Register and join the largest automotive community online!
Please Register or Login to access: DriverSide DriverSide Home | Service & Repair | Car Prices | Parts & Accessories | Reviews & Advice | My Garage

Turbo Noobie needs help


Google  
Web AF

87 Sprint
03-16-2006, 02:50 AM
Just purchased an 87 Chevy Sprint Turbo.
Anyone know anything about these cars?
I read the whole owner's manual (yes, it's was still in the Glovebox) and looked thru a Haynes Repair Manual, but neither one had anything about the Green "TURBO" light that comes on in the Tach, randomly it seems.

I know this is a stupid noobie question, but I don't know what it means.
Is the Turbo "ON - OFF - OVER - UNDER charging" or what.

I've only driven it less than 100 miles in the city and tried to start off the same way at the same intersections to see how it reacted, but it was never the same.

Until I know what it means, I don't know if it's working correctly or if I have a sensor malfunction that is causing irratic operation. I can't discern any difference in performance, whether the light comes on or not.

Lest you guys think I'm just an idjot, I'm New to Turbos but I've been shade tree wrenchin' hot rods since the late '60's and just retired an 86 Toyota at 332,000 miles that hasn't seen Dealer service since '99 for a wiring problem I fixed myself, once they told me which wire.

comp
03-16-2006, 03:23 PM
have you found a shop book to buy for it ???

abaird
03-16-2006, 03:56 PM
Since turbos are ran off the exhaust they are always on when the car is running. Many have a waste gate to control boost. Does the light come on at high rpms? I would guess it is just something to tell you when the turbo is at max boost. Back in the 80s maybe GM thought it would be cool to let you know when you had power.

87 Sprint
03-17-2006, 03:03 PM
have you found a shop book to buy for it ???

I picked up a Haynes #24075 at AutoZone but it has nothing about the Turbo. Had to order some Plug wires from Advance Auto Parts so I ordered a Chiltons from them, too. Hope it covers the Turbo.

Do you have your own shop or work for someone else? I'll be making a trip to Liberty Pull-A-Part soon. Might swing by and see you. I lived in E'ville between 85-88, plus ran a vending route from 88 to 91, so I know my way around pretty well.

While I got your attention, you wouldn't happen to know if it's possible to switch to 13" wheels and go with a lower profile tire on this car. I'm having trouble finding 12" tires for it. Nothing fancy, I'm thinking just some "stock" Chevy(Caprice, Geo etc;) 4 lugs should fit.

87 Sprint
03-17-2006, 03:19 PM
Since turbos are ran off the exhaust they are always on when the car is running. Many have a waste gate to control boost. Does the light come on at high rpms? I would guess it is just something to tell you when the turbo is at max boost. Back in the 80s maybe GM thought it would be cool to let you know when you had power.

Thanx! I hate "Idiot lights" anyway, it's even worse when you don't know what they mean.:screwy:

Add your comment to this topic!


Google  
Web AF