Buick Grand National - Page 5

Tomsriv · 11-18-2003, 01:10 AM

yeah, its all understood, conversation with a series of well thought out arguments, not personal attacks.

My only reply is that its cheap to build a turbo buick if you are one of the lucky ones who owns one. Is their any kit to install a turbo 3.8 into another car, or non-turbo Regal? I figure if you want one you need to get an original one because of all the sensors. Is the 3.8 in the turbos models unique?

What is the stock compression for a turbo Buick? I didn't know that you could turn down the boost. I tried running 87 in my turbo volvo, figuring the knock sensor would adjust the timing for me. I was wrong, it has 8.8:1 compression and I soon blew out the knock sensor. I took me a while to figure out why I had no power below 4500rpm! Luckily the part only cost $32. My volvo runs 11 psi stock. I have a T in the pressure line that tricks the computer into letting me have about 15 psi. Its fun, but more DISPLACEMENT would be more fun.

Hypsi87 · 11-18-2003, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomsriv

yeah, its all understood, conversation with a series of well thought out arguments, not personal attacks.

My only reply is that its cheap to build a turbo buick if you are one of the lucky ones who owns one. Is their any kit to install a turbo 3.8 into another car, or non-turbo Regal? I figure if you want one you need to get an original one because of all the sensors. Is the 3.8 in the turbos models unique?

What is the stock compression for a turbo Buick? I didn't know that you could turn down the boost. I tried running 87 in my turbo volvo, figuring the knock sensor would adjust the timing for me. I was wrong, it has 8.8:1 compression and I soon blew out the knock sensor. I took me a while to figure out why I had no power below 4500rpm! Luckily the part only cost $32. My volvo runs 11 psi stock. I have a T in the pressure line that tricks the computer into letting me have about 15 psi. Its fun, but more DISPLACEMENT would be more fun.

If you can find a turbo block it will fit anywhere there is room. I know people who have one in a feiro,second gen RX7 and even a 2003 caddy cts(check out my new thread for video of the CTS.) The only two differences between the NA 3.8 and the turbo 3.8 that I know of is the turbo block has different pistions and a little more nickel content in the block. and the turbo is an SFI car with distribuitorless ingnition compared to the carbed. 3.8. The compresion is 8.0 to 1. As for turning down the boost I can do that because I have an external waste gate. my boost is controllable from inside the car. But that is a standard bolt on when you modify one

gn1220 · 11-18-2003, 10:12 PM

All turbo and non-turbo blocks are the same 109 casting. The only thing a turbo block has that a non-turbo doesn't is a drain back line from the turbo. Just have your machine shop drill and tap it for you.

Tomsriv · 11-19-2003, 08:53 PM

What about all the electronics? Turbo motors tend to run hotter and if I buy a TR chances are I will need to replace the engine wiring harness a few years down the road.
I already replaced the harness on my Volvo. It cost me $1000 to have a mechanic do it. I don't think I could have done it myself. Does GM still sell a harness for the TR's?

Hypsi87 · 11-19-2003, 10:30 PM

my GN runs at 160 no matter what hot cold A/C on or off. I have never herd of having to replace the wireing harness because of heat. But a company called caspers electronics does make the harness

Tomsriv · 11-20-2003, 12:24 AM

yeah, the turbo puts off a lot of heat. I guess i should have clarified. The engine compartment is a lot hotter in turbo cars. My experience with GM electrical systems is that some are great and some are horrible. It sounds like the regal is pretty good if you haven't had any trouble yet.

Hypsi87 · 11-20-2003, 04:34 PM

oh ok I get it now. sorry

tman · 11-21-2003, 07:10 AM

Whats the thermostaat usually set for on turbo cars? Does it allow them to run hotter, or right around 195?

gn1220 · 11-21-2003, 05:04 PM

Stock GN's run 190-220 range. Only need to replace the harness if you cut it or break the injector clips.

boosted6 · 11-26-2003, 01:15 AM

about the camaro's: another thing to worry about, is the stuff that you'll start to break once you start modding the car. I'm kinda tired right now so my memory is gone but i think someone mentioned that the GN drivetrain is extremely tuff.

BTW, I'm new here so i'm gonna go post a newbie thread.

gn1220 · 11-27-2003, 01:35 PM

The GN drivetrain will put you into the 9's-10's with the properly built tranny. Might be a good idea to install aftermarket posi and axles when you start going that fast, though.

Hypsi87 · 12-03-2003, 10:53 PM

Posi don't need posi. 1.7 60' without posi.......just kiddin I want posi bad!!!!!! anyone know where a nice posi unit is????? I think at like 11.30 sec or something you need c-clip elimanators. I'm not shure though I need to dig up the good ole rulebook.

longlivetheZ · 12-04-2003, 01:08 AM

I dunno......maybe a stupid question....what's a c-clip eliminator? I no newbie to cars or the mechanics of them, but I've never heard of that.

tman · 12-04-2003, 08:58 AM

I'm in the same boat as you, but I think it has to do with the way the springs are attatched to the differential.

Hypsi87 · 12-04-2003, 05:17 PM

c-clips are what hold the axles together in the housing. they break alot. they are why GM axles suck

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