Newbie: Converting a V6 Monte Carlo to a Wanna-be GN

Wanna-B-uick · 03-24-2004, 08:48 PM

Hey all,
I have a aquired an early 80's Chevy Monte Carlo 3.8L with 70k original miles on it for a whopping $0.00.

I am wondering how hard it would be to convert its original V6 into an unofficial GN motor with used GN parts. I am hoping I can pick up all the necessary used GN parts and just bolt them up to my current rather virgin motor.
What exactly are the differences (aside from EFI and turbo) between a Monte 3.8 and a GN 3.8?
Are the internals basically the same? Heads?
How difficult would it be do you think?
What GN components would I need?
Finally, I am on a limited budget, where is the best place to find the parts needed?

Thanks!

Benny · 03-24-2004, 10:07 PM

It might be much cheaper to get a big block v8 in there. The buick engines were specifically built by buick so there's going to be a world of work to try to transform that engine into a turbocharged one.

There might be a few posts on this exact subject if you do a search. I'm sure someone will chime in on this.

This site is good for info on the buick blocks.

http://home.flash.net/~rjgeorge/

gnx7 · 03-24-2004, 11:01 PM

There is a guy named Vernon (Turbo1dr) with a converted GN powered '78-80 style Malibu which I assume is the same as the Monte Carlo. They are both G-bodies right?

His car is listed in the sticky at the top of this page I believe.

I would get a complete '86-87 style intercooled GN engine with everything or it will nickel and dime you to death trying to piece one together. A built Turbo V6 Buick can run with a 455 Buick/454 Chevy and probably beat it with better handling and do it for cheaper with a word called fuel economy.

I have a complete and rebuilt zero mile GN motor with engine harness/ECM if you are interested. gnx7@hotmail.com

-GNX7

Benny · 03-25-2004, 02:01 PM

That is the best possible solution. It should be worth the price you pay in the end.

03-24-2004, 08:48 PM	#1 (permalink)
Wanna-B-uick Lurker Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: SC Posts: 2	Newbie: Converting a V6 Monte Carlo to a Wanna-be GN Hey all, I have a aquired an early 80's Chevy Monte Carlo 3.8L with 70k original miles on it for a whopping $0.00. I am wondering how hard it would be to convert its original V6 into an unofficial GN motor with used GN parts. I am hoping I can pick up all the necessary used GN parts and just bolt them up to my current rather virgin motor. What exactly are the differences (aside from EFI and turbo) between a Monte 3.8 and a GN 3.8? Are the internals basically the same? Heads? How difficult would it be do you think? What GN components would I need? Finally, I am on a limited budget, where is the best place to find the parts needed? Thanks!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

03-24-2004, 10:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
Benny Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Bronx, New York Posts: 221	It might be much cheaper to get a big block v8 in there. The buick engines were specifically built by buick so there's going to be a world of work to try to transform that engine into a turbocharged one. There might be a few posts on this exact subject if you do a search. I'm sure someone will chime in on this. This site is good for info on the buick blocks. http://home.flash.net/~rjgeorge/

03-24-2004, 11:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
gnx7 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 936	There is a guy named Vernon (Turbo1dr) with a converted GN powered '78-80 style Malibu which I assume is the same as the Monte Carlo. They are both G-bodies right? His car is listed in the sticky at the top of this page I believe. I would get a complete '86-87 style intercooled GN engine with everything or it will nickel and dime you to death trying to piece one together. A built Turbo V6 Buick can run with a 455 Buick/454 Chevy and probably beat it with better handling and do it for cheaper with a word called fuel economy. I have a complete and rebuilt zero mile GN motor with engine harness/ECM if you are interested. gnx7@hotmail.com -GNX7

03-25-2004, 02:01 PM	#4 (permalink)
Benny Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Bronx, New York Posts: 221	That is the best possible solution. It should be worth the price you pay in the end.