3.8 Turbo to 3rd Gen FBody engine swap

[TripleChris]

Hey Buick folks - I saw a 3rd gen Camaro on TV with a Grand National motor dropped in there. I was wondering of anyone has or knows people that have swapped a Buick turbo V6 into a 305 or 350 powered F body? I know the 89 Turbo TA is out there but I dont want to spend 15-20 grand on a collector car, that said I really like GN's too but I kind of want something different. How complex of a procedure would the swap be? Could a reasonably competent father and son team do it? (we restored a 1968 Camaro RS/SS a few years back so we know how these things can turn into labors of love). Time isn't a factor, I just want a V6 Buick turbo powered Z28! (it even sounds cool)
I am already looking at possible donor cars in anticipation, an automatic tranny 350 powered 92 looking like a good start. I know It can be done, but any help getting started would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[tman]

It shouldnt be too difficult, if there was room for a v8 in there, I'm sure you'll have no troubles squeezing a v6 with a turbo in it.

[Hypsi87]

The v-6 theye put in the TTA was a little different. they used FWD 3.8 heads because the RWD heads could not clear the exahust manifolds to the shock towers. Make shure that you use an automatic. When GM did the TTA they looked at the possibialty of a five speed mated whith the turbo car and it was a full second slower in the qtr mile. Also the GM 10 bolt axle that they used in the TTA was the 10 bolt the the 8.5" ring gear. Most other f-bodies used the 7.5" The turbo v-6 motor will eat that 7.5" rearend for lunch. It can be done. I think that some other changes where made to, ill have to look it up. My uncle has a TTA so if you need pics or anything like that let me know.

Andy

[TripleChris]

Thanks! This project probably wont get rolling for a while, I am trying to learn as much as I can about the Buick motor before I start plunking down big wads of cash to get started. I want to do this the right way and not end up with a garage full of tools, manuals, parts, and empty beer cans (again).

[Hypsi87]

Originally Posted by TripleChris

Thanks! This project probably wont get rolling for a while, I am trying to learn as much as I can about the Buick motor before I start plunking down big wads of cash to get started. I want to do this the right way and not end up with a garage full of tools, manuals, parts, and empty beer cans (again).

HAHA....I know how that goes. I bought my GN with the topend tore apart and tranny out, with no brakelines or fuel lines. It was the first GM I put together and the first turbo car i messed with. I should of researched a little more about how my car went together. It was way worth it though.

The exahust mainafolds are different the the GN's.

[kratefan]

Originally Posted by Hypsi87

The exahust mainafolds are different the the GN's.

I think there may be some manifolds available from ATR.

[Hypsi87]

I'm not shure ill have to call up there and find out. They probabally do though. Be prepared to pay though

[kratefan]

Originally Posted by Hypsi87

I'm not shure ill have to call up there and find out. They probabally do though. Be prepared to pay though

I just looked on ATR's website, and they don't even list the GN/T-type headers. I think I paid about $900 for mine (Turbo Regal).

[gn1220]

Go to TurboBuick.com. You should get all of your answers there.

[boosted6]

Originally Posted by gn1220

Go to TurboBuick.com. You should get all of your answers there.

-turbobuick.com might help but i would recommend going to turbobuickS.com because there's a whole section called the "Buick V6 Turbo Hybrid Cars" section. They have guys who done anything from a datsun 510, to RX'7s and even a brand new caddy cts.