I'm new, just a few questions...

[jgonzales]

I recently got a pretty good deal on a 1985 T-Type. I, of course, had heard of the famous "turbo buicks", but I never really knew a lot about them. I've been reading as much as possible for about a month or two now. I still have a few unanswered questions that maybe you guys can help me with:

I can't find any info about the stock turbo, any info (or a model or type; Garrett xxx) would help.

No luck on any info about heads either. Valve sizes, etc.

I was also wondering how much an intercooler setup would cost, and if it's worth it.

The engine is currently out of the car. I was changing a head gasket and decided to go ahead and pull the motor, maybe rebuild it? Don't know how much I want to spend on it yet...
Any other information you think I should know would be greatly appreciated... Thanks!

 

[85GNMIKE]

GO TO THE TURBO REGAL WEB SITE.IT WELL HELP YOU GOOD INFO. 85GNMIKE

 

[redhotrod]

If you rebuild it, keep your bearing clearances as tight as possible, these cars have lousy oil pressure at idle!
gnttype is a great place to find info on your car

 

[jgonzales]

Originally posted by 85GNMIKE
GO TO THE TURBO REGAL WEB SITE.IT WELL HELP YOU GOOD INFO. 85GNMIKE

If you're talking about gnttype.org, I've read pretty much everything. I was suprised that I could find the number for the stock turbo, but I couldn't. Maybe I just overlooked it or something. Can someone tell me what it is?

Also, has anyone installed an intercooler on their car? If so, how much did it improve performance?

Thanks...

 

[mycarsucks]

Do a search here on the intercooler topic. There are always really good posts about it. I'ts kindof taboo with some and others say its almost a must. I personally did it, and don't completely understand why you wouldn't want to unless you were trying to prove some sort of point.

 

[Matto]

I have an intercooler setup, but have not put it in yet. When I do I will tell you if its worth it. Oh, the stock turbo flows 390 cfm, not very good. Any other questions email me

twostout4u@hotmail.com

 

[cool 84]

Don't know the stock turbo part # but it will take you to 106mph traps max.

Head part # ends in 8445 and are available in the junkyards off of any Buick 3.8L with that #. There really is no such thing as a "turbo" head. Valve sizes, I believe are 1.75 and 1.5. A popular upgrade is to 1.77 intakes. It's not much of a change but the gain is from the shape of the backside of the valve.

I'm one of the people who consider an intercooler a must if you want to go fast without racegas. With an intercooler, every mod you make to the motor after seems to have a greater effect. You don't need to go as big on the cam or turbo and I think the car is overall more streetable when you start going fast. There are people, however that have gone 10s and 11s with no intercooler. The only kit I know of is the Spearco. I ran it for years, cost me $820 5 yrs ago. I don't know what it goes for now.

 

[jgonzales]

thanks everyone, that answered most of my questions, i really appreciate the info...