Building HotRod with TTA motivation...NEED HELP!!

[Trinity23T]

Ok guyz,
I started my 1923 T-Bucket almost three years ago and have been through unspeakable drama since then trying to finish the car. As it sits now, I finally got my garage back, and I'm ready to begin assembly. I had originally chosen a Chevy BB 427 for go-power, but have since sold it after riding in a BigBlockT... too much power! The car will only weigh 1600 lbs with me in it, and 750HP is just too much juice. So, I picked up a V6 from a swap meet for $50 with tranny. It needs a serious rebuild, but is definitely worth the money I spent. I believe it to be a GM 3800 (the block is stamped 3.8/4.1), but didn't ask when I bought it. I originally bought the tranny, and the guy said I had to take the engine too. Well, since then I have bought a turbo unit that is supposed to be for a GN. However, when I sent the number and a couple of pics to a local turbo guy, he sez it's from an 83 TTA. I have no idea...I'm new to V6's, let alone Turbo's. Anyway, I need someone to give me some pointers, mebbe some general advice on how to do this. I will need minimal accessories (alternator) and have unlimited engine bay space (no fenders/hood). I think the unit needs to be rebuilt, at least the turbo guy said so. A second opinion would be appreciated (let me know and I will email pics to all interested parties). The turbo will not spin freely. It feels kinda gooked up on the inside. Would it be more cost effective to buy another unit or rebuild the one I have? Does anyone have output specs on the '83 TTA's? How much go-power can I expect if I just rebuild everything and bolt it all together? Can I even bolt everything together? I don't know if the enginewas a turbo originally. It has dished pistons, but I don't know if they all did or not... Also, there was some sort of sensor (I guess?) that fits under the carb (4 barrel) and acted as a gasket. Do I need it? If I can get away with it, I don't want to run a computer. Am I living a pipe dream, or is it possible? Should I stick to V8's? *grin* I don't have any real specific questions yet, only general observances... Thx for any help you can give me!

Jason

 

[tajohn]

he must have ment an 81 turbo trans am it was a 301 V8 with 200 horsepower they used a turbo in 80 and 81 both dogs.

 

[Trinity23T]

Turbo is originally from a V6 Firebird...

... the unit that I have was mounted to a V6 intake...

 

[Trinity23T]

Pictures inside!

 

[Trinity23T]

<imgsrc=http://home.members.net/jasonbierschwale/turbo3.bmp>

 

[TTA89]

Sorry dude thats not what your looking for. Thats not a Buick Turbo.


The 3800 series motor wont do you any good either.

You need to find a complete 86-87 GN/T motor and get everthing if thats what you want.

You cant piece one together from later parts...

Good Luck

 

[Trinity23T]

I realize that it's not a buick turbo... it's a firebird turbo. Will the firebird turbo units fit on the GM 3.8?

 

[SHRPTTA]

If you want my opinion (not worth much)

but find a 3800 supercharged motor from bonneville or something alon gtose lines and use it, They are more plentiful than the turbo motors and you will have close to 300 hp.

 

[TTA89]

Originally posted by Trinity23T
I realize that it's not a buick turbo... it's a firebird turbo. Will the firebird turbo units fit on the GM 3.8?

Not even close.


Those motors have as much in common as a 454 Chevy and Honda Vtech motor.

 

[SHRPTTA]

Originally posted by Trinity23T
I realize that it's not a buick turbo... it's a firebird turbo. Will the firebird turbo units fit on the GM 3.8?

Actually it proabbly a Grand Prix turbo. They made just afew of em. Im not aware of any Firebird turbo other than the TTA's of 89 and 79&80.

Good Luck, the project sounds VERY original usuing abuick V6

 

[GNVAIR]

That pic you posted looks like a 80-81 Turbo Trans Am turbo. Pontiac didnt have the turbo engine until 80 and it was only available in the Trans Am.
My recommendation is to unload that turbo on someone restoring a Trans Am since they are worthless from a performance stand point.
If you want Buick V6 turbo power, then you have to decide on how much you want to spend and what style you want since the newer the set up, the more expensive and the more power you will make.
Buick V6 turbo engines were in the following order
78-83 hot air carburated with a Quadrajet
84-85 hot air sequentially fuel injected
86-87 (and 89 TTA) intercooled sequentially fuel injected.
The easiest way to get started is to buy a complete 86-87 engine with the wiring harness off someone. That way you can be sure everything is there. Trust me, I have pieced one together from parts and these engines WILL nickle and dime you if you arent familiar with them. The best trans to use would be the BRF spec 86-87 TH2004r that came in the Buick turbo cars. There are other ways to economically piece together a Buick turbo V6. Just tell us what you want to do first and how much you are willing to spend.