350RWHP in a chassis dyno, even if it does require a complete rebuild? and would it be streetable? also, what is the weight difference between the 3.8L and the L03? or at least the weight of the 3.8L.
any information or opinions will be helpful. thanx,
chris
any information or opinions will be helpful. thanx,
chris
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,538
Likes: 206
From: NYC / Jersey
Car: 1990 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Turbo 305 w/MS2
Transmission: 700R4
Chris, I've contemplated this swap, as well as the 4.3 turbo from the Typhoon. 350-RWHP will be a freaking breeze, with enough boost, that is. The weight savings is pretty substantial, it's just the wiring that can get a little confusing though...
Don't bother with an engine that came directly from a 89 TTA, as the cost will not justify the swap. Their getting extremely rare, and unless you find some putz who parts one out, and doesn't know what he has in his possession, expect to pay thousands, and I mean THOUSANDS for the entire system.
Focus on an 86-87 T-Type and/or Grand National donor. These cars as well are getting harder to come by, but your more likely to come across a used 3.8 Turbo engine from those cars, as opposed to the TTA. Their relaively the same engine, save for the heads (which can always be worked)...
Go for it!
Don't bother with an engine that came directly from a 89 TTA, as the cost will not justify the swap. Their getting extremely rare, and unless you find some putz who parts one out, and doesn't know what he has in his possession, expect to pay thousands, and I mean THOUSANDS for the entire system.
Focus on an 86-87 T-Type and/or Grand National donor. These cars as well are getting harder to come by, but your more likely to come across a used 3.8 Turbo engine from those cars, as opposed to the TTA. Their relaively the same engine, save for the heads (which can always be worked)...
Go for it!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 10,538
Likes: 206
From: NYC / Jersey
Car: 1990 Trans Am GTA
Engine: Turbo 305 w/MS2
Transmission: 700R4
I believe GM borrowed the heads from the transverse FWD version of the Buick 3.8. Something to do with clearing the strut towers of the F-Body. Those heads are readily available in any junkyard, but will have to be worked of course to achieve desired DCR/SCR for whatever amount of boost your shooting for...
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From: BAY AREA
Car: 88 IROC Z
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 BOLT POSI
TurboBuick.Com - The World Wide Web under BOOST! - Buick Grand National, GNX, T-Type will help you with any turbo buick ?s and you can find parts at Welcome to Poston Buick !
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 326
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Car: Camaro RS
Engine: TBI 5.0L
Transmission: 5-speed
thanx for the help guys. gettin a buick engine and swapping the heads looks like it's gonna be alot cheaper. the heads gotta come off and get worked anyway.
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